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    Home » Recipe Index » Breakfast

    The Best Make Ahead Overnight Oats Recipes

    October 24, 2021 By Rebecca Breakfast, Recipe Index

    multiple photos of overnight oatmeal with text overlay

    Overnight oats are a great breakfast for busy or sleepy mornings. Check out these delicious xx overnight oats recipes to make ahead of time so you'll have delicious breakfasts in no time in the mornings.

    four photos of overnight oats in jars with text overlay

    Table of contents

    • What makes for easy overnight oats
    • Making overnight oats
    • Tips/Basic Substitutions
    • How to Store
    • FAQ
    • Check out these delicious Overnight Oats options
    • What can I make with leftover ingredients?

    What makes for easy overnight oats

    overnight oats ingredients on a table
    • 1 part OLD FASHIONED/ROLLED OATS
    • 1 part YOGURT
    • 1 part FRUIT
    • 1-2 parts MILK
    • 1-2 teaspoons of OTHER TOPPINGS to add sweetness or texture to your overnight oats recipes (like honey, sugar, vanilla, banana, maple syrup, chia seeds, nuts or nut butter, etc)

    Making overnight oats

    oats, yogurt, and frozen berries in a glass jar

    I like to add equal parts of oats, yogurt, fruit, and one and a half to double the milk to really any of my overnight oats recipes. Then add in other toppings.

    pouring milk into jar with oats, yogurt, and berries

    Layer in the ingredients into a bowl or glass jar, add milk last, cover all ingredients with milk. You can mix it all together, but you don't have to. I don't. That's one step too many. Make 1+ servings for one breakfast or a week's worth.

    Tips/Basic Substitutions

    • How long do they need to be refrigerated for: I've read they can be eaten after just 4 hours, but I recommend at least overnight. That way any of your overnight oats recipes will absorb the milk and have a nice texture without being too liquidy.
    • What kind of oats to use: Rolled or old fashioned oats (they're the same) make a slightly chewy, soft oatmeal. Add extra milk if making steel cut oats. Quick cooking oats get soggy, so I don't recommend them in any overnight oats recipes.
    • Frozen fruit is a great addition, it thaws in the oats and adds lots of juicy fruity flavor.
    • Use your milk of choice: dairy, soy, coconut, almond milk, etc.
    • Great add-ins: fresh or frozen fruit, banana, chia seeds, other seeds, nut butter, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate shavings, etc.

    How to Store

    Store your overnight oats recipes in an airtight container of your choice. I recommend just storing them in the container you'll eat them in.

    Glass jars are great as you can see what's in them, and they don't take up much room in the fridge. But they're heavy.

    Other heavy plastic or glass containers are great. You can cover a bowl with a reusable cover or plastic wrap, but you may want an airtight and sealable container if you plan on taking any of your overnight oats recipes to-go.

    berry overnight oats in a glass jar

    FAQ

    Are overnight oats unhealthy?

    Instead of focusing on the healthiness of certain foods, it's helpful to include a couple food groups in your overnight oats recipes, eat a variety of foods and find ways to be less stressed around food.

    Why are my overnight oats slimy?

    Properly made overnight oats can be a bit slimy, because the oats absorb liquid from the milk and yogurt. Not enough liquid can make your oats thick and hard, too much will make the soupy.

    Your overnight oats recipe could also be getting moldy. Do a quick sniff test to make sure they're safe to eat, they'll smell bad before they'll make you sick if they've been sitting int he fridge for a long time.

    Check out these delicious Overnight Oats options

    Fruity Oats

    Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
    Make these easy and delicious apple cinnamon overnight oats in 5 minutes so you can have a delicious and super easy grab and go breakfast
    Check out this recipe
    apple cinnamon overnight oats in a glass jar
    Blueberry Overnight Oatmeal
    Take a few seconds to make this simple overnight oats recipe with blueberries. It doesn't require any cooking and is really easy
    Check out this recipe
    Overnight Oats Popsicle
    Turn overnight oats into a refreshing popsicle treat, it's great in the summer and as a grab and go breakfast.
    Check out this recipe
    Chocolate Covered Strawberry Overnight Oats
    Top chocolate overnight oats with a chocolate covered strawberry for a fun and delicious take on the romantic dessert.
    Check out this recipe
    Easy Overnight Oats with Yogurt
    Skip the drive-thru & empty belly, take a few minutes to prep these easy overnight oats with yogurt to spend NO time making breakfast in the morning. 
    Check out this recipe
    three glass mason jars in a row with oats, yogurt, and fruit on top
    Apple Crisp Overnight Oats
    If your mornings are crazy busy, breakfast doesn't get any easier than this easy apple crisp overnight oats recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    Overnight Oats with Banana Almond Butter
    Top these overnight oats with banana almond butter with your favorite fresh fruit.
    Check out this recipe
    two jars of overnight oats with mango on top and text overlay
    Loaded Vanilla Strawberry Overnight Oats
    Make one or several bowls of these loaded vanilla overnight oats and have a healthy hearty breakfast waiting for you!
    Check out this recipe
    Banana Mango Overnight Oats
    Add great flavor and good nutrition to your family’s morning meal with this easy-to-make recipe for Banana Mango Overnight Oats.
    Check out this recipe
    Apple Overnight Oats
    Pressed for time in the morning, but don’t want to skimp on a nutritious and filling breakfast? Make these Apple Overnight Oats and breakfast will be ready for you as you run out the door!
    Check out this recipe
    Strawberry Vanilla Overnight Oats
    Strawberry Vanilla Overnight Oats are easy to make ahead and delicious to enjoy for any meal on the go. These oats are filling thanks to the fiber and protein in Greek yogurt.
    Check out this recipe
    Lemon Overnight Oats
    These lemon overnight oats are a refreshing take on breakfast. Tart and sweet, these are perfect for sunny weather!
    Check out this recipe
    Pumpkin Apple Pie Overnight Oats
    What’s better than dessert for breakfast? These Pumpkin Apple Pie Overnight Oats! Only 5 minutes of prep time and you have yourself a delectable treat for breakfast!
    Check out this recipe
    Berry Cherry Overnight Oats
    Make your mornings easier with these easy berry cherry overnight oats, they're packed with delicious ingredients to fill you up and keep you satisfied.
    Check out this recipe

    Nutty Oats

    Peanut Butter Overnight Oats with Banana
    These peanut butter overnight oats with banana are a great and delicious way to get the morning started, without any cooking or prepping in the morning.
    Check out this recipe
    jar of oats with peanut butter, yogurt, banana
    Nutty Chocolate Overnight Oats
    This one’s for all you chocolate lovers! My nutty chocolate overnight oats recipe combines oats with cashews, chia seeds, and coconut for a filling breakfast that you can make in less than five minutes.
    Check out this recipe
    Overnight Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal
    This easy Overnight Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal is delicious! This peanut butter oatmeal is made with chia seeds, honey and walnuts, so it's a healthy breakfast, too.
    Check out this recipe
    Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
    Plan ahead and throw together this simple peanut butter banana overnight oats recipe with coconut flakes and crunchy cacao nibs before bed and wake up with one less line on your to-do list!
    Check out this recipe

    Chocolatey Oats

    Chocolate Vegan Overnight Oats
    These Chocolate Vegan Overnight Oats make a nutritious easy breakfast that is ready to go the next morning. Just fill a large mason jar with rolled oats, chocolate, almond butter and ripe bananas & refrigerate till the next day.
    Check out this recipe
    Peppermint Mocha Overnight Oats
    Ho, Ho, Ho, get your morning cup of Joe in this gluten-free, protein-packed Peppermint Mocha Overnight Oats!
    Check out this recipe

    Oats with Veggies in them

    Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
    Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are like waking up to a healthy dessert for breakfast. A protein packed breakfast loaded with carrots, pineapple and chopped pecans.
    Check out this recipe
    Chocolate Zucchini Overnight Oats
    Chocolate Zucchini Overnight Oats are a healthy easy breakfast option you can prepare in advance. This no cook recipe will keep a few days in the fridge, and can be made gluten free and dairy free!
    Check out this recipe

    Other Oats

    Maple Vanilla Overnight Oats
    If you, like most people, are rushed in the morning, overnight oats are a fabulous option for a quick healthy breakfast. Instead of cooking you simply soak the oats overnight and they are ready to eat the next morning. Just grab and go!
    Check out this recipe
    Overnight Oatmeal Chia Pudding with Berries
    This overnight oatmeal chia pudding recipe is spiked with vanilla, honey and berries for a healthy and easy make-ahead breakfast full of protein, fiber and omega-3s.
    Check out this recipe
    SunButter and Jelly Overnight Oats
    Head back to school with these SunButter and Jelly Overnight Oats, a make-ahead breakfast that’s delicious and nutritious, plus food allergy friendly for the entire family!
    Check out this recipe

    What can I make with leftover ingredients?

    • Oats: Single Serving Baked Oatmeal Cups, Protein Granola, PB Granola, Oatmeal Cherry Bars, 10 Minute PB Chocolate Energy Bites, or Single Serving Stove Top Peach Crisp.
    • Yogurt: Broccoli Salad with Greek Yogurt, PB Greek Yogurt Dip, or Semi Homemade BBQ Ranch Dressing.
    • Fruit: Homemade Firecracker Popsicles, Oatmeal Cherry (or other fruit) Bars, DIY Waffle Bar.

    Did you make any of these overnight oats recipes? Leave me a comment & rating to share how they turned out!

    Want to get more single serving recipes like these overnight oats recipes delivered to your inbox? Click here to download my Single Serving Cookbook.

    Recipes are great, but you’ll need a simple 3 step process to create a meal plan that make cooking easy & helps you stop wasting food. Check out this expertly developed meal planning guide to get started. 

    More Breakfast

    • Coffee Chia Pudding
    • Single Serving Apple Crisp
    • Baked Oats for One
    • Peanut Butter Yogurt and Dip

    About Rebecca

    Welcome! I’m Rebecca, a food loving dietitian. On Nourish Nutrition, you’ll find real, quick, and nourishing recipes for one that'll get you to want to cook for yourself, because you deserve it.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sharon @ What The Fork says

      September 06, 2017 at 8:03 am

      Thanks for including my Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        September 07, 2017 at 4:55 pm

        absolutely! They look really tasty

        Reply
    2. Shannon @ KISS in the Kitchen says

      September 06, 2017 at 1:14 pm

      Oh my goodness, this is one of the best collection of overnight oats I've ever seen! Bookmarking!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        September 07, 2017 at 4:54 pm

        yay! thanks

        Reply
    3. Brynn at The Domestic Dietitian says

      September 06, 2017 at 1:40 pm

      What a perfect post since we are just getting back into the swing of school drop off in the morning! Love overnight outs and this round up is full of delicious goodness.

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        September 07, 2017 at 4:53 pm

        totally! good luck with the transition & they look really good, don't they?!

        Reply
    4. Abbie Gellman says

      September 06, 2017 at 7:20 pm

      Great for back to school and cooler weather! Looking forward to trying some of these

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        September 07, 2017 at 4:52 pm

        yes! they're really quick & are great warmed up

        Reply
    5. Kelly @ TastingPage says

      September 07, 2017 at 3:23 pm

      I love overnight oats. Not only are they tasty, but it's so convenient to have your breakfast waiting for you in the morning!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        September 07, 2017 at 4:51 pm

        Amen!

        Reply
    6. Abbey Sharp says

      September 07, 2017 at 4:13 pm

      Yes!! My fav breakfast of all time! I'm bookmarking this page for sure!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        September 07, 2017 at 4:50 pm

        mine too for sure! Thanks

        Reply
    7. Rachel says

      September 07, 2017 at 5:16 pm

      Great roundup! Looks like I really do need to get on the overnight oat train!!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        September 08, 2017 at 4:49 pm

        ya! try it

        Reply
    8. Jessica @Small Bites by Jessica says

      September 07, 2017 at 6:37 pm

      These all look so good! What a great overnight oat collection!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        September 08, 2017 at 4:49 pm

        thanks Jessica, I was presented with so many great options

        Reply
    9. Carmy @ carmyy.com says

      September 07, 2017 at 9:08 pm

      my partner and I LOVE overnight oats! I'll have to try a couple of these out!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        September 08, 2017 at 4:48 pm

        me too! LMK how they go

        Reply
    10. Sarah Remmer says

      September 08, 2017 at 9:53 am

      Can't wait to try a few of these!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        September 14, 2017 at 8:06 am

        totally! there are lots of great recipes here 🙂

        Reply

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    of Nourish Nutrition

    At Nourish Nutrition, you'll find bold, flavorful recipes for one. Most are single serving, and all have suggestions to use up the leftover ingredients so you can stop throwing away unused ingredients & leftovers!

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