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You are here: Home » Blog » Entrees » 6 Best Overnight Oats Recipes – Easy Make-Ahead Recipes

6 Best Overnight Oats Recipes – Easy Make-Ahead Recipes

May 6, 2018 By Lacey Baier 3 Comments

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Never skip breakfast again with these simple make-ahead 6 Overnight Oats recipes. Enjoy a healthy and yummy breakfast on the go plus learn how to make overnight oats!

Overnight Oats Recipes | Never skip breakfast again with these simple make-ahead 6 Overnight Oats recipes. Enjoy a healthy and yummy breakfast on the go plus learn how to make overnight oats! | A Sweet Pea Chef

If you asked me to describe the ideal start of the day, it would definitely start with a big, hearty, delicious breakfast. There’s nothing better than breakfast food. The way I start off my morning sets the pace for the rest of the day, so I always try to take at least a little bit of time to myself.

Key word: try.

And what better way to do it than while munching on something delicious?

Unfortunately, with our busy schedules, we don’t have time to make our breakfast from scratch every day.  It can be tempting to skip it all together some days when in a rush.  When I skip breakfast, I get sleepy and hangry, and all I want to do is eat food that is bad for me.  No good.

Overhead image of a bowl of rolled oats for the Overnight Oats recipe.

So, a while back, I figured out a way to always have breakfast, even on the busiest of mornings. Making it until lunch without food was never an option for me, as I’m anything but productive (or pleasant, honestly) when hungry, so I would always end up grabbing whatever food was available.

I also REALLY don’t like waking up early to make breakfast.  Luckily, I found a way that you can actually sleep in and still enjoy a healthy breakfast when you finally decide to leave the warm comfort of your bed.  And, when it comes to hassle-free, healthy, quick, and delicious breakfasts, it’s hard to beat overnight oats.

Ingredients separated for the Overnight Oats recipe, including rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, plain greek yogurt, vanilla, and pure maple syrup.

Oatmeal is, from a nutritional point of view, one of the best breakfast options. Oats by themselves are full of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Overnight oats are a protein-packed breakfast that will make sure you make it to lunch without your stomach growling.  Not only are they good for you, overnight oats recipes are so versatile as well.

Add a spoonful of your favorite nut butter, some pure maple syrup, fresh or frozen fruits… the possibilities are endless. Although I prefer my oats on the sweet side, feel free to play around adding your favorite ingredients to create savory oat-based breakfasts, too.

HOW TO COOK OVERNIGHT OATS

Overnight oats may quite possibly be the easiest thing you’ll ever make for breakfast. Honestly. Start off by preparing all your ingredients: oats, your milk of choice (dairy, coconut, almond…), and greek yogurt. You’ll also need a sweetener of choice (my faves are pure maple syrup or raw honey), and some spices (like cinnamon or nutmeg). If you like, add some fruit or nuts right away or if you prefer them a bit fresher, just add them in the morning.

Now, you will need an air-tight container to prepare your overnight oats. I like to make mine in individual portions using mason jars – I find these 16 oz mason jars to be the best size for this.

Just grab a mason jar or meal prep container, fill the jar with oats and then pour in the milk so the oats are well covered. Add in the rest of the ingredients and that’s it. Make sure you close the container or your jar properly and your overnight oats are ready to spend the night in the fridge.

When you wake up in the morning, just grab your breakfast from the fridge, top off with some fruit if you’d like and you’re ready to dig in. So. Easy.

Side view of 6 different mason jars filled with overnight oats recipes, including strawberry overnight oats, carrot cake overnight oats, mango overnight oats, kiwi overnight oats, blueberry overnight oats, and chocolate peanut butter overnight oats.

6 Best Overnight Oats Recipes – Easy Make-Ahead Recipes

HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP OVERNIGHT OATS IN THE FRIDGE?

The best part about overnight oats is that you don’t have to cook anything – just combine all the ingredients into the container, close the lid, and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, overnight if possible.  As the mixture sits in the fridge, the oats absorb the liquid and flavors, leaving you a delicious oat breakfast in the morning. 

You know how much I love breakfast meal prep. It just saves so much time! I used to always meal prep lunch and dinner, but rarely did breakfast meal prep recipes. Another great thing about overnight oats is they’re the ideal breakfast to meal prep. Not only can you make them ahead and just grab and go in the morning, but when stored in an air-tight container overnight oats can last up to 5 days in the fridge. FIVE days, my friends! There’re officially no more excuses for skipping breakfast!

WHAT’S THE BEST TYPE OF OATS TO USE FOR OVERNIGHT OATS?

There’s really a big difference among your choice of oats for making overnight oats. I like using good old fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats. They soak up the liquid and give your overnight oats that creamy, silky texture. These oats are just slightly more processed than steel cut oats and are a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Avoid quick cooking oats, since those are highly processed and won’t hold up in these recipes.

Top view image of jars with Overnight Oats toppings, including sliced berries, shredded carrots, diced mango, sliced kiwi, fresh blueberries, and chocolate.

DO YOU EAT OVERNIGHT OATS HOT OR COLD?

Overnight oats are definitely one of my go-to breakfast options. I usually just take them out of the fridge and eat them right then and there. Yes, sometimes even right in front of the fridge (and I’m not ashamed to say it!). There are however cold, gloomy mornings when I just want something warm and soothing. So, I just grab my overnight oats and heat them up for 1-2 minutes in the microwave. Either way, it works!

6 Best Overnight Oats Recipes

With these 6 different overnight oats recipes, you can eat the rainbow, change up your morning breakfast routine, and make it that much easier to stay on your healthy routine.  Plan a healthy breakfast ahead of time and you’ll find it much easier to have energy throughout the day and avoid unhealthy choices as well!

Strawberry Overnight Oats

Horizontal view of a jar with Strawberry Overnight Oats with rolled oats, chopped strawberries, raspberries, chia seeds, pure maple syrup, vanilla, plain greek yogurt and almond milk, topped with sliced strawberries

Who could say no to ripe and juicy strawberries for breakfast? Make these Strawberry Overnight Oats the night before and have a healthy breakfast waiting for you in the morning!

5 from 6 votes
Horizontal view of a jar with Strawberry Overnight Oats with rolled oats, chopped strawberries, raspberries, chia seeds, pure maple syrup, vanilla, plain greek yogurt and almond milk, topped with sliced strawberries
Print
Strawberry Overnight Oats
Prep Time
5 mins
Refrigerate
4 hrs
Total Time
5 mins
 
Who could say no to ripe and juicy strawberries for breakfast? Make these Strawberry Overnight Oats the night before and have a healthy breakfast waiting for you in the morning!
Categories: Breakfast, Clean Eating, make-ahead, Meal Prep, Oatmeal, Overnight Oats
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 1
Calories: 390 kcal
Author: Lacey Baier
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup strawberries, chopped
  • 1/3 cup raspberries
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions
  1. Add all the ingredients except for the oats to a kitchen blender.

  2. Blend until smooth.  

  3. Add the rolled oats and stir to combine.  Do not blend (You could also do this in a separate bowl, but this makes less dirty dishes.

  4. Pour the mixture into the mason jar, close, and then place into the fridge overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.
  5. Top with raspberries and strawberries.

Nutrition Facts
Strawberry Overnight Oats
Amount Per Serving (1 mason jar)
Calories 390 Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6g9%
Saturated Fat 2.4g12%
Cholesterol 14.2mg5%
Sodium 122mg5%
Carbohydrates 49.9g17%
Fiber 10.3g41%
Sugar 12.3g14%
Protein 16.2g32%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Horizontal view of a jar with Carrot Cake Overnight Oats with rolled oats, carrots, golden raisins, ground cinnamon, chia seeds, pure maple syrup, vanilla, plain greek yogurt and almond milk, topped with shredded carrots

Start your day with a healthier version of your favorite dessert by having Carrot Cake Overnight Oats for breakfast!

5 from 6 votes
Horizontal view of a jar with Carrot Cake Overnight Oats with rolled oats, carrots, golden raisins, ground cinnamon, chia seeds, pure maple syrup, vanilla, plain greek yogurt and almond milk, topped with shredded carrots
Print
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Prep Time
5 mins
Refrigerate
4 hrs
Total Time
5 mins
 
Start your day with a healthier version of your favorite dessert by having Carrot Cake Overnight Oats for breakfast!
Servings: 1
Calories: 417 kcal
Author: Lacey Baier
Ingredients
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1/3 cup golden raisins
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions
  1. Add all the ingredients except for the oats to a kitchen blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Add the rolled oats and stir to combine. Do not blend, (You could also do this in a separate bowl, but this makes less dirty dishes.)

  4. Pour the mixture into the mason jar, close, and then place into the fridge overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.
  5. Top with shredded carrots and golden raisins.

Nutrition Facts
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Amount Per Serving (1 mason jar)
Calories 417 Calories from Fat 59
% Daily Value*
Fat 6.6g10%
Saturated Fat 2.8g14%
Cholesterol 11.3mg4%
Sodium 186.8mg8%
Carbohydrates 68.2g23%
Fiber 10.4g42%
Sugar 19.2g21%
Protein 14.2g28%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Mango Overnight Oats

Horizontal view of a jar with Mango Overnight Oats with rolled oats, mango, banana, chia seeds, pure maple syrup, vanilla, plain greek yogurt and almond milk, topped with diced fresh mango

Make-ahead Mango Overnight Oats are the ideal healthy fuss-free breakfast with a tropical punch.

5 from 6 votes
Horizontal view of a jar with Mango Overnight Oats with rolled oats, mango, banana, chia seeds, pure maple syrup, vanilla, plain greek yogurt and almond milk, topped with diced fresh mango
Print
Mango Overnight Oats
Prep Time
5 mins
Overnight
4 hrs
Total Time
5 mins
 
Make-ahead Mango Overnight Oats are the ideal healthy fuss-free breakfast with a tropical punch.
Servings: 1
Calories: 467 kcal
Author: Lacey Baier
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup mango, diced
  • 1/4 banana
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions
  1. Add all the ingredients except for the oats to a kitchen blender.

  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Add the rolled oats and stir to combine. Do not blend. (You could also do this in a separate bowl, but this makes less dirty dishes.)

  4. Pour the mixture into the mason jar, close, and then place into the fridge overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.
  5. Top with diced mango.

Nutrition Facts
Mango Overnight Oats
Amount Per Serving (1 mason jar)
Calories 467 Calories from Fat 75
% Daily Value*
Fat 8.3g13%
Saturated Fat 3.4g17%
Cholesterol 12.3mg4%
Sodium 138.2mg6%
Carbohydrates 66.2g22%
Fiber 10.1g40%
Sugar 13g14%
Protein 10.1g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Kiwi Overnight Oats

Horizontal view of a jar with Kiwi Overnight Oats with rolled oats, kiwi, banana, pure maple syrup, vanilla, plain greek yogurt and almond milk, topped with sliced fresh kiwi

It takes less than 5 minutes to prep these Kiwi Overnight Oats. Simple, easy, delicious and so good for you!

5 from 6 votes
Horizontal view of a jar with Kiwi Overnight Oats with rolled oats, kiwi, banana, pure maple syrup, vanilla, plain greek yogurt and almond milk, topped with sliced fresh kiwi
Print
Kiwi Overnight Oats
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
23 hrs 57 mins
Refrigerate
4 hrs
Total Time
2 mins
 
It takes less than 5 minutes to prep these Kiwi Overnight Oats. Simple, easy, delicious and so good for you!
Servings: 1
Calories: 373 kcal
Author: Lacey Baier
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup kiwi, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions
  1. Add all the ingredients except for the oats to a kitchen blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Add the rolled oats and stir to combine. Do not blend. (You could also do this in a separate bowl, but this makes less dirty dishes.)

  4. Pour the mixture into the mason jar, close, and then place into the fridge overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.
  5. Top with fresh kiwi.

Nutrition Facts
Kiwi Overnight Oats
Amount Per Serving (1 mason jar)
Calories 373 Calories from Fat 57
% Daily Value*
Fat 6.3g10%
Saturated Fat 2.4g12%
Cholesterol 10.9mg4%
Sodium 110.1mg5%
Carbohydrates 57.3g19%
Fiber 8.6g34%
Sugar 17.2g19%
Protein 8.9g18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Blueberry Overnight Oats

Horizontal view of a jar with Blueberry Overnight Oats with rolled oats, blueberries, lemon zest, chia seeds, pure maple syrup, vanilla, plain greek yogurt and almond milk, topped with fresh blueberries

Skip blueberry muffins and dig into my Blueberry Overnight Oats that you can easily make the night before and just grab and go in the morning!

5 from 6 votes
Horizontal view of a jar with Blueberry Overnight Oats with rolled oats, blueberries, lemon zest, chia seeds, pure maple syrup, vanilla, plain greek yogurt and almond milk, topped with fresh blueberries
Print
Blueberry Overnight Oats
Prep Time
5 mins
Refrigerate
4 hrs
Total Time
5 mins
 
Skip blueberry muffins and dig into my Blueberry Overnight Oats that you can easily make the night before and just grab and go in the morning!
Servings: 1
Calories: 416 kcal
Author: Lacey Baier
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1/4 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions
  1. Add all the ingredients except for the oats to a kitchen blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Add the rolled oats and stir to combine. Do not blend. (You could also do this in a separate bowl, but this makes less dirty dishes.)
  4. Pour the mixture into the mason jar, close, and then place into the fridge overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.
  5. Top with blueberries.

Nutrition Facts
Blueberry Overnight Oats
Amount Per Serving (1 mason jar)
Calories 416 Calories from Fat 65
% Daily Value*
Fat 7.2g11%
Saturated Fat 3.2g16%
Cholesterol 13.2mg4%
Sodium 140.2mg6%
Carbohydrates 54.2g18%
Fiber 9.1g36%
Sugar 13.2g15%
Protein 16g32%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Horizontal view of a jar with Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats with rolled oats, banana, dark cocoa powder, natural peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, plain greek yogurt and almond milk, topped with chocolate pieces

Turn your favorite flavor combo into a healthy breakfast with my Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats recipe!

5 from 6 votes
Horizontal view of a jar with Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats with rolled oats, banana, dark cocoa powder, natural peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, plain greek yogurt and almond milk, topped with chocolate pieces
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Prep Time
5 mins
Refrigerate
4 hrs
Total Time
5 mins
 
Turn your favorite flavor combo into a healthy breakfast with my Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats recipe!
Servings: 1
Calories: 448 kcal
Author: Lacey Baier
Ingredients
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 tbsp dark cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tbsp natural peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • optional dark chocolate chunks, for garnish
Instructions
  1. Add all the ingredients except for the oats to a kitchen blender.

  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Add the rolled oats and stir to combine. Do not blend. (You could also do this in a separate bowl, but this makes less dirty dishes.)
  4. Pour the mixture into the mason jar, close, and then place into the fridge overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.
  5. Top with dark chocolate chunks.

Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Amount Per Serving (1 mason jar)
Calories 448 Calories from Fat 111
% Daily Value*
Fat 12.3g19%
Saturated Fat 4.4g22%
Cholesterol 14.1mg5%
Sodium 133.2mg6%
Carbohydrates 59.2g20%
Fiber 9.4g38%
Sugar 12.1g13%
Protein 18g36%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Want Even More Overnight Oats Recipes?

Looking for more overnight oats recipes? Check out these other great overnight oats recipes from the blog.

  • Blackberry Cobbler Overnight Oats
  • Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
  • Cinnamon Raisin Overnight Oats
  • Fresh Peach Cobbler Overnight Oats
  • Banana Nut Overnight Oats

This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend.

Related Posts:

  • Blackberry Cobbler Easy Overnight OatsBlackberry Cobbler Easy Overnight Oats
  • 5-Minute Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats5-Minute Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
  • 7 Easy Make Ahead Smoothies For Fall7 Easy Make Ahead Smoothies For Fall

Filed Under: Entrees Tagged With: 30 Minute Meals, Breakfast, Clean, Comfort Food, Healthy Recipes, Kid-Friendly, Meal Planning, Vegetarian, Video

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alison

    April 10, 2019 at 6:11 pm

    All of these overight oats look soo good. Can’t wait to try them.

    Reply
  2. Sydney

    May 7, 2018 at 4:53 pm

    Can we leave out the Greek yogurt if we are dairy free? Would it effect the outcome at all?
    Love all of your recipes!! Thank you for some more great ones!! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Cecilia

    May 6, 2018 at 9:56 pm

    5 stars
    What can I use as a substitute for greek yogurt? I can’t stand the taste of it, neither cottage cheese. Is there anything I could use that would give me some proteins too? Thanks!

    Reply

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Hey y’all, I’m Lacey Baier and I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a healthy lifestyle influencer and the creator of this clean-eating blog and YouTube channel, A Sweet Pea Chef. My recipes have been published on Food Network, Good Morning America, FoxNews, Tastemade, Fitness Magazine, and much more. I live in Dallas, Texas with my husband and four kiddos. Let’s get started! Read More…

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