Overnight oats are a great healthy breakfast option that can be easily prepared the day before. It’s even good in just a few hours if you can’t wait. Today, I’ll show you how to make overnight oats, and share 4 of our favorite overnight oats recipes!

Overnight oats keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days. So, prepare your oats on Sunday night, and you’ll have breakfast covered for the work week.

It’s not too often that I prepare something for a post then make it again the very next day. These jars of goodness are a hit in my house. My gang has a clear favorite. Banana Chocolate Chip, what’s not to like? This time I made a few extra. Not only are they good for breakfast but it also makes a great afternoon snack.

This no cook, mix it up and your done, recipe couldn’t be easier. One bowl add your Old Fashioned Quaker Oats  (if gluten is an issue use gluten free oats), milk, Greek yogurt, Chia Seeds for added goodness and a creamy texture, honey, vanilla, bananas and mini chocolate chip. It’s like a delicious pudding for breakfast. Desert for breakfast, great concept!!

There are literally 1000’s of ways to enjoy overnight oats. Mix and top it any way you like. Fruits, nuts, nut butters, jam, even shredded carrots cream cheese and cinnamon for a carrot cake flavored oats.

The basic recipe includes a few ingredients that you might not want to skip.

• Chia seeds: Chia seeds are not only a great source of antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3’s, but they help thicken your overnight oats and make them extremely creamy and satisfying.
• Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is such an amazing, tangy add-in for overnight oats that really enhances the flavor and makes them extra creamy. Bonus, it’s a great boost of extra protein.
• Vanilla extract: You can’t go wrong with vanilla. We almost always add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to all overnight oatmeal recipes!
• Honey or maple syrup: All natural sweeteners are key when it comes to overnight oats. Ditch the table sugar or brown sugar for something more natural like honey or maple syrup.

 

Basic Overnight Oats

INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup (heaping) rolled oats
• 2/3 cup unsweetened milk of choice
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 0-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

METHOD

• Whisk together all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon into a jar
  with a tight-fitting lid.
• Close and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight before eating.

 

Banana Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats

INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup (heaping) rolled oats
• 2/3 cup unsweetened milk of choice
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax meal
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 0-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 ripe banana, chopped or mashed
• 2 tablespoons chocolate chips

METHOD

• Whisk together all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon into a jar
  with a tight-fitting lid.
• Close and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight before eating.

Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup (heaping) rolled oats
• 2/3 cup unsweetened milk of choice
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax meal
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 0-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries
• 3 tablespoons softened cream cheese
• Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon

METHOD

• Whisk together all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon into a jar
  with a tight-fitting lid.
• Close and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight before eating.

Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats

INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup (heaping) rolled oats
• 2/3 cup full-fat coconut milk (in the can)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax meal
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 0-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut

METHOD

• Whisk together all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon into a jar
  with a tight-fitting lid.
• Close and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight before eating.
  Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk, plant-based yogurt, and maple syrup for
  sweetener.

 

Make it sugar-free: Drop the sweetener and add 1/2 mashed ripe banana.

Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free oats.

Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk, plant-based yogurt, plant-based cream cheese, and maple syrup for sweetener.

Let me know which flavors you like best.  Or even better let me know what new flavors you have createdEnjoy!