How to Make Overnight Oats

If you know How to Make Overnight Oats, then you have a healthy and filling breakfast ready for busy mornings. You can adjust this recipe any way you choose by simply combining rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, and fruit—like blueberries, strawberries, or even pumpkin—in a Mason jar. This quick and easy dish is the best way to start your day.

Easy Overnight Oats Recipe

Mornings get hectic.

Whether you are trying to get yourself out the door or you’re wrestling to get your kids to school, there never seems to be enough time.

Enter Overnight Oats. Simply prep your oatmeal the night before in a Mason jar, set it in the fridge, and wait until morning.

And here’s the best part: you can completely customize this recipe to your liking.

Blueberries—yes!

Strawberries—of course!

Pumpkin—hello fall!

So go ahead and hit snooze; breakfast is ready.

Basic Overnight Oats Ratio

The simple ingredients you need to make this recipe include:

• ⅓ cup fruit 
• ½ cup oats
• 1 tsp. chia seeds, optional
• 1-2 tbsp. sweetener
• ½ cup milk

Now that you’ve got that basic ratio ready, let’s look into each component of overnight oats.

Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

The most important ingredient in overnight oats is… oatmeal! And the best variety to use is rolled oats.

This type works well because the large flakes soak up the liquid much better than other versions. They also stay delightfully chewy and don’t get mushy or soggy.

However, if you don’t have rolled oats or simply don’t like them, you could use another type. Be aware that instant oatmeal will be quite mushy the next morning, though.

(Are oats gluten-free? Learn all about them!)

Pro tip: If you use steel-cut or instant, you might need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe.

Types of Milk

Feel free to use your favorite variety of milk in this recipe.

If you are going dairy-free, unsweetened and full-fat milk is preferable because it enhances the creamy texture of oatmeal and balances out the sweetness of the fruit.

If you choose a plant-based alternative, try one of these:

• Oat milk – My personal preference since it tastes the closest to regular milk and is super creamy.
• Almond milk
• Cashew milk
• Soy milk
• Coconut milk

Pro tip: If you are out of milk or prefer not to use it, you can easily sub in water or even fruit juices.

Sweetener

Depending on the types of fruit you use and their ripeness, you may or may not need to add a little extra sweetener. Taste the fruit before it goes into the Mason jar, so you can gauge how sweet you need to make your oatmeal.

I prefer natural options, like maple syrup or honey, but regular sugar or even brown sugar can be used.

Pro tip: You can always add in a little extra sweetener the next morning, so err on the side of less.

Chia Seeds

While chia seeds absolutely aren’t required, they do add SO MUCH!

Not only do chia seeds boost the nutritional value of the oatmeal, but they also give it a deliciously creamy texture.

Pro tip: You can put chia seeds in so many things. Try this Chia Seed Pudding!

Fruit

The sky is the limit! You can go so many different ways with this ingredient.

Check your local market to see what is in season. Just about every berry is delicious in oatmeal. You can even opt for pears, apples, or bananas.

Or, grab a bag of frozen fruit to make things super simple.

Pro tip: Microwave the fruit for 30 seconds to one minute to get a jam-like consistency. This is essential with more fibrous fruit like pears and apples.

Optional Additions

The best part of this recipe is that you can add so many extra things.

Protein powder adds a powerful punch that will keep you full all morning.

Yogurt is so satisfying and so creamy.

Throw in your favorite spices to really change up the flavor.

If you would rather not use whole fruit, you can opt for a puree instead.

Best Jars for Overnight Oats

Glass Mason jars are far and away the best jars for this purpose. They are super durable, shaped perfectly, and come with a convenient lid.

However, you can use any container with a tight sealing lid.

Pro tip: You can get reusable plastic lids for mason jars that are one piece, so you don’t have to keep track of a lid and a seal. Opt for wide mouth when possible.

How to Make Overnight Oats

These are the steps to follow to make this simple overnight oats recipe:

Add the Fruit

Depending on the consistency you want, you can prepare the fruit in different ways.

For a more solid effect, put the diced fruit to the bottom of an 8-ounce mason jar. Then you’re ready for the rest of the ingredients.

Or, you can microwave the fruit for 30 to 60 seconds. This will create a jam-like consistency in the oatmeal.

Combine all of the Ingredients

Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, milk, and sweetener to the jar with the fruit.

Use a spoon or spatula to carefully stir everything until it is well combined.

Refrigerate Until Morning

Place the lid on the jar tightly. Set it in the fridge.

Let the oatmeal sit for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.

Serve for Breakfast

When you’re ready to enjoy this oatmeal, top with extra fruit or spices.

Are overnight oats healthy?

Yes! Overnight oats are incredibly healthy. Oatmeal offers a wide variety of benefits, including lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease, and potentially aiding in weight loss.

What is the secret to overnight oats?

The main secret to ensuring your oatmeal turn out delicious is to stick to the correct ratio. You need at least one cup of oats to one cup of milk. Additional milk will yield a creamier consistency.

How long should overnight oats sit?

This recipe needs at least four hours in the fridge. However, it is delicious after chilling the entire night.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Roll out. Rolled oats are the best variety to use for this recipe.
• Use the jar. It is so quick and easy to mix all of the ingredients right in the jar, saving dishes.
• Get creative. You can make this recipe fit your tastes and choose whatever add-ins you like.
• Power up. Add some protein powder for an extra filling punch.
• Be patient. Make sure you let the oats chill at least four hours or up to overnight in the fridge before serving.

Healthy Overnight Oats Recipes

There are SO MANY ways to enjoy overnight oats!

In the fall, try Pumpkin Overnight Oats or Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats are so sweet and delicious.

Blueberry Overnight Oats, Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats, and Peach Cobbler Overnight Oats are fresh and a great way to start your morning.

More Oatmeal Recipes

You can add oatmeal to a wide variety of recipes.

For a sweet tooth, try these No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies or these No-Bake Samoa Oatmeal Bars.

And if you’re looking for another way to enjoy oats at breakfast, go with these Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies or this Healthy Baked Oatmeal with Berries.