Food & Cooking

How to Make Overnight Oats: One Base Recipe, Five Flavours

Two minutes the night before, a ready breakfast in the morning. Master the base, then mix it up.

Editorial TeamNovember 4, 20261 min read

Overnight oats are the easiest healthy breakfast there is. You mix everything in a jar at night, and by morning the oats are soft, creamy and ready to eat.

The base recipe (1 serving)

  • ½ cup (45 g) rolled oats
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk or plant milk
  • ¼ cup (60 g) yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional, for thickness)
  • A little honey or maple syrup to taste
  • A pinch of salt

How to make it

  1. Add everything to a jar or container.
  2. Stir well, making sure no dry oats are stuck at the bottom.
  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
  4. In the morning, stir again and add a splash of milk if it's too thick.
Pro tipUse rolled oats, not instant oats. Instant oats go mushy, while steel-cut oats stay too hard without cooking.

Five flavour ideas

  • Apple pie: grated apple, cinnamon and a few chopped walnuts
  • Berry: frozen mixed berries — they thaw overnight
  • Chocolate banana: 1 teaspoon cocoa powder and sliced banana
  • Peanut butter: a spoonful of peanut butter and a drizzle of honey
  • Tropical: mango, coconut flakes and a squeeze of lime

Can you meal prep it?

Yes. Overnight oats keep well in the fridge for two to three days, so you can make several jars at once. Add crunchy toppings like nuts or granola just before eating so they stay crisp.

Prefer it warm? Heat your oats in the microwave for a minute and stir.

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