Description
This Healthy Overnight Oats recipe is a versatile and nutritious breakfast option perfect for busy mornings. Featuring a creamy base made with oats, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, and milk, it can be customized with eight delicious flavor variations including Snickers, Banana Cream Pie, Strawberry Banana, Chocolate Protein, Apple Pie, Lemon Blueberry, Vanilla Latte, and PB&J. Easy to prepare ahead, it’s ideal for meal prepping and can be enjoyed cold or lightly warmed.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Base Recipe
- 1 cup quick cooking oats (rolled oats work too)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup milk, any kind (unsweetened almond milk recommended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
Snickers Variation
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Banana Cream Pie Variation
- 1 medium banana, sliced
- 2-4 vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
Strawberry Banana Variation
- 1 medium banana, sliced or mashed
- 4 medium strawberries, sliced
Chocolate Protein Variation
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup milk (or more, to taste)
Apple Pie Variation
- 1/2 cup shredded apple
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
Lemon Blueberry Variation
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries, mashed
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
Vanilla Latte Variation
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Replace 1/2 cup of almond milk with brewed coffee or bold brew
PB&J Variation
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons preserves
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Place all ingredients for the base recipe (oats, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup) into a large container and mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Add flavor variations: Incorporate any desired variation ingredients into the base mixture and mix again to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Chill and set: Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight to allow the oats to soften and flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Before eating, stir the overnight oats to combine. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Top and enjoy: Garnish with additional toppings from your chosen flavor variation or fresh ingredients of your choice. Enjoy the oats cold, or optionally warm for 30-60 seconds in the microwave if desired.
Notes
- Recipe updated December 27, 2023, adding 8 flavor variations while retaining the original base recipe.
- Batch cooking: This recipe easily doubles or triples for meal prep convenience.
- Protein powder can be added (¼ cup) with an adjustment of ¼ to ⅓ cup extra milk to achieve desired texture.
- To make vegan, use plant-based yogurt and non-dairy milk alternatives.
- Nutrition information pertains only to the base recipe without flavor additions.
- Store refrigerated overnight oats for 3-5 days for freshness.
- Overnight oats are typically enjoyed cold but can be microwaved briefly (30-60 seconds) if preferred warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
