Description
This Healthy Overnight Oats recipe is a simple, nutritious, and customizable make-ahead breakfast option perfect for busy mornings. The base recipe combines oats, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, milk, vanilla, and maple syrup, which can be tailored with 8 delicious flavor variations such as Snickers, Banana Cream Pie, Strawberry Banana, Chocolate Protein, Apple Pie, Lemon Blueberry, Vanilla Latte, and PB&J. Refrigerate overnight for a creamy, ready-to-eat meal that’s high in protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Base Recipe
- 1 cup quick cooking oats (rolled oats work too)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup milk, any kind (unsweetened almond milk recommended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
Snickers Variation
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Banana Cream Pie Variation
- 1 medium banana, sliced
- 2-4 vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
Strawberry Banana Variation
- 1 medium banana, sliced or mashed
- 4 medium strawberries, sliced
Chocolate Protein Variation
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup milk or more, to taste
Apple Pie Variation
- 1/2 cup shredded apple
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
Lemon Blueberry Variation
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries, mashed
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
Vanilla Latte Variation
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Replace 1/2 cup of almond milk with brewed coffee or bold brew
PB&J Variation
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons preserves
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: Place all ingredients for the base recipe—oats, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup—into a large container and mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Add Flavors: Incorporate any desired flavor variation ingredients into the base mixture and stir again to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Refrigerate: Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the oats to soak and absorb the liquids for a creamy texture.
- Stir Before Serving: When ready to eat, stir the overnight oats well. Add more milk to adjust the consistency to your liking, whether you prefer it thick or more liquid.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Top your oats with additional flavor toppings if desired and enjoy cold straight from the fridge. Optionally, heat for 30-60 seconds in the microwave if you prefer warm oats.
Notes
- This recipe was updated on December 27, 2023, to include 8 different flavor variations while maintaining the same base.
- Great for batch cooking and meal prep; can be doubled or tripled easily.
- Add ¼ cup protein powder to the base recipe for extra protein, adjusting milk quantity as needed.
- To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based yogurt and non-dairy milk.
- Nutrition info applies only to the base recipe without flavor variations.
- Overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days safely.
- If preferred warm, microwave for 30-60 seconds before eating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (half the base recipe)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
