Homemade Overnight Oats Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Delicious

Overnight oats are the perfect breakfast solution for busy mornings. With just a few minutes of prep the night before, you’ll wake up to a healthy, delicious, customizable meal ready to go. This basic overnight oats recipe is simple to make and can be tailored to your taste with various toppings and mix-ins.

Homemade Overnight Oats Recipe

Basic Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup milk (or any dairy-free alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for added texture and nutrients)
• 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Toppings (optional but recommended):

• Fresh fruits: berries, banana slices, or chopped apples
• Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds
• Nut butter: peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter
• Chocolate chips, granola, or coconut flakes

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients:

In a jar or small bowl, mix the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir until everything is well combined.

2. Seal and Refrigerate:

Cover the jar or bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 4-6 hours. This gives the oats time to absorb the liquid and soften.

3. Add Toppings and Serve:

In the morning, give the oats a quick stir and add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or nut butter. You can eat the oats cold straight from the fridge, or warm them up in the microwave for about 30 seconds if you prefer a hot breakfast.

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Flavor Variations:

You can customize your overnight oats to match your preferences. Here are a few popular variations to try:

• Peanut Butter Banana: Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter and top with banana slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Berry Blast: Mix in fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries) for a burst of flavor.
• Chocolate Almond: Stir in 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder and top with sliced almonds and chocolate chips.
• Apple Cinnamon: Add 1/2 a chopped apple and a dash of cinnamon for a fall-inspired breakfast.

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Tips for the Best Overnight Oats:

• Use rolled oats: Instant oats can get too mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough, so rolled oats are the best choice for this recipe.
• Make it vegan: Swap the milk for almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• Adjust thickness: If your oats are too thick in the morning, stir in more milk to reach your desired consistency.