Overnight Oats with Simple Ingredients

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Overnight Oats with Simple Ingredients is a delicious and nutritious breakfast that you can prepare in advance, making your mornings easier and healthier.

Bethany Clarke

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-02T03:04:08.780Z

Discover the magic of overnight oats! This simple recipe combines nutritious ingredients that soak overnight, creating a creamy and satisfying breakfast.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy mornings
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings and flavors
  • Healthy and filling, keeping you energized throughout the day

The Benefits of Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are not only convenient but also packed with nutrients. The combination of rolled oats, chia seeds, and milk provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. This makes them an excellent choice for a quick breakfast that keeps you full and satisfied throughout the morning. Incorporating these healthy ingredients into your diet can help support your overall wellbeing.

One of the greatest advantages of overnight oats is their versatility. You can tailor the recipe to suit your dietary preferences by using different types of milk, sweeteners, and toppings. Whether you prefer dairy, almond, or oat milk, there's an option for everyone. With endless combinations, you’ll never get bored of this nutritious breakfast staple.

Preparing Overnight Oats: Tips and Tricks

To achieve the perfect texture, it's crucial to use the right ratio of oats to liquid. Generally, a 1:1 ratio works well, but feel free to adjust based on your personal preference. If you enjoy a creamier consistency, consider adding a bit more milk or yogurt. Conversely, if you prefer thicker oats, reduce the liquid slightly.

For added flavor and nutrition, consider mixing in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a scoop of protein powder. These small additions can elevate your oats while providing extra health benefits. Experimenting with different ingredients can help you discover your favorite overnight oats combination.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, making them an ideal make-ahead breakfast option. Prepare multiple servings at once to save time during busy weeks. Simply divide the mixture into jars or containers, and you’ll have breakfast ready to grab and go each morning.

When it comes time to serve, don't hesitate to get creative with your toppings. Fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or apples add natural sweetness and a burst of flavor. Nuts and seeds provide a satisfying crunch, while a dollop of yogurt can enhance creaminess. Personalizing your overnight oats with your favorite toppings not only makes them more enjoyable but also adds extra nutrients.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings (optional)

  • Fresh fruits (e.g., berries, banana, apple)
  • Nuts or seeds (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds)
  • Yogurt

Feel free to mix and match your ingredients based on preference!

Instructions

Combine the Base Ingredients

In a bowl or jar, mix the rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the bowl or jar and place it in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 4 hours) to allow the oats to soak and soften.

Add Toppings and Enjoy

In the morning, stir the oats and add your favorite toppings before serving. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious overnight oats!

These oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a great meal prep option!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make overnight oats in advance for the entire week? Absolutely! Overnight oats can be prepared in batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just portion them into individual jars or containers, and you’ll have a healthy breakfast ready to go whenever you need it.

What can I substitute for honey or maple syrup? If you're looking for alternatives to sweeteners, consider using mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. These options can add sweetness without the added calories.

Nutritional Information

A typical serving of overnight oats contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients and toppings you choose. They are a great source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, the combination of oats and chia seeds provides essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Customizing your toppings can also influence the nutritional profile. For example, adding nuts can increase healthy fats and protein, while incorporating fruits boosts vitamins and antioxidants. Tailoring your overnight oats to meet your dietary needs is not only easy but also rewarding.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture will be different. Rolled oats provide a chewier texture.

→ How long can I store overnight oats?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just use non-dairy milk and a plant-based sweetener.

→ What are some good toppings for overnight oats?

Fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, yogurt, and nut butters work wonderfully.

Overnight Oats with Simple Ingredients

Overnight Oats with Simple Ingredients is a delicious and nutritious breakfast that you can prepare in advance, making your mornings easier and healthier.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time10 minutes

Created by: Bethany Clarke

Recipe Type: Healthy & Light

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 2 servings

What You'll Need

Base Ingredients

  1. 1 cup rolled oats
  2. 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  3. 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  4. 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  5. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings (optional)

  1. Fresh fruits (e.g., berries, banana, apple)
  2. Nuts or seeds (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds)
  3. Yogurt

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl or jar, mix the rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 02

Cover the bowl or jar and place it in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 4 hours) to allow the oats to soak and soften.

Step 03

In the morning, stir the oats and add your favorite toppings before serving. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious overnight oats!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 8g