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Wondering where to start with overnight oats? Start here! Learn all you need to know when starting out with overnight oats and try these 6 easy overnight oatmeal recipe flavors that will certainly become your favorite!
If you have been around here for a while, you know my OBSESSION with Overnight Oats. Quite honestly, obsession may be an understatement.
I have taken small breaks from creating new overnight oats recipes, but always come back to them because you all love them so much as well. They get the most traffic, the most feedback and the most excitement of all the recipes here. So how could I stop?
I mean, Overnight Oats have their own category on here so if that doesn't tell you, then not sure what will.
Recently, I felt like something was missing though. Yes, I have a wide range of these recipes, but I really don't have a sort of "one stop shop" or "start here" post for all things overnight oatmeal. And I feel like that is important especially if you are just starting out or you saw the phrase "overnight oats" and thought, "wait, what the heck is that??"
So let this be just that! This post is a resource. Whether you are a fanatic or a first timer, this resource will still be useful for you. Hoping this resource helps but feel free to let me know if there is anything you still need beyond it!
What you will find in this post:
- A little info on what overnight oats are and why I love them
- Pro-Tips and FAQs I get about overnight oats
- Six 5-minute overnight oats recipes that I think you NEED to start with!
So let's start at the beginning:
What are Overnight Oats?
They are exactly what they sound like--oats that are prepared by soaking all the liquid up and softening throughout the night. If you want to cook rolled oats, you typically have to boil them stove top. However, if you make overnight oats, you are allowing the liquid to soak into the oats and soften them instead of boiling the oatmeal.
That's why they are called what they are called--it takes time for the oats to absorb the liquid and thus, allowing them to soak overnight in the fridge will make them ready to eat right when you wake up!
How do you make them?
All you do is stir together some milk and oats, along with some other goodies for flavor, in a jar or bowl that can be sealed shut. That's it. Then you pop them in the fridge for the night.
This is why everyone is so obsessed with this perfect bresakfast! Minimal effort, infinite flavor combos, hearty and nutritious. The very best!
What you need to make these recipes:
- rolled oats: this is what I use. Some people say steel cut oats are great but I find them to be way too chewy. If that's your thing, then you can use them as well.
- milk: this can be regular or dairy free. Use the milk that works best for you!
- sweetener: I LOVE maple syrup. It is my preferred breakfast sweetener. Use the sweetener you prefer. Honey, sugar, whatever it may be, and adjust to your liking!
- chia seeds: not necessary, but a great way to give your oats a boost of protein and fiber. Please do not go out and buy them if you are not interested. They will be fine without.
- Pinch of salt: I like to add just a pinch to my recipes for a touch more flavor. Up to you!
These are my base ingredients. Everything else adds fun and flavor!
Ok, so let's get to the goodies!
I have put together 6 recipes that I think are MUST HAVES when you starting out on your oatmeal adventures. Several of these are recipes already on the blog and a few others are new.
The Banana Bread version is the absolute most popular recipe ON THE BLOG. For years it has gotten so much traffic and engagement and many many great reviews. So clearly it works. It has been my favorite for so long as well.
The rest are super simple and delicious so without further adieu, here they are!
Banana Bread Overnight Oats 
Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats 
Peanut Butter + Jelly Overnight Oatmeal 
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats 
Almond Joy Overnight Oats 
Strawberries + Cream Overnight Oats
These 6 flavors include:
- Banana Bread Overnight Oats: Wake up to banana bread but without any of the effort! The perfect way to use up bananas that are about to turn--bonus!
- Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oatmeal: Same story, different flavor. Everyone's favorite muffin in a big hearty bowl. No baking required!
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats: While I LOOOOVE the banana bread version, I find myself making some form of this variety more often than not. Gotta gotta GOTTA have my peanut butter!
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats: I want to call this one something fancy like peanut butter cup or something, but I am just calling this one like I see it. While a basic peanut butter version is fine, when you toss in some chocolate chips, you always take things up a notch, right??
- Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oatmeal: Nothing like fresh cream with your berries, right? I love adding just a touch to my oatmeal for that rich creamy flavor. There's nothing extraordinary about this recipe, but I promise it will be a favorite!
- Almond Joy Overnight Oatmeal: Because sometimes you feel like a nut, right? My favorite candy turned into one of my very favorite breakfasts!
Overnight Oatmeal FAQs
Here are some of the FAQs I have found I get asked the most when it comes to overnight oatmeal. I will update this if more questions start popping up! (I also try to include this list on many of my overnight oats recipes for future reference.
I typically make 3 or so day’s worth at a time. 3-5 days is the range that they will last and certain ingredients in different flavors impact this. Oats with mashed banana that I make are typically not good after 2 or 3 days due to the mashed banana but other recipes are good a few days longer. Just keep fruit out of your oats until serving and that should typically help.
I prefer rolled oats in mine–I find that they soak up the milk perfectly and are nice and soft after sitting all night. I have seen others suggest steel cut oats for their overnight oats recipe but that is NOT for me. They are too hard and chewy for me. I have found that steel cut oats are best for me in the Instant Pot.
When the overnight oatmeal trend hit, it was all the rage to scoop your breakfast out of a ball jar. Heck, I still do. But don’t go out and buy cute little jars just yet. If you have a bowl that you can seal, then you are in perfect shape. Don’t feel like you have to buy anything extra to make your oatmeal in, bowls can be great as well. I have seen lots of people use the end of a peanut butter jar.
I have had readers comment or reach out saying they don’t want to eat cold oats. No one says you have to–promise! Pop them in the microwave in the morning and you are all set! Love them chilled? Great, you just get to eat them about a minute sooner!
You sure can! Add your favorite protein powder if you like! Just note that you may need to add more milk to balance it out. I usually add a touch more milk in the morning before eating them if they seem a bit thick.
Check out these other top flavors:
- Carrot Cake
- Coconut Cream Pie
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Pie
- Lemon Poppy Seed
- Peanut Butter Banana
One of my favorite one-stop shop to get ingredients for my overnight oats is through Thrive Market. Affordable, good food delivered to your door. The best part? They will match a price on a product if you find it cheaper elsewhere! Start saving with Thrive today!
6 Simple Overnight Oats Recipes
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- ½ c rolled oats
- ½ c milk of choice
For the Banana Bread
- ½ mashed banana
- 2 T chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Dash of sea salt
- 1 T ground flax optional
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup
For the Blueberry Muffin:
- ¼ c blueberries
- 1 T cashew butter (or almond butter)
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- dash of sea salt
For the Peanut Butter and Jelly:
- 2 teaspoon peanut butter (extra to drizzle if desired)
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 4-5 strawberries, mashed or chopped
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- dash of sea salt
For the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip:
- 2 teaspoon peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 T chocolate chips (I love mini chips!)
- dash of sea salt
For the Strawberries & Cream:
- 4-5 strawberries, sliced or chopped
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1-2 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2-3 teaspoon cream (half & half or heavy cream)
- dash of sea salt
For the Almond Joy:
- 2 T shredded coconut, unsweetened
- 1 T sliced almonds
- 1 T chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- small drop of almond extract (it's strong so go small--less than ¼ tsp)
- dash of sea salt
Instructions
For All Recipes:
- Combine base ingredients plus all ingredients for desired flavor in a bowl or jar that can be sealed and stir well.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Add an extra splash of milk if needed before serving. Serve hot or cold.
Notes
Nutrition
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Sue Kjelvik says
First time I’ve tried overnight oats, I made the blueberry muffin flavor. Ate it cold. OMG it was delicious. Glad I have the next three servings made too!
Lorie says
So glad you loved it Sue! It’s one of my all time faves. And there is NOTHING better than having breakfast ready and waiting for tomorrow and the next day, right?!
Hayley says
If adding ground flax and/or chia seeds, how much more milk per tablespoon would you suggest?
Lorie says
I would start with just an extra tablespoon. If it seems too thick for your liking in the morning, then add another 1-2 tablespoons!
Christy says
Hi! Can you use quick cooking oats or how might that change the taste or recipe?
Lorie says
Hi Christy! You can use them—I have done so before in a pinch. Some claim they are mushy and not as hearty. I don’t mind them. The only thing that may need to be adjusted slightly is the amount of liquid, but not by much at all.
Sophie says
I tried the Strawberries and Cream overnight oats recipe and I loved it so much! You bet I'll be making this every night. I'll soon try the other recipes too. ^^
Lorie says
Yay!! So glad to hear this—I seriously live in these! ????
Kelsey says
For the strawberries and cream one.When you say cream, what kind do you mean?
Lorie says
Hi! I typically always have half and half so that is what I use. You could use heavy cream if you prefer as well!
Katelyn says
Hi! I was wondering if you knew the calorie values for all the 6 recipes listed?
Lorie says
Hi! I can add them. I did not have that feature until recently. Thanks!!
Janelle says
I need the calories as well
Lorie says
Sorry for the delay, you should be all set now!
Jessica says
What jars do you use?
Thanks!
Lorie says
So the ones I used in these pictures are Weck jars. This size is a bit small but it works well for food photos. I often use the wide mouth pint sized Ball Jars. They have a lot more room!
Angel Grayson says
I have gotten into a habit of eating oats at night. Just seems I rest better if I have my oats. I usually add a tablespoon of crunchy peanut Butter and a dash of cacao powder then just pour in hot water and stir. Something about going to bed with a warm full tummy. Lol!! I am so glad I ran accross your blog. I have now started using the Quaker overnight oats and so far I have had banana nut oats in the morning for about a week. I’m working on my grocery list to include ingredients for all the other yummy sounding recipes. At this rate I may be eating oats for every meal. Thank you for sharing this with us. I thought I was alone in my love for this easy and comforting meal.
Lorie says
Yay!!!! So so glad to read this comment. You are most certainly not alone. I could also eat them every meal. And having them ready at any time? The best. Thanks so much Angel!!
Liz says
What a great roundup! We loved the variety of these too!
Lorie says
I can’t get enough of these flavors. Thanks so much for sharing Liz!