Overnight oats are the ultimate breakfast hack—creamy, endlessly customizable, and ready to grab from the fridge on busy mornings! One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is to follow this simple formula: In a Mason jar or other lidded jar, place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt, and Greek yogurt, if using, then finish with a swirl of almond milk and all your favorite toppings. It’s wholesome fuel that feels like a treat, whether you’re craving the cozy flavors of apple pie or the nostalgic comfort of peanut butter and jelly. With just a few minutes of prep, you can wake up to breakfast bliss every single day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this overnight oats recipe plays a starring role. The basic components come together for a creamy, satisfying base, while your favorite mix-ins and toppings make each bowl uniquely yours.

Whole Rolled Oats: These are the foundation—old-fashioned oats provide the perfect creamy texture after soaking overnight.
Chia Seeds: These little seeds thicken the mixture and add a fun pudding-like texture you’ll love.
Maple Syrup: Just a touch adds natural sweetness and classic breakfast flavor—plus, extra for drizzling never hurts!
Sea Salt: Don’t skip this—just a pinch brightens and balances all the flavors.
Whole Milk Greek Yogurt (Optional): For even more creaminess and a protein boost, stir in the yogurt—or leave it out if you’re dairy-free.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: This keeps things light and dairy-free, but you can sub any milk you like.
Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds subtle fruity sweetness and makes every spoonful extra moist.
Cinnamon or Apple Pie Spice: This brings cozy, warm notes that make the oats taste like dessert for breakfast!
Diced Apple: An easy topping for crunch and crisp sweetness.
Chopped Pecans: For nutty flavor and a satisfying bite.
Cinnamon Apples (optional): Great for layering on extra apple-cinnamon goodness.
Peach Slices: They add sunny color and juicy freshness—perfect for summer mornings.
Granola: A finish of crunch on top is always a good idea.
Chia Jam: Just a spoonful brings homemade fruity flair, especially for PB&J style oats.
Peanut Butter: Swirl it in for richness and that classic nutty flavor.
Chopped Strawberries: Fresh, sweet, and perfect for brightening up your jar.
Raspberries: Their tartness pops against the creamy oats.
Chopped Peanuts: For a salted crunch, perfect with peanut butter and jam.
Banana (Mashed): Makes the oats extra creamy and brings natural sweetness, especially in the chocolate banana version.
Cocoa Powder: Just a spoonful makes a chocolate lover’s breakfast.
Cinnamon: Extra warmth for all the spice lovers.
Nutmeg: A pinch goes a long way for classic banana bread flavor.
Banana Slices: Beautiful and delicious, piled on top.
Chopped Walnuts: For that signature banana bread nuttiness.
Chocolate Chips: Because chocolate makes everything better.

How to Make In a Mason jar or other lidded jar, place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt, and Greek yogurt, if using

Step 1: Build Your Base

This is the magic step! In a Mason jar or other lidded jar, place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt, and Greek yogurt, if using. This combo sets the stage for perfectly creamy, dreamy oats, and a jar makes it easy to shake, store, and grab in the morning!

Step 2: Add the Milk and Stir

Now pour in your unsweetened almond milk and give everything a good stir to combine. Make sure you scrape the bottom so no chia seeds are left behind! The mixture will look loose, but after a night in the fridge, it transforms into thick, spoonable oats.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover your jar tightly and pop it into the fridge. The magic happens here: the oats and chia seeds absorb the moisture, becoming soft and thick. Ideally, let it chill overnight, but you can make them up to five days ahead for meal prep.

Step 4: Top and Serve

In the morning, open your jar and add your favorite toppings! Whether you reach for applesauce and cinnamon for an apple pie vibe, peach slices and granola for a summery feel, or spoonfuls of peanut butter and chia jam, each version starts with the same step: in a Mason jar or other lidded jar, place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt, and Greek yogurt, if using.

Step 5: Mix-In Variations

Want to take things up a notch? Stir additional ingredients like applesauce and spices into your base before chilling for apple pie oats, or mash a banana with cocoa powder and cinnamon for a chocolate banana bread twist. However you flavor them, the secret is in that foolproof step: in a Mason jar or other lidded jar, place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt, and Greek yogurt, if using!

How to Serve In a Mason jar or other lidded jar, place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt, and Greek yogurt, if using

Garnishes

Finish your overnight oats with a flourish! Try a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of chopped nuts, fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a few chocolate chips on top. Each topping not only makes your oats look irresistible but adds flavor and texture with every bite—remember, it all starts when you in a Mason jar or other lidded jar, place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt, and Greek yogurt, if using.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving overnight oats as part of a leisurely brunch, pair them with hard-boiled eggs, extra fruit salad, or a hot cup of coffee. The cool, creamy oats complement both sweet and savory sides, making every breakfast feel deluxe.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring on the fun by layering your oats and toppings parfait-style in a clear glass, serving in individual Mason jars for meal prep, or packing them in small containers for breakfast on the go. No matter how you present them, every batch is special when you remember: in a Mason jar or other lidded jar, place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt, and Greek yogurt, if using.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Overnight oats are the ultimate make-ahead meal! Just store them in their jar in the fridge, tightly sealed. They’ll keep fresh and delicious for up to five days, so you can prep a full week of breakfast in one go.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your overnight oats base, portion them into freezer-safe jars or containers after combining the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt, and Greek yogurt, if using, and almond milk. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add toppings just before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Prefer your oats warm? Simply transfer the oats to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on low in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. Give them a stir, check the consistency, and add a splash more milk if needed. Top and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I substitute steel-cut oats for rolled oats?

Steel-cut oats don’t soften the same way as rolled oats with this method—they’ll stay chewy and dense. For best results, stick with whole rolled oats to get that classic creamy overnight oats texture.

Can I make overnight oats without chia seeds?

Absolutely! While chia seeds give the mixture an extra-thick, pudding-like consistency, you can leave them out for a thinner, but still tasty, result.

Is it okay to use flavored yogurt instead of plain?

Go for it! Flavored yogurt will naturally sweeten your oats and add another layer of flavor. Just keep in mind that it may increase the sugar content of your breakfast.

How do I prevent my oats from getting too thick?

If your oats end up thicker than you like, simply stir in a little extra almond milk right before serving. The chia seeds soak up quite a bit, so a quick splash brings them back to your ideal consistency!

What’s the best jar size for overnight oats?

I recommend an 8-ounce Mason jar or any lidded jar with enough room to shake and stir your ingredients. This gives you plenty of space for your base plus all those irresistible toppings!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to simplify your mornings and delight your taste buds, these overnight oats truly deliver. Start every batch with the gold standard: in a Mason jar or other lidded jar, place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt, and Greek yogurt, if using. With endless topping possibilities and just a few minutes of prep, it might just become your favorite healthy breakfast ritual!

Overnight Oats 2

★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Overnight Oats 2 is a versatile and delicious breakfast option that can be customized with various toppings to suit your taste preferences. This recipe provides a base for preparing overnight oats and offers creative topping ideas for different flavor variations.

Instructions

Make the base recipe: In a Mason jar or other lidded jar, place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt, and Greek yogurt, if using.
Add the almond milk and stir until the mixture is well combined and there are no clumps of chia seeds at the bottom of the jar. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for up to 5 days.
In the morning, top with your desired toppings and serve with drizzles of maple syrup.
For apple pie overnight oats, stir the applesauce and cinnamon into the overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with diced apple, chopped pecans, and cinnamon apples and drizzles of maple syrup, if desired.
For peach crisp overnight oats, make the plain overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with peach slices, granola, and drizzles of maple syrup, if desired.
For PB&J overnight oats, make the plain overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with chia jam, peanut butter, chopped strawberries, raspberries, and chopped peanuts.
For chocolate banana bread overnight oats, stir the mashed banana, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with banana slices, chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, and drizzles of maple syrup, if desired.

Notes

Chia Jam can be made by combining chia seeds with your favorite fruit jam. Let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to thicken before using as a topping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Refrigeration
Cuisine: American