Overnight Oats Recipe

These Overnight Oats are the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. Just stir together rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup, then refrigerate overnight until thick, creamy, and ready to enjoy. No cooking required.

You can make one jar or prep several at once for the week, then add your favorite toppings for a grab-and-go breakfast. This has become one of our go-to make-ahead breakfasts because it’s quick, budget-friendly, and easy to customize.

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Overnight Oats Video

Watch the video tutorial below to see how easy it is to make overnight oats for meal prep.

Easy Overnight Oats Recipe

Overnight oats are a no-cook method for making oatmeal. Instead of cooking oats on the stovetop, you stir rolled oats with your milk of choice and other creamy add-ins, then refrigerate until the oats soften and absorb the liquid.

They are usually served cold straight from the refrigerator, but you can warm them in the microwave if you prefer a cozy bowl of oatmeal. Here’s why we love them:

• Quick to prep – It takes less than 5 minutes to make one jar, or you can line up several jars and prep breakfast for the week.
• No cooking required – just stir, cover, and refrigerate.
• Thick and satisfying – Greek yogurt and chia seeds give the oats a creamy texture that feels more filling.
• Easy to change up – Use your favorite milk, yogurt, sweetener, and toppings.
• Budget-friendly – the base ingredients are simple pantry staples.

Best Overnight Oats Ratio

For creamy overnight oats, I like this simple ratio for one serving:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds

The chia seeds absorb liquid as they sit, so this recipe uses a little more milk than a basic 1:1 oat-to-milk ratio. Greek yogurt makes the oats creamier and adds protein, while the chia seeds help thicken the mixture.

If your oats are too thick in the morning, stir in a splash of milk. If they seem too thin, add a teaspoon or two of chia seeds and let them sit for another 10-15 minutes.

Ingredients for Overnight Oats

• Rolled Oats – Also called old-fashioned oats. These soften nicely overnight without turning mushy.
• Milk – We use almond milk, but dairy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or your favorite milk will work.
• Greek Yogurt – Makes the oats extra creamy and adds protein. Non-fat or whole milk Greek yogurt both work.
• Maple Syrup – my favorite sweetener because it stirs in easily. You can sub with honey, agave, or your favorite sweetener. If using sweetened or flavored yogurt, reduce or skip the maple syrup.
• Chia Seeds – These help thicken the oats and give them a creamy, pudding-like texture.

How to Make Overnight Oats

1. Combine the ingredients – In a mason jar or airtight container, stir together the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and chia seeds.
2. Stir well – Make sure there are no dry pockets of oats or clumps of chia seeds at the bottom.
3. Refrigerate – Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until thick and creamy.
4. Add toppings – Stir the oats before serving, then add fruit, nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Overnight oats are perfect for meal prep. Store them in covered jars or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The oats will continue to soften as they sit, so we like the texture best within the first 2 to 3 days.

For the freshest texture, add crunchy toppings like nuts, granola, coconut, or chocolate chips just before serving. Softer toppings like blueberries, chopped strawberries, peaches, or jam can be added ahead.

I love make-ahead breakfasts from Chia Pudding to Breakfast Burritos, and of course, Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches. If you are a fan of breakfast meal prep, this Overnight Oats Recipe is a must-try!

Toppings for Overnight Oats

We love to use a variety of fruit toppings for overnight oats, depending on what is in season. Here are some of our favorite flavor combinations:

• Blueberry lemon: 1/4 cup blueberries + lemon zest
• Strawberry chocolate: 1/3 cup strawberries + mini chocolate chips 
• Raspberry peach: 1/3 cup peaches or nectarine + raspberries
• Banana nut: 1/2 banana + chopped pecans 

Have you tried overnight oats? I’d love to hear your favorite toppings and add-ins in the comments below.

More EASY Breakfast Ideas

• Breakfast Quesadillas
• Green Smoothie Bowl
• One-Pan Breakfast Sandwich
• Breakfast Egg Muffins
• Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes
• How to Make a Frittata
• Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
• Buttermilk Pancakes