Want an easy breakfast the whole family will enjoy? An easy overnight oats recipe is the answer! Super simple, incredibly delicious and good for you, too. This meal is perfect for busy mornings!
Easy Overnight Oats
Are you a breakfast person? For the longest time, I could never eat breakfast food. I’m not sure why.
Give me leftover pasta, sliced meat from the night before. Leftover lasagna, yes I was that person. Breakfast food never sounded good.
Probably because I was usually eating alone.
Now, Dan and I make a point of eating breakfast together and usually the evening meal too. It just makes it more fun when you’re enjoying a meal with someone rather than by yourself!
Now I like to eat breakfast; Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats, Avocado Toast Breakfast Sandwich, a Papaya Breakfast Bowl or a stack of Pumpkin Pancakes, YUM!
Honestly, I feel better since I’ve been more deliberate about mealtime and one of my go-to breakfast meals is overnight oatmeal. It’s an easy breakfast and everyone loves it – no boring oatmeal here!
And if you’re like us when you’re dashing around and you’re all going different ways, making it ahead the night before is definitely the way to go!
Knowing that breakfast is nutritious? Big plus there!!!
Overnight Oatmeal Recipe
Do you eat overnight oatmeal hot or cold?
Actually you can eat them either way. The trick is – you simply mix up the oatmeal the night before and tuck it in the fridge. The next day, enjoy!
Heat it up, don’t heat it up – it’s totally up to you!
Is overnight oatmeal healthy?
Yes, this is a super healthy meal and what a great way to start the day!
- Oats are really good for you! A great source fiber, oats fill you up fast and longer and can help you loose weight!
- As a whole grain, oats can help you lower your risk for diabetes (and you know I’m always talking about that!) and also help reduce your cholesterol.
- A bowl of oatmeal is a balanced meal and contains lots of good nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
- If the reasons above don’t convince you – then how about this… oatmeal is delicious!
How long do they last?
Easy overnight oats will last in the refrigerator up to five days. If you make them in small mason jars, you can even screw on the lid and tuck them into your purse or lunch bag. No need to skip breakfast now!
What types of oats are best for you?
You’ll easily find several different types of oatmeal at the grocery store. The most common are:
- Steel cut oats are the least processed and are considered more nutritious. They take a little longer to cook and taste nuttier than rolled oats, but they are delicious! Can you use steel cut oatmeal in overnight oats? Yes, you’ll just need to use more liquid. (takes the longest to cook)
- Rolled oats, often called old-fashioned oats, would be my second choice as they are processed a bit more than the steel cut. (very inexpensive!)
- Instant Oatmeal has been processed the most and often has added sugars and preservatives. (quick and easy)
Here’s the deal – choose whichever oatmeal works best for you, your family and your budget! No judgment, right?
If you can get a good, nutritious meal in your kids, hubby, best gal – whomever – before they hit the road in the morning, that’s what matters!
Ingredients for Easy Overnight Oats Recipe
- steel cut or old-fashioned oatmeal
- milk
- nuts
- fruit
This Overnight Oats Recipe can be a total brunch thing – cute and deliciously served in small jelly jars and easily stored in the refrigerator.
You can make it ahead so that’s a definite plus! It’s also perfect for a weekday breakfast.
In a hurry? Double the recipe!
It will last in the fridge up to five days.
Here’s how easy this is to make!
- Measure equal parts of Oatmeal and liquid – such as milk, nut milk or even yogurt. Pour it over the oatmeal. Cover it and refrigerate overnight.
- If you’re using steel cut oatmeal, increase the liquid by half – instead of 1 cup use 1 1/2 cups.
- In the morning, simply slice and chop your favorite fruit. Add granola, chopped nuts or a spoonful of chia seeds and serve. It’s really that easy!
- Top the oatmeal with ingredients you enjoy! This is a total “make it your way” type recipe! Don’t have strawberries? Use blueberries, sliced peaches or raspberries. Chia seeds not your thing? Chopped walnuts or pecans would be delicious. A spoonful of your favorite granola will add a nice crunch!
Not into breakfast oatmeal? Then have a couple 3 ingredient Oatmeal cookies! They are perfect for breakfast, trust me!
More breakfast recipes to enjoy!
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Easy Overnight Oats Recipe
Easy Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut or old fashioned oatmeal
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup granola
- 2 tsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Split the oatmeal between two bowls stir and add 1/2 cup of milk to each bowl. Cover it and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, slice and chop your favorite fruit. Top the oatmeal with granola, chopped nuts and/or a spoonful of chia seeds and serve. It’s really that easy!
Liza
Oh, this is PERFECT! 1. I am NOT a morning person, so something that can be done overnight for a breakfast – is the BEST! 2. Oats are so good for us! 3. This recipe looks SO YUMMY!!!! 🙂 Thanks, Debra!!! 🙂
Bowl Me Over
Ha! I am totally the opposite Liza – I can accomplish a ton before 11am – after that… well I do my best! 🙂 Gotta love a recipe that is good and good for you too – enjoy Liza! Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment!!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
I didn’t think steel cut oats would soften up enough overnight to be edible. I mean, old fashioned, yes, but steel cut are the whole oat and chaff… do they really soak up the moisture?
Bowl Me Over
I’ve made this with old fashioned & steel cut – the texture is different with the steel cut Lisa, but they tasted great too. They soaked up everything so it’s really personal preference. Thank you so much for leaving a note!
Sara
These look perfect for breakfast! I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Bowl Me Over
So yummy, enjoy Sara and thank you for stopping by!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
I love overnight oats 🙂 This looks so delicious– the drizzle of honey on top! Beautiful.
Bowl Me Over
Love the idea of jars Michelle, grab ‘n go always works in my house!
Amanda | Chew Town
Overnight oats are the perfect way to eat a quick breakfast and get out the door. I always used to make them in jars and grab one to eat when I got to work. Love it!
Bowl Me Over
I so agree Amanda! And making them in jars is the perfect grab ‘n go breakfast!!
Brian Jones
I’ve never tried this obviously seen it loads though, I generally prefer my porridge hot and warming, lovely flavours in the topping.
Bowl Me Over
Never know Brian, you might find out you really like overnight oats – I hope you give it a try!
[email protected]
I love overnight oats since they’re so customizable and easy to make. It’s great waking up to breakfast already made. These look so Yummy!
Bowl Me Over
You know I think you really hit on it there – wake up to a beautiful breakfast! Best part, have a great day Stephanie!!
Mary // Chattavore
I’ve been looking for a way to break out of my breakfast rut, and this sounds like a great place to start – especially with all the fresh summer fruits that are available or will be soon!
Bowl Me Over
Oh yes, what a great way to break up your routine – enjoy Mary!
Kristen
These really look wonderful! I <3 overnight oats!
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Kristen, enjoy and have a terrific day!!
Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction
I love overnight oats! This looks wonderful!
Bowl Me Over
Thank you so much Marsha, I appreciate you stopping by!!
Beth
i have never made overnight oats before but these bowls look just delicious!
Bowl Me Over
Add it to your routine Beth – so good and so good for you!!
Angela
Drool worthy breakfast right there! I’ve still not tried overnight oats! I need to try this!
Bowl Me Over
You need to Angela – overnight oats are delicious, enjoy!! 🙂
peter @Feed Your Soul Too
I have yet to try this and every time I see this kind of recipe, it gives me a kick in the pants to be healthier. Thx for the push – now I need to follow through. It has to be good with the fruit and honey added.
Bowl Me Over
Good luck Peter! I know we all strive to be healthier and some things are easier than others. I hope you enjoy this recipe!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
I love the idea of doing the work the night before. I LOVE a grab and go option!
Bowl Me Over
Mornings are always such a crazy rush, being able to grab-n-go works for us too – thanks Dorothy!
Kavey Favelle
I’ve still not tried overnight oats, really must though may wait till it’s cooler as we’re in a hot spell here just now!
Bowl Me Over
I love how easy they are and pulling them outa the fridge on a busy morning makes them even yummier! Thanks Kavey!
Charissa N.
If I won, I would buy a new cat tree for my kitties.
Bowl Me Over
Oh how fun and what a GREAT treat for the kitties, love it Charissa!!!
Liza
What an amazing an easy recipe! I always rush in the morning and this one is a life-savior!
PATRICIA
My daughter swears by steel-cut oats! Now, you’ve convinced me to try them!!
Bowl Me Over
Most definitely Patricia! It’s a wonderful breakfast, enjoy!
Robin Creager
I’d use the $300 Amazon gift card to buy my grandson gifts from Nat’l Geographic Kids.
Antoinette M
I would use the Amazon gift card for a TV.
Bowl Me Over
oooh how fun! Good luck Antionette!
Megan Wilson
I will buy more presents for my family, including my 4 kids!
Bowl Me Over
How wonderful – Merry Christmas to you Megan and good luck in the giveaway!
Lewis Johnson
That looks like the perfect breakfast.
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Lewis, I love oat too! It’s a great way to start the day!!