Easy Make-Ahead Overnight Oats Recipe for Quick Healthy Breakfasts
A quick and easy overnight oats recipe that is creamy, slightly sweet, and perfect for busy mornings. Made with simple pantry staples and customizable toppings, it offers a healthy and comforting start to your day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (45g) rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- ½ cup (120ml) milk (dairy or plant-based, e.g., unsweetened almond milk)
- ¼ cup (60g) plain Greek yogurt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In your chosen jar or container, add ½ cup rolled oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir to evenly distribute.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in ½ cup milk and ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt. Add 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until mixed well and oats are submerged.
- Seal and refrigerate: Screw the lid on tightly and place the jar in the fridge. Let it sit overnight or for at least 6 hours to soak and thicken.
- Morning finishing touches: Stir the oats gently. If too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen. Top with fresh fruit, nuts, or nut butter as desired.
Notes
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture; steel-cut oats require longer soaking. Adjust sweetness after soaking if desired. Store in fridge up to 4 days. Add fresh toppings just before serving to avoid sogginess. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or soy yogurt and use plant-based milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar (about 12 oz /
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 10
Keywords: overnight oats, healthy breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, quick breakfast, easy oats, creamy oats, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, plant-based milk