These 6 Best Overnight Oats Recipes give you make-ahead options for a healthy breakfast every day. Ingredients like chia seeds, plain Greek yogurt, fruit, and maple syrup make these oats a powerhouse of goodness! Enjoy a healthy and yummy breakfast on the go plus learn how to make overnight oats!
If you asked me to describe the ideal beginning to my day, it would definitely start with a clean-eating, delicious breakfast. There’s nothing better for you than a nutritional kickoff to the morning.
You see, 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.
So, part of the me-time is fueling up for the busyness in store. And what better way to do it than while munching on something delicious like the best overnight oats ever?
I have a busy schedule and don’t have time to make breakfast from scratch every day. It's tempting to skip it all together some days when in a rush. But I've come up with a solution you are going to love. It goes like this: preparation the night before using plain Greek yogurt, healthy fruits, veggies, and nutritional good-for-you oats to jump-start your morning.
So, want to know how you can avoid skipping breakfast ever again? Read on and I'll show you how!
WHY ARE BEST OVERNIGHT OATS SO GOOD FOR YOU?
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 fill you up and are a protein-packed breakfast that will help you make it to lunch without your stomach growling. Not only are healthy whole grains full of antioxidants and good for you, but my best overnight oats recipes are versatile as well! 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.
What about the other ingredients? Take a look at the goodness found throughout the rest of the recipe:
- Almond milk provides potassium, Vitamin D, and calcium
- Chia seeds contain protein, fiber, and zinc
- Boost your protein and healthy fat intake with plain Greek yogurt
- There are no refined sugars when you use pure maple syrup as a sweetener
- The toppings add tasty nutrition in the form of fruits, nuts, and more
HOW TO PREPARE THE BEST OVERNIGHT OATS
Preparation is simple! Overnight oats may quite possibly be the easiest thing you'll ever make for breakfast. Honestly. Start off by preparing all your ingredients as per the simple instructions: oats, your milk of choice (dairy, coconut, almond...), and plain Greek yogurt. You'll also need a sweetener (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 garnish with fresh toppings in the morning.
Then, choose a convenient way to store them in the fridge, and you are all set.
- I find these 16 oz mason jars to be the best size for this recipe. And, well, what can be easier for storing and eating?
- Another option that works great is a meal prep container. Like with the mason jar, I love seeing the colorful oats mixtures through the glass, waiting to be enjoyed for breakfast!
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.
6 Best Overnight Oats Recipes - Easy Make-Ahead Recipes
HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP BEST OVERNIGHT OATS IN THE FRIDGE?
When stored in an air-tight container, overnight oats can last up to 5 days in the fridge. FIVE days, my friends! There are officially no more excuses for skipping breakfast!
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. These scrumptious overnight oats are the ideal breakfast to meal prep. Make them ahead and just grab and go in the morning, knowing that you are starting the day off right.
WHAT ARE 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 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.
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 favorite flavor of best overnight oats and heat them up for 1-2 minutes in the microwave. Either way, it works!
HOW DO I MAKE BEST OVERNIGHT OATS GLUTEN-FREE?
Prepare these yummy overnight oats recipes with gluten-free oats. Although oats are naturally free of gluten, they can be comprised of gluten-containing grains when processed and transported. That is why it’s extra important to buy oats that are specified as gluten-free and not contaminated with other grains.
HOW DO I MAKE BEST OVERNIGHT OATS VEGAN?
Vegans can replace the plain Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt when making these easy breakfast oats. Try these as substitutions:
- Almond yogurt
- Coconut yogurt
- Cashew yogurt
- Plantain yogurt
- Flax yogurt
The 6 Best Overnight Oats Recipes
With these 6 different overnight oats recipes, you can eat the rainbow, change up your morning breakfast regimen, and stay on track with your healthy routine. Plan a healthy breakfast ahead of time and you’ll find it much easier to have energy throughout the day. And, you will have no problem avoiding unhealthy choices as well!
1. Strawberry Overnight Oats
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!
Strawberry Overnight Oats
Equipment
*This post may contain affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.
Ingredients
- ½ cup strawberries, chopped
- ⅓ cup raspberries
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients except for the oats to a kitchen blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- 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.
- Pour the mixture into the mason jar, close, and then place into the fridge overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.
- Top with raspberries and strawberries.
Video
Nutrition
2. Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Start your day with a healthier version of your favorite dessert by having Carrot Cake Overnight Oats for breakfast!
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Equipment
*This post may contain affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.
Ingredients
- 2 carrots, diced
- ⅓ cup golden raisins
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients except for the oats to a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- 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.)
- Pour the mixture into the mason jar and close, and then place into the fridge overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.
- Top with shredded carrots and golden raisins.
Video
Nutrition
3. Mango Overnight Oats
Make-ahead Mango Overnight Oats are the ideal healthy fuss-free breakfast with a tropical punch.
Mango Overnight Oats
Equipment
*This post may contain affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup mango, diced
- ¼ banana
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients except for the oats to a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- 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.)
- Pour the mixture into the mason jar close, and then place into the fridge overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.
- Top with diced mango.
Video
Nutrition
4. Kiwi Overnight Oats
It takes less than 5 minutes to prep these Kiwi Overnight Oats. Simple, easy, delicious and so good for you!
Kiwi Overnight Oats
Equipment
*This post may contain affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup kiwi, peeled and diced
- ½ banana
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients except for the oats to a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- 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.)
- Pour the mixture into the mason jar, close, and then place into the fridge overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.
- Top with fresh kiwi.
Video
Nutrition
5. Blueberry Overnight Oats
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!
Blueberry Overnight Oats
Equipment
*This post may contain affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.
Ingredients
- ½ cup blueberries
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients except for the oats to a kitchen blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- 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.)
- Pour the mixture into the mason jar close, and then place into the fridge overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.
- Top with blueberries.
Video
Nutrition
6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Turn your favorite flavor combo into a healthy breakfast with my Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats recipe! Get the recipe here.
More Healthy 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.
Michelle cooper
When the recipe calls for vanilla, are you referring to vanilla powder or vanilla extract?
Jen Moderator
Hi Michelle, thank you for your question! The recipe is referring to vanilla extract.
Becky
Have you made an apple pie overnight oats? Sound yummy!
Esperanza Sajewski
I'm interest in making this but using pineapple as while in substitute for mango or add to the mango in order to make it more of a tropical flavor
Barb B.
I’ve been making many variations of this for a few years. I’ve never put anything in the blender. I usually add nuts and either cinnamon or Pumpkin Pie Spice.
Ana
Just use coconut cream instead. Mmm
julia
Just got into it for the first time ever, and I’m hooked on it
Love how simple and easy it is to make it
yummmmy 😋 thank u
cherry
can I put some sugar in it thanks for your recipe they are soooo good
Alison
All of these overight oats look soo good. Can't wait to try them.
Lacey Baier
yay, so glad you like how they look! They taste even better 😉
Sydney
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!! 🙂
Lacey Baier
It won't be quite as creamy, but yes you can leave it out. You may need to add in a bit more milk to offset the liquid or you can use a plant-based yogurt.
Cecilia
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!
Lacey Baier
What about a plant-based yogurt or a little protein powder?
C.B.
You might try ricotta cheese. It is creamy and protein packed and is not "tangy" like Greek yogurt.