How to make overnight oats: 5 easy recipes for a quick breakfast
This guide lays out a basic overnight oats recipe with simple preparation steps. It also shows how small changes in fruit, nuts and liquid can shift flavour and texture.
Overnight oats are a simple make-ahead breakfast that can be prepared the night before and enjoyed straight from the refrigerator the next morning. They require no cooking and can be customised with fruits, nuts, seeds and other toppings.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup milk of your choice
1 cup yoghurt
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1 teaspoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
A pinch of cinnamon
Fresh fruit or nuts for topping
HOW TO MAKE OVERNIGHT OATS
Add rolled oats, milk, yoghurt and chia seeds to a jar or airtight container. Add honey or maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon.
Mix everything well until combined. Close the container and refrigerate it overnight, or for at least 6 hours.
The next morning, give the oats a good stir. Add a little more milk if the mixture is too thick and top it with fresh fruit, nuts or seeds before serving.
BANANA AND PEANUT BUTTER OVERNIGHT OATS
For a creamy and filling variation, add mashed banana and a spoonful of peanut butter to the basic overnight oats mixture.
Refrigerate overnight and top with banana slices and a few crushed nuts in the morning.
BERRY OVERNIGHT OATS
Add chopped strawberries, blueberries or other berries to the oats before refrigerating. You can also add the fruit in the morning if you prefer a fresher texture.
Top with more berries and seeds before serving.
CHOCOLATE OVERNIGHT OATS
For a chocolate version, mix in 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder with the oats, milk and yoghurt.
Add banana slices or nuts in the morning for extra flavour and texture.
APPLE AND CINNAMON OVERNIGHT OATS
Mix chopped apple and cinnamon into the oats before refrigerating. In the morning, add more fresh apple, nuts and seeds on top.
TIPS FOR MAKING BETTER OVERNIGHT OATS
Use rolled oats for the best texture, as they soften well without becoming too mushy. Keep the oats refrigerated and prepare them in a clean, airtight container.
You can also adjust the consistency according to your preference. Add more milk for softer oats or reduce the liquid for a thicker mixture.
The easiest formula to remember is oats + milk + yoghurt + chia seeds + toppings. From there, you can create different combinations depending on what you have at home.