Simple Table Recipes
Breakfast

Creamy Overnight Oats

A simple no-cook breakfast with oats, milk, yogurt, and chia seeds that you prepare the night before.

By Simple Table Recipes · · Updated

A jar of overnight oats topped with banana, strawberries, blueberries and chopped nuts
Prep
5 min
Cook
0 min
Rest
8 hr
Total
8 hr 5 min
Makes
2 servings
Difficulty
Easy
  • Measurements grams + cups
Jump to Recipe Save on Pinterest

A simple no-cook breakfast with oats, milk, yogurt, and chia seeds that you prepare the night before.

Recipe

Creamy Overnight Oats

A simple no-cook breakfast with oats, milk, yogurt, and chia seeds that you prepare the night before.

Prep
5 min
Cook
0 min
Rest
8 hr
Total
8 hr 5 min
Yield
2 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Save on Pinterest

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Add the oats, milk, yogurt, honey, chia seeds, vanilla, and salt to a jar or bowl.
  2. Stir very well so the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
  3. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
  4. Stir the oats in the morning.
  5. Add a splash of milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
  6. Divide between two bowls or jars.
  7. Top with fresh fruit, nuts, cinnamon, or extra honey.
  8. Serve cold, or warm gently in the microwave if preferred.

Notes

  • Overnight oats keep well for about 3 days, which makes them useful for meal prep.
  • Stir thoroughly at the start. Chia seeds that clump together set into gel pockets rather than thickening the whole jar.
  • The listed time is almost entirely unattended chilling. Hands-on work is about five minutes.

Creamy Overnight Oats — Simple Table Recipes · https://simpletablerecipes.com/recipes/creamy-overnight-oats/

Equipment

  • Jar or lidded container

Substitutions

Yogurt
Greek yogurt makes them thicker and higher in protein. Leaving it out entirely works — increase the milk to 240 g.
Chia seeds
They thicken the mixture. Without them the oats are looser, so cut the milk by about 30 g.
Honey
Maple syrup, or mashed banana for no added sweetener at all.

Storage

Storing: Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The oats thicken as they sit, so loosen with milk before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do overnight oats need to sit?

At least six hours, and overnight is better. The oats need time to absorb the liquid and soften, and the chia seeds need time to gel.

Can you eat overnight oats warm?

Yes. Microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway. They are designed to be eaten cold but there is nothing wrong with warming them.

Why are my overnight oats too thick?

Oats and chia keep absorbing liquid as they sit. Stir in a splash of milk in the morning until you like the consistency — that is expected rather than a mistake.

What oats work for overnight oats?

Old-fashioned rolled oats. Instant oats turn to paste, and steel-cut oats stay hard however long they soak.

How long do they keep in the fridge?

About three days, which is what makes them useful for meal prep. Add fresh fruit at serving rather than at the start.

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