Easy overnight oats make a nourishing and satisfying breakfast. You can make a large batch so breakfast is waiting for you on even the most hectic mornings. This basic recipe lets everyone in your family add the toppings they like most!
We all know the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of that day. And it is!
After a long fast, the body is ready to be refueled. It is important to provide a well-balanced meal.
Let’s face it, mornings can be crazy! You have to get ready and if you’re a parent, you have other people to care for simultaneously.
On hectic mornings, convenience is essential! Many quick breakfast foods are loaded with sugar and have very little protein. That is no way to start the day…for anyone in the family.
Overnight oats make for a quick and nourishing breakfast!
Are overnight oats better for you?
Overnight oats are healthier than other breakfast foods, like cereal or donuts.
Since you are making them in your kitchen, you get to determine what type and how much, if any, sweetener you use. In this recipe for easy overnight oats, I use just a teaspoon of maple syrup.
Oatmeal is a fairly good source of protein. You can easily up the amount of protein by having some bacon, sausage, or hardboiled eggs. Other toppings, like nut butters, will also add protein.
Oatmeal is rich in fiber.
The process of soaking the oats overnight makes them easier to digest.
Tools Needed
You don’t need to drag out a ton of kitchen tools. Fewer dishes, yay!!
You will need:
- Jar or bowl to mix and store oats in. I love using mason jars for this because you can eat right out of it and it travels.
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
What kinds of oats do you use for overnight oats?
Rolled oats, sometimes called old-fashion oats, work best. Purchase organic whenever possible to avoid exposure to toxins like glyphosate.
Instant oats will turn to mush after an overnight soak so using them is not recommended.
I have seen recipes using steel-cut oats but have not tried it myself. I think if you would like denser, chewy oatmeal then use steel cut.
For this easy overnight oats recipe, you will also need:
- Milk – dairy and non-dairy choices all work. I have used milk, oat milk, and coconut milk with success.
- Chia seeds
- Maple syrup – this is optional. I do not add when I know I will be adding a sweeter topping to the oats.
- Cinnamon
- Salt – use an unrefined salt such as Redmond Real Salt(my favorite!)
How to make easy overnight oats
- Add all ingredients to a jar or bowl.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cover and place in frig overnight.
- Add desired topping such as fruit, nut butter, etc.
- Dig in!
Meal prep tips
Overnight oats are great for meal prep! You can make an entire week’s worth of breakfasts in about 5 minutes.
This recipe can be multiplied easily to feed a crowd!
If you will be eating at home, use a big bowl and scoop out servings each morning.
If breakfast will need to travel with you, mix it up in a large bowl, then add it to mason jars.
To have your breakfast completely finished, add topping during meal prep. I suggest letting the oats sit in the frig for at least 2 hours before adding desired toppings.
You can mix up the oats while you cook bacon or sausage links in the oven or make hard-boiled eggs.
How long are overnight oats good in the frig?
You can store the oats in the frig for up to 5 days.
The longer they soak, the more predigested they will be and the easier they will be for the body to process.
Topping Ideas
Here are a few topping ideas that will take this basic recipe up a notch!
- Sliced banana and almonds
- Nut or seed butter and jelly
- Sauteed apples and pecans
- Strawberries and coconut chips
- Fresh blueberries and raspberries
Easy Overnight Oats
Easy overnight oats make a nourishing and satisfying breakfast with just six ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats(regular oats if GF not needed)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup, optional
- 1/4 cinnamon
- pinch of unrefined salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a jar or bowl.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cover and place in frig overnight.
- Add desired topping such as fruit, nut butter, etc.
- Dig in!
Notes
Store your oats in single-serving jars or containers.
See blog post for topping ideas.
Other quick breakfast ideas
Here are a few other ideas for a quick breakfast. Just with the oats adding some additional protein like bacon, sausage, or eggs will give you a well-balanced start to the day!
Full fat yogurt and nut-free granola
Let me know in the comments what toppings you plan to add to when you make this recipe! When you share on social media, be sure to tag me!
