Easy Overnight Oats Recipe

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Since it’s still National Oatmeal Month, I thought I would share another one of my favorite oatmeal recipes today! Like I shared in last week’s post, oatmeal is a quick and healthy breakfast option. Mornings can be a busy time, so if you don’t have time for a hot breakfast, overnight oats may be the best option for you! Keep reading to find out what they are and for a tasty and customizable recipe.

What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are just that: oats that are prepared overnight! The great thing about them is that there is no cooking involved! All you have to do is place the ingredients in a mason jar or other container with a lid, mix them together, and stick it in the fridge. The next morning, just grab the oats and enjoy! They can be eaten cold straight from the fridge or heated in the microwave. They’re great for busy mornings and can be enjoyed by all members of the family.

They are completely customizable

There are just a few base ingredients needed for overnight oats, but the toppings are up to you! Here are some of my favorite toppings:

• Peanut or almond butter

• Chopped pecans or walnuts

• Ground flaxseed

• Berries - fresh or frozen work

• Sliced banana or apple

• Raisins or other dried fruit

• Unsweetened applesauce

• Maple syrup or honey - if you’d like it to be sweeter

• Unsweetened shredded coconut

• Plain yogurt - Greek or regular varieties work

Some of the toppings can be added while prepping the overnight oats, but many are better if added just before serving. I like to stir in a spoonful of peanut butter just before eating. Nuts and fruit tend to be better if added right before as well. Feel free to get creative!

They are allergy-friendly

Overnight oats can easily accommodate food allergies or dietary preferences. Use gluten-free oats if you’re avoiding gluten; use non-dairy milk if you’re avoiding dairy. These are my favorite varieties of oat and coconut milk because they are unsweetened and the oat milk doesn’t contain any gums which are often added to non-dairy milk as a thickener.

Overnight Oats

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds or hemp hearts
• 3/4 cup milk (non-dairy if needed)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a mason jar and stir to combine.
2. Cover and stick in the fridge overnight.
3. Remove from fridge and stir. Add a splash more milk if the mixture looks too dry for your liking.
4. Add toppings of your choice and enjoy right away!

Overnight oats with chia seeds, raisins, and pecans.

Storage

Overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. I like to prepare multiple servings at once so I can eat them all week! I prefer to take them out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before eating them so they have some time to warm up to room temperature.

Overnight oats with hemp hearts, unsweetened applesauce, and peanut butter.

I hope this post will encourage you to try something new for breakfast! Overnight oats are great for busy mornings and can make it easier to eat breakfast every day. I’d love to hear comments about your favorite toppings for overnight oats. Have a great weekend!