Ultimate Overnight Oats Recipe (Easy Base Recipe + Flavor Options!) (2024)

Overnight oats are the easy breakfast meal prep that dreams are made of. Our base formula makes it easy to customize the oats any way you want (and we’ve included a bunch of community-favorite flavor ideas to get you started). With just 5 minutes of prep work, these overnight oat recipes are simple to make and so delicious!

We’re big fans of oatmeal around here. Maybe its because they’re so customizable (savory oatmeal anyone?). Or maybe it’s because they’re packed with fiber, keeping us full all morning (the nutritionist in me loves that!). Or maybe it’s because they take so little time to prepare (just 5 minutes!)

Whatever the reason, I just know you’re going to love this guide to overnight oats. They’ve been a reader-favorite for years!

Table of Contents

• What Are Overnight Oats?
• Base Ingredients For Overnight Oats
• How To Make Overnight Oats
• How Far In Advance Can You Prep Overnight Oats?
• Community-Favorite Overnight Oat Flavors
• More Oat Recipes

What Are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are a not-morning-person’s best friend. Mix together some oats, chia seeds, fruits, and milk at night. Stick it in the fridge. When you wake up…breakfast is ready!

I’m all about efficiency. Oat-y, tasty efficiency. So, I crafted a formula for making overnight oats so you can make virtually any flavor, all made with the same 5 ingredient base! Just prep the base and then add your flavorings!

Base Ingredients For Overnight Oats

First, let’s talk about the foundation of the oats. No matter which flavor you end up making, there are 5 main ingredients in overnight oats.

• Oats: First, you need ½ cup of old fashioned rolled oats (difference between rolled oats, steel cut, and instant)
• Milk: Follow the oats with ½ cup of milk. You can use whatever you like, whether it be soy, almond, cow, sweetened, unsweetened… whatever is to your liking (or whatever is in your fridge)!
• Chia Seeds: Next, add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. Doing so adds a bit of thickness to the recipe, along with a whole lot of vitamins and minerals.
• Sweetener: Add some sweetness with 1 tablespoon of your preferred sweetener. I recommend honey, maple, or brown sugar.
• Salt: Finally, finish things off with a pinch of salt! This may seem like an odd ingredient, but the salt actually enhance all the flavors in the oatmeal.

Best Overnight Oats Jars

After trying out a bunch of different jars for overnight oats, these are my favorites!

get them here

How To Make Overnight Oats

Once you’ve chosen your flavor combo, you’re ready for assembly. It’s as simple as layering everything and then letting it sit!

1. Assemble: In a mason jar or bowl, combine the base ingredients with your flavor add-ins. Stir to combine.
2. Rest: Seal shut and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight), until the oats are soft.
3. Serve: When ready to eat, give it a good stir and then dig in. You do not need to cook overnight oats! If the oats appear dry, add a splash of milk.

Community-Favorite Overnight Oat Flavors

The options are virtually endless when it comes to flavoring your overnight oats, but here are a few of our favorites!

Banana Bread Overnight Oats

First up, we have banana bread overnight oats! This one’s a classic, and it’s perfect if you’re a banana bread lover. 👉 Banana Bread Overnight Oats

Cookie Dough Overnight Oats

Next we have cookie dough oats, which basically gives you the excuse to enjoy dessert for breakfast! 👉 Cookie Dough Overnight Oats

Peaches & Cream Overnight Oats

Peaches and cream overnight oats taste like a creamsicle or your grandma’s classic peach cobbler. It’s quite the treat! 👉 Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats

Nut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats

Craving an old school pb&j? Enjoy an breakfast version by combining it with overnight oats! 👉

Pina Colada Overnight Oats

Give yourself the tropical vibes with piña colada overnight oats. This one is so fun and one of my favorites! 👉 Pina Colada Overnight Oats

Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats

Last but not least, strawberries and cream! Load up on the strawberries and yogurt, it’s like strawberry shortcake for breakfast! 👉 Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats

More Oat Recipes

The oat-filled breakfasts don’t stop there! If you’re looking for some more ways to incorporate the flavor and benefits of oatmeal into your morning meals, try some of these oat recipes.

• Savory Oatmeal with Avocado and Poached Egg
• Cherry Oat Smoothie
• Egg White Oatmeal
• Coffee and Oat Smoothie

Or make a to-go version of the overnight oats concept with these homemade instant oatmeal packets!