Find out why this breakfast trend is so popular: Easy Overnight Oats is a smart, make ahead choice!
Over the past few years, hop on TikTok or IG and you will see any number of Overnight Oats recipes. What are they and what is the big deal? Overnight Oats is a concept where if you place rolled oats in twice as much liquid (usually milk and/or yogurt of some sort) and set it in the fridge overnight, by morning you have perfectly softened oats with a creamy texture. You can eat them cold or warmed. And with any number of add-ins to amp up the flavor and nutrients.
But this social media darling is not new! The idea goes back a long way, to around 1900. Swiss doctor Maximilian Bircher-Benner came up with it as part of his holistic regimen. He was way ahead of his time with his interest in raw diet vegetarianism and recognized the benefit of Overnight Oats’ fiber, natural protein content, and digestive benefits. With our Easy Overnight Oats recipe, you can enjoy these same windfalls plus have a breakfast ready and waiting when you need to dash out the door on a busy morning.
By putting together a breakfast the night before, you get to start your day off with a win. Easy Overnight Oats are a cinch to assemble, and while you are asleep, they work their magic. The yogurt breaks down the starches in the oats, making them easier to digest and especially easier on tummies that are sensitive to gluten. You can take the nutritional benefits to the bank. Seriously. Heart-healthy, good for lowering blood sugar, natural protein, high in fiber. These guys are the real deal! Plus, you can customize the flavors and add ins to your liking so it’s just right.
Superfood alert: Chia Seeds
Despite their tiny size, chia seeds pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. Native to Latin America, the seeds come from a flowering plant, and yes, they have a cringy past as a commercial product in the 1980s with an annoying jingle (“Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!”). Way before that chapter, however, people in Mexico and Guatemala have enjoyed the benefits of the edible seeds. They are full of fiber, protein, and calcium. Because they’re high in fiber, they can keep you feeling full, so there’s that benefit too! Look for them in the nuts and seeds aisle at your local grocery store.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk any variety
- 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Assorted toppings strawberries, peanut butter, nuts, etc.
How to Make Overnight Oats
Step 1: In a large glass container, mix together the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, sweetener of your choice, and vanilla extract.
Step 2: Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to let the oats soften and flavors meld.
Step 3:The next morning, stir the oats and add a splash more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency. Top with your favorite fruits, nuts, and other toppings before enjoying.
FAQs & Tips
Easy Overnight Oats is a true make-ahead recipe. In fact, you need to allow at least 2 hours for the oats to soften. For storing leftovers, they keep in the fridge for up to 4-5 days after they’re made, but the consistency will continue to change (as in getting softer and creamier), so keep that in mind. Freezing is not recommended.
No, certainly not. If you’d rather use all milk or almond milk, they work as well. Just be sure to add twice as much liquid total as oats to get the right texture. The yogurt helps hold the oats together and adds extra protein.
Frozen berries are an easy, economical choice for toppings. And since the oats will sit in the fridge overnight, the berries will thaw gradually. They may leech their vivid colors into the oatmeal mixture as they thaw, but that is the only caveat.
Easy Overnight Oats is easily multiplied to make numerous servings. Just determine how many servings you want (4 or 5 days is probably about the farthest out you’ll want them in the fridge) and set out that many containers. Mason or Weck jars work really well, but any airtight container will do. Set up an assembly line, and your future self will thank you for the ready-to-go breakfasts!
The sky’s the limit on your topping choices: nuts, berries, dried fruit, peanut butter, chocolate chips. However, keep in mind that the toppings can add a lot of unwanted calories and sugar if you’re not paying attention. While delicious, go easy on any high sugar toppings like dried fruit and chocolate chips. And peanut butter can sneak up on you if not used in moderation as well. Unfortunately, the calories and sugars of the toppings definitely count! So choose wisely.
Serving Suggestions
Easy Overnight Oats is a one-stop, filling breakfast. It’s great on its own. It can also be a lovely meal or hearty snack any other time of the day! It’s great if you need a healthy energy boost. If you want to serve Easy Overnight Oats as part of a sit-down breakfast or brunch, serve with banana bread and a side of sizzling Canadian Bacon, a leaner breakfast meat than your typical sausage or bacon. They also serve beautifully alongside our Baked Egg and Kale Cups.
Easy Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk any variety
- 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Assorted toppings strawberries, peanut butter, nuts, etc.
Instructions
- In a large glass container, mix together the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, sweetener of your choice, and vanilla extract.
- Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to let the oats soften and flavors meld.
- The next morning, stir the oats and add a splash more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency. Top with your favorite fruits, nuts, and other toppings before enjoying.
Nutrition
