Classic Overnight Oats

by Taesha Butler on Jul 31, 2014 (updated Jan 31, 2023)

5 from 3 votes

Overnight oats is a classic & favorite healthy breakfast that requires no cooking. Perfect for those hot summer months for for extra easy meal prep! This simple recipe can have all sorts of toppings added to fit your personal taste and is easily adjusted to be vegan, plant based, and/or gluten free.

Classic overnight oats in a mason jar with strawberries on top

This heat. I cannot handle this heat! I love cooking and hanging out in the kitchen and all, but not when I feel like I am about to melt into the floor!

Oatmeal is typically my family’s go-to, easy, no-thinking-required healthy breakfast…but not when it is 80+ degrees before sunrise! On those mornings, we require something hearty, but that will not add to our risk of overheating. Cue the Overnight Oats!

If I know a hot day is coming, I will make a batch of overnight oats the night before while I am packing lunches. It literally takes minutes to throw the ingredients into a mason jar or whatever container is handy, give them a little mix, and it throw in the fridge. It then “cooks” overnight in the fridge and in the morning, breakfast is done and waiting for you to gobble up.

Perfection!

I know some people get a little weirded out by the idea of cold oats, but if you can go into this tastebud experience with an open mind and palate, you might just find another breakfast to add to your recipe box to make life a little easier (and healthier).

There are many, many, MANY versions of overnight oats out there. Like salad or a smoothie, you can add pretty much whatever you want into the mix. This is my favorite, tried-and-true recipe that I have made (and will continue to make *le sigh*) frequently during the dog days of summer.

The dry ingredients for overnight oats in a mason jar

Suggested toppings & mix-ins for classic overnight oats

As I said before, this is my base recipe. I use this as a jumping off point and then add whatever I have on hand or whatever I am cravings to make the overnight oats extra exciting. Here are some ideas.

Strawberries
Blueberries*
Diced mango*
Raspberries*
Blackberries*
Peanut butter
Almond Butter
Sunflower seed butter
Ground flax meal
Chopped nuts
Shredded coconut
Pumpkin puree**
Butternut Squash puree**
Sweet potato puree**
Finely grated carrot**
Finely grated zucchini**
Grated apple
Rasins
Chopped dates
Sliced banana
Mashed banana
A few chocolate chips
Chia jam
Greek yogurt
Dried fruits

*frozen options of these work great in overnight oats since they thaw in the fridge overnight and the juices just add to the flavor!

** Yep! I totally add veggies into my overnight oats too! They work great for boosting flavor AND nutrients! My advice is to start with a little added veggie in your overnight oats and then add more as you find what flavors you like!

Can I eat overnight oats cold? Or do I warm them up first?

You do you.
The beauty of overnight oats is that they CAN be enjoyed cold (hence, no cooking!). but some people really struggle with the idea of cold oats. So if you prefer, warm them up on the stove or in the microwave for a couple minutes and enjoy them warm.

What is the texture like?

The oats soak overnight in liquid and become nice and soft. I find it has the texture similar al dente cooked oats.

Can I use steel cut oats in instead of rolled oats in this recipe?

Nope. Steel cut oats take a lot more liquid to soften .Swapping them for your rolled oats will leave you with hard oats in the morning. But, steel cut oats do great in the slow cooker or Instant Pot!

Other oatmeal recipes to serve up for breakfast

Did you try these overnight oats and now you’re hungry for more?

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5 from 3 votes