If you’ve been searching for a fuss-free, nutritious way to kickstart your mornings, this Overnight Oats recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine waking up to a creamy, wholesome blend of oats, chia, and flaxseed, all coming together with just the right balance of flavor and texture. Just a handful of pantry staples and a delicious sense of anticipation are all you need — the fridge does the rest while you get your beauty sleep. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy day or just craving something comforting, this simple recipe turns a humble jar of oats into a breakfast celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about making this Overnight Oats recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each addition brings something special, making these oats not just convenient but also incredibly tasty and satisfying.

Milk (½ cup, any variety): This is the creamy base that softens your oats and blends all the flavors together. Feel free to use dairy, almond, soy, or oat milk—that’s the beauty!
Kosher Salt (pinch, optional): Just a little balances out the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
Ground Flaxseed (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle nutty taste and a wonderfully subtle thickness, plus fiber and healthy fats for extra staying power.
Chia Seeds (½ tablespoon): These tiny seeds turn into the loveliest pudding-like texture, adding fiber, crunch, and nutrition.
Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): For a fragrant, cozy flavor that makes breakfast feel extra special.
Maple Syrup or Honey (½ tablespoon, optional): Adds gentle sweetness without overwhelming the oats—completely customizable to your personal taste buds.
Rolled Old-Fashioned Oats (½ cup): The star of this Overnight Oats recipe, these absorb everything overnight and deliver that perfect creamy-yet-hearty bite every time.

How to Make Overnight Oats recipe

Step 1: Gather and Layer the Ingredients

Start by grabbing your favorite jar or container, preferably one with a tight-fitting lid. This is your blank canvas! Add the milk of your choice, followed by a pinch of salt if using, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, and vanilla extract. For those with a sweet tooth, drizzle in that maple syrup or honey. Finally, pour in the rolled oats. Layering the dry and wet ingredients right in the jar ensures even mixing and saves you dishes down the line.

Step 2: Mix It Up

Now comes the fun part! Secure the lid on your jar and give it a really good shake—you want everything to mingle and get cozy together. Alternatively, if shaking isn’t your style, a spoon does the trick just as well. Stir until you see those chia and flaxseeds starting to suspend in the milk and oats. Already, it should smell inviting thanks to that vanilla.

Step 3: Let the Fridge Do the Work

Pop the jar into your refrigerator and let the flavors develop for at least 8 hours—or up to 5 days if you’re prepping ahead. Overnight, the oats and seeds swell, soaking up the liquid and thickening into that signature creamy texture. This step is like magic in slow motion, turning humble pantry items into something breakfast-worthy.

Step 4: Stir and Serve

Come morning, give your jar of oats a quick stir to wake everything up—you’ll notice how thick and luscious it has become. This is the moment to add any toppings or mix-ins you crave: fresh fruit, toasted nuts, creamy yogurt, a swirl of peanut butter, or maybe a sprinkle of chocolate chips if you’re feeling cheeky. Spoon into your favorite bowl or enjoy straight from the jar!

How to Serve Overnight Oats recipe

Garnishes

The toppings are where you can let your imagination roam free! I love layering fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a scattering of toasted nuts over the top for vibrant color, fantastic crunch, and a pop of flavor. A swirl of yogurt gives it extra creaminess, while a touch of cinnamon or cacao nibs can take things in a whole new direction.

Side Dishes

While this Overnight Oats recipe is filling on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a side of scrambled eggs or an energizing smoothie for an even heartier breakfast. If you’re serving brunch, try a fruit salad or some warm pastries alongside to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Layer your prepared oats in clear glasses for a parfait effect or spoon them into small mason jars for a grab-and-go breakfast. For a special treat, set up a toppings bar so everyone can customize their oats—perfect for family breakfasts or overnight guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the joys of this Overnight Oats recipe is its make-ahead convenience. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors only get better as they mingle, and the texture remains creamy and satisfying.

Freezing

While these oats keep well in the fridge, they can also be frozen in individual portions! Just leave a little space at the top of the container for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving. It’s a great trick for making breakfast even easier during a busy week.

Reheating

Overnight oats are typically enjoyed cold, but if you’re in the mood for something warm, simply transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until just warmed through. Add a splash of milk if it seems a little thick after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats in this Overnight Oats recipe?

Steel-cut oats require more time to soften and create a chewier, less creamy texture, even after soaking. For this classic Overnight Oats recipe, rolled old-fashioned oats work best, but you can experiment with steel-cut if you prefer a heartier bite—just give them at least 24 hours or try briefly pre-cooking them first.

Is this Overnight Oats recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! As long as you ensure your oats are certified gluten-free (some may be cross-contaminated during processing), the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. It’s a wonderful option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I make this Overnight Oats recipe vegan?

Yes, it’s easy to make vegan overnight oats. Simply use plant-based milk such as almond, oat, soy, or coconut; swap the honey for maple syrup or your favorite agave syrup; and you’re all set. The result is every bit as creamy and delicious.

What are the best flavor combinations for Overnight Oats?

The possibilities are limitless! Popular favorites include strawberries with coconut flakes, apples with cinnamon, or blueberries and lemon zest. Chocolate chips, peanut butter, or even a dash of espresso powder can create a dessert-like breakfast that’s still wholesome.

How do I prevent my Overnight Oats recipe from being too thick or too runny?

Getting the right consistency is all about the ratio of oats to liquid. If you prefer a looser, more spoonable texture, add a splash more milk before eating. If it feels too watery, let it sit a bit longer or stir in a tablespoon of yogurt for instant creaminess.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Overnight Oats recipe a try—it’s healthy, endlessly customizable, and the easiest way to guarantee an amazing start to your day. With just a few minutes of prep, your fridge does the hard work so you don’t have to. Enjoy every nourishing spoonful, and don’t be surprised if this becomes a staple in your breakfast rotation!

Overnight Oats recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Overnight Oats recipe is a delicious and convenient breakfast option that you can prepare the night before. With a mix of oats, chia seeds, milk, and a touch of sweetness, it’s a nutritious way to start your day.

Ingredients

Scale

Milk Mixture:

1/2 cup milk (any variety)
Pinch of kosher salt (optional)
1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
1/2 tablespoon chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)

Oats:

1/2 cup rolled old-fashioned oats

Instructions

Combine: Place milk, salt, flaxseed, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and maple syrup in a jar. Add oats and mix well.
Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
Serve: Stir in desired toppings before serving.

Notes

You can customize your overnight oats with various toppings like fruits, nuts, yogurt, or nut butter.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less maple syrup or honey.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American