I’m sharing my Best Overnight Oats Recipe using oats, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and milk, and I reveal one small swap that makes all the difference.

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I always underestimate how satisfying simple breakfasts can be. My Overnight Oats Recipe Easy features rolled oats and plain Greek yogurt and somehow becomes better overnight, every single time.

I tell myself it will be predictable but then I open the jar and its never the same, little textures or flavors I didnt expect. Its not trying too hard and thats the point, especially when mornings are messy and patience is low.

Makes me feel like I found a tiny cheat code for breakfast, simple, useful and a little bit clever. I almost never get tired of it.

Ingredients

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Rolled oats: Whole grain base, high in fiber and slow carbs, keeps you full all morning.
Chia seeds: Tiny but mighty, packed with omega 3 fiber and a pudding like texture.
Greek yogurt: Creamy, tangy, boosts protein and creaminess, helps make oats feel rich.
Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness, warm caramel notes, use sparingly if you watch sugar.
Milk: Thins mixture, adds calcium and more protein if dairy milk is used.
Vanilla extract: Tiny splash gives cozy fragrant sweetness, makes everything taste homemade.
Toppings: Fresh fruit adds brightness, nuts add crunch and healthy fats, nut butter for richness.

Ingredient Quantities

1/2 cup rolled oats (old fashioned oats not quick oats)

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, full fat or low fat you choose

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, or more if you like it sweeter

1/2 to 3/4 cup milk (dairy or any plant milk)

Pinch of salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional

Optional toppings: fresh berries, sliced banana, chopped nuts or a spoonful of nut butter

How to Make this

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1. Put 1/2 cup rolled oats and 1 tablespoon chia seeds into a jar or bowl (use old fashioned oats not quick oats, they keep texture better).

2. Add 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, a pinch of salt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract if you want it.

3. Pour in 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk depending on how thick you like it, start with 1/2 cup and add more later if it seems too thick.

4. Stir everything really well so the oats and chia are evenly coated, press the mixture down a bit so no big air pockets, you’ll get better texture that way.

5. Cover the jar or bowl and refrigerate at least 4 hours but preferably overnight, that lets the oats soften and the chia thicken the mix.

6. In the morning give it a good stir, add a splash more milk if it’s too stiff, taste and add more maple syrup if you like it sweeter.

7. Top with fresh berries, sliced banana, chopped nuts or a spoonful of nut butter, whatever you like.

8. If you prefer it warm, microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, stir and check temperature, don’t overcook or it gets gluey.

9. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days, shake or stir before eating.

Equipment Needed

1. Mason jar or other airtight container for mixing and storing overnight oats
2. 1/2 cup measuring cup plus measuring spoons (tablespoon and 1/2 teaspoon)
3. Small mixing bowl if you prefer not to mix in the jar
4. Spoon or rubber spatula for stirring and pressing the mix down
5. Fork or small whisk to break up clumps and blend yogurt in
6. Knife and cutting board for slicing banana or chopping nuts
7. Microwave safe bowl or container and a microwave if you want it warm
8. Lid or plastic wrap to cover while it chills in the fridge

FAQ

Q: How long should I soak these overnight oats? A: At least 4 hours will do, but 6 to 8 hours is ideal. Overnight (about 8 hours) gives the best texture, chill them in the fridge while they soak.

Q: Can I use quick oats or steel cut oats instead? A: Dont use quick oats, they get mushy. Steel cut oats need to be cooked first, they wont soften enough just sitting in milk.

Q: How do I fix the texture if its too thick or too runny? A: Stir in a splash of milk to thin, or add a little more yogurt or an extra teaspoon of chia seeds to thicken. Let it sit 5 minutes after stirring so chia can do its thing.

Q: Can I make a big batch and how long will it last? A: Yes you can make multiple jars. Store airtight in the fridge up to 3 to 4 days. After that flavor and texture start to change, especially if you add fruit.

Q: Is it ok to heat overnight oats? A: Sure, you can warm them in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds or heat gently on the stove, but they wont be the same creamy chilled texture you get cold.

Q: What are good toppings and flavor swaps? A: Fresh berries, sliced banana, chopped nuts, a spoonful of nut butter, cinnamon, cocoa powder or a little lemon zest all work great. Adjust the maple syrup if you like it sweeter.

Overnight Oats Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Overnight oats are the easiest breakfast ever, creamy and ready when you wake up. I make a big jar at night and it’s like a little hug in the morning, honestly. Here’s the basic recipe I use.

Ingredients

1/2 cup rolled oats (old fashioned oats not quick oats)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, full fat or low fat you choose
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, or more if you like it sweeter
1/2 to 3/4 cup milk (dairy or any plant milk)
Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Optional toppings: fresh berries, sliced banana, chopped nuts or a spoonful of nut butter

Directions
1. In a jar or bowl stir together oats, chia, yogurt, maple syrup, salt and vanilla.
2. Add 1/2 cup milk, stir till combined, add more milk if you want it looser.
3. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
4. In the morning give it a stir, add toppings and enjoy cold or heat for 30 seconds if you like it warm.

Substitutions

Rolled oats: quick oats will work for a softer, mushier texture and soak faster, quinoa flakes are a gluten free alternative with a slightly nutty taste, steel cut oats need to be cooked first so use 1/2 cup cooked steel cut if you prefer chew.
Chia seeds: ground flaxseed works as a thickener in equal amounts, hemp seeds add protein but won’t gel as much so expect a looser texture.
Greek yogurt: swap for 1:1 dairy free yogurt (coconut, soy) or blend silken tofu for creamy, lower sugar skyr or cottage cheese also work but will change texture.
Maple syrup: honey or agave are easy swaps, or use 1/2 mashed banana for natural sweetness and extra creaminess, adjust to taste.

Quick tips: if it seems too thick in the morning just stir in a splash of milk, and if you like crunchy toppings add them right before eating so they don’t go soggy.

Pro Tips

1. Start with the smaller amount of milk and stir after chilling, you can always thin it with a splash in the morning but you cant fix one that is too thin.

2. Toast the rolled oats in a dry skillet for a few minutes until they smell nutty, let them cool before mixing so the yogurt doesnt warm up and turn thin.

3. Pulse the oats briefly in a blender if you want a smoother, less chewy texture, it makes it more porridge like without losing all the bite.

4. Add a tiny extra pinch of salt than you think you need, it lifts the maple and yogurt flavors; taste before adding more sweetener.

Overnight Oats Recipe

Recipe by Tina Bueller

0.0 from 0 votes

I’m sharing my Best Overnight Oats Recipe using oats, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and milk, and I reveal one small swap that makes all the difference.

Servings

servings

Calories

451

kcal

Equipment: 1. Mason jar or other airtight container for mixing and storing overnight oats
2. 1/2 cup measuring cup plus measuring spoons (tablespoon and 1/2 teaspoon)
3. Small mixing bowl if you prefer not to mix in the jar
4. Spoon or rubber spatula for stirring and pressing the mix down
5. Fork or small whisk to break up clumps and blend yogurt in
6. Knife and cutting board for slicing banana or chopping nuts
7. Microwave safe bowl or container and a microwave if you want it warm
8. Lid or plastic wrap to cover while it chills in the fridge

Ingredients

1/2 cup rolled oats (old fashioned oats not quick oats)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, full fat or low fat you choose
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, or more if you like it sweeter
1/2 to 3/4 cup milk (dairy or any plant milk)
Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Optional toppings: fresh berries, sliced banana, chopped nuts or a spoonful of nut butter

Directions

Put 1/2 cup rolled oats and 1 tablespoon chia seeds into a jar or bowl (use old fashioned oats not quick oats, they keep texture better).
Add 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, a pinch of salt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract if you want it.
Pour in 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk depending on how thick you like it, start with 1/2 cup and add more later if it seems too thick.
Stir everything really well so the oats and chia are evenly coated, press the mixture down a bit so no big air pockets, you'll get better texture that way.
Cover the jar or bowl and refrigerate at least 4 hours but preferably overnight, that lets the oats soften and the chia thicken the mix.
In the morning give it a good stir, add a splash more milk if it's too stiff, taste and add more maple syrup if you like it sweeter.
Top with fresh berries, sliced banana, chopped nuts or a spoonful of nut butter, whatever you like.
If you prefer it warm, microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, stir and check temperature, don't overcook or it gets gluey.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days, shake or stir before eating.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.