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Simple Overnight Oats Recipe (Healthy & Easy to Make)

If you need a healthy breakfast that takes just minutes to prep, these creamy overnight oats should become your new go-to base recipe.

overnight oats

This easy breakfast idea is made with simple ingredients like quick oats, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, and milk of choice, they’re perfect for busy mornings when you want something filling, nourishing, and ready to grab straight from the fridge.

Annnd… You can completely customise them with your favourite toppings, flavour options, and different flavour variations depending on what you like or have in your pantry.

Why not try our simple granola recipe too!

Why You’ll Love These Perfect Overnight Oats

  • Quick breakfast idea for hectic mornings
  • Great for meal prep and keeps well for 4-5 days
  • Packed with whole grains and soluble fiber
  • Easy protein boost with protein powder or Greek yogurt
  • Creamy texture without needing to cook anything
  • Easy to make in individual mason jars
  • Endless favourite flavour combinations

Ingredients

For the basic recipe, you’ll need:

  • 1/3 jar quick oats
  • Milk to cover the oats (any type of milk works)
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or regular yogurt
  • 1 scoop protein powder (optional but I usually leave this out for kids)
  • Vanilla extract (optional)
  • Maple syrup to sweeten (optional)

Then add your favourite toppings like:

  • Fresh strawberries
  • Fresh fruit
  • Granola
  • Chocolate chips
  • Almond butter
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Chia seeds
  • Nuts and seeds
chocolate overnight oats

How to Make Overnight Oats

  1. Add the quick oats to a mason jar or airtight container. I use these jars.
  2. Stir in the chia seeds and protein powder if using.
  3. Add the yogurt and enough almond milk, oat milk, dairy-free milk, or milk of choice to fully cover the oats.
  4. Mix well so everything combines evenly.
  5. Add maple syrup or vanilla extract if you’d like extra flavour.
  6. Top with fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or your favourite toppings.
  7. Place in the fridge overnight.

The next morning, your creamy overnight oats will be thick, soft, and ready to eat.

Tips for the Best Result

  • Quick oats give the softest creamy texture.
  • Rolled oats also work well if you prefer more bite.
  • Instant oats can become too soft if left too long.
  • Add extra milk the next day if the oats become too thick.
  • For a bigger protein boost, stir in protein powder or extra Greek yogurt.

My favourite Flavour combinations:

Peanut Butter & Chocolate

Add creamy peanut butter and chocolate chips for a delicious dessert-style breakfast. I would also use chocolate protein powder if you are adding protein.

Strawberry Cheesecake

Mix in fresh strawberries and vanilla Greek yogurt.

Apple Cinnamon

Add chopped apple, cinnamon, and maple syrup.

Banana Bread

Mash banana into the oats with chia seeds and almond butter.

Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats

Add chocolate protein powder and top with dark chocolate chips.

Storage

Store your overnight oats in individual mason jars or airtight containers in the fridge for 4-5 days.

They’re ideal for meal prep, big batch breakfasts, and easy breakfasts throughout the week.

Kathryn Coyle

Easy Overnight Oats

These creamy overnight oats are the perfect healthy breakfast for busy mornings. Made with simple pantry ingredients like oats, chia seeds, yogurt, and milk of choice, they’re easy to meal prep and endlessly customisable with your favourite toppings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 day
Servings: 1 Jar
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: On-the-go, Pantry Staple

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1/3 jar quick oats
  • 1 cup milk of choice or enough to cover the oats in milk
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp greek yoghurt
  • 1 scoop protein powder optional
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
  • 1 tsp maple syrup optional sweetener
Optional Extras
  • fresh fruit strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
  • chocolate chips/chunks
  • 1 tbsp nut butter peanut, cashew, almond
  • nuts and seeds

Equipment

  • 1 small jar

Method
 

  1. Add the quick oats to a mason jar or airtight container. I use these jars.
  2. Stir in the chia seeds and protein powder if using.
  3. Add the yogurt and enough almond milk, oat milk, dairy-free milk, or milk of choice to fully cover the oats.
  4. Mix well so everything combines evenly.
  5. Add maple syrup or vanilla extract if you’d like extra flavour.
  6. Top with fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or your favourite toppings.
  7. Place in the fridge overnight.

Notes

Store your overnight oats in individual mason jars or airtight containers in the fridge for 4-5 days.

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