This Classic Overnight Oats recipe comes together in about 5 minutes and requires no cooking! It’s a quick and easy breakfast option that your family will love! Trust me, breakfast just got a whole lot easier and tastier!
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what you’ll need to make these creamy, satisfying overnight oats. The measurements here are for a single serving, but feel free to scale up if you’re feeding a crowd!
0.5 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: This is the star of the show! Make sure to use rolled oats and not instant oats, as they hold their texture beautifully overnight.
0.5 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice): I love how almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavor, but cow’s milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk works too!
0.25 cup vanilla yogurt (regular or Greek): This adds a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. Plus, the probiotics are a nice bonus for your gut health!
0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because who doesn’t love a little extra flavor? Just a dash will brighten everything up.
1 tablespoon maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener, to taste): This is the secret weapon for that delightful sweetness. But feel free to adjust it to your family’s taste, or swap it for honey or agave if you prefer.
1 pinch salt: Just a couple pinches will enhance all those delicious flavors.
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Basic Overnight Oats
In a bowl or jar, combine the oats and a pinch of salt. I like to use a mason jar because it’s easy to seal and shake up later!
Add your milk. Pour in the almond milk (or whichever you chose). Stir the oats and milk together until all the oats are submerged, this keeps them from drying out.
Next, add the yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Mix everything really well, like, give it a solid stir. You want that yogurt to blend into the creamy goodness, so there are no clumps.
Cover it up! Use a lid or plastic wrap to seal your jar or bowl tightly. This is key, as we want our oats to soak up all that liquid and flavor as they sit overnight.
Refrigerate: Pop your delicious mixture into the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best! The oats soften and absorb all those flavors; it’s like they’re marinating in all that goodness!
The next morning, take it out and give it a little stir to mix everything up again. You might want to add a splash of milk here to loosen it up, depending on how thick you like it.
Serve it up! You can top with fresh fruits, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra kick. Seriously, the sky’s the limit!
If you loved this Basic Overnight Oats, be sure to check out my Coconut Cream Oats, my Low Calorie Overnight Oats, or my cookie dough overnight oats!
Why This Recipe Works
Customizable: Use Whatever Ingredients You Have
The beauty of Basic Overnight Oats is that they’re practically begging for you to make them your own. Got leftover fruit? Throw it in! Nuts sitting around that need a purpose? Toss ‘em in. You can change the flavor profile so easily; one day it could be blueberry almond, and the next, chocolate peanut butter! The possibilities are endless, and your family will love the tasty variations.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for Meal Prep
Seriously, this is perfect for meal prep! Just whip a few jars up at the start of the week, and you’ve got breakfast sorted for several days. Not to mention, it saves you the headache of scrambling for something healthy in the mornings. Plus, it’s a great way to say goodbye to food waste, as you can use up various leftovers in your fridge easily!
Kid-Friendly & Family Approved
Getting kids to eat a nutritious breakfast can be a challenge, but these oats are so customizable that they’ll feel like they’re getting dessert! Let them pick their toppings and watch their excitement as they dig into their very own creation. It’s like a little breakfast art project every morning.
Quick & Easy: Comes Together in Just Minutes
In just 5 minutes, you can have a delicious breakfast that requires zero cooking! You could even get the kids involved in the prep, which can make for a fun way to start the day together. It’s as easy as it sounds, with minimal dishes to clean up afterward.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
These Basic Overnight Oats are fantastic on their own, but if you’re feeling extra fancy (or really hungry!), consider adding some toppings. Fresh fruits like berries, banana slices, or even diced apples will bring a burst of flavor. You could also add a drizzle of nut butter, scatter some seeds, or sprinkle your favorite granola. The more the merrier, right?
Storage
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember that the oats will continue to soften and soak up moisture, so if you plan to keep them for a longer time, you might want to stir in a little extra milk before enjoying.
Reheating Instructions
These yummy oats are best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge, but if you prefer it warm, pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring well afterward to ensure it heats evenly!
There you have it, simple, straightforward, and satisfyingly delicious Basic Overnight Oats! This recipe is packed with potential, making mornings not just manageable, but delightful too. I can’t help but feel a bit proud when I whip these up, knowing I’ve set my family up for a great start to the day.
Honestly, food is about bringing us together, sharing moments over meals that nourish us and feed our souls. So, whether it’s smooth, creamy oats or those leftover bits from last night’s dinner, remember, it’s all about the love you put into it.
Oh, and just because I can’t help myself, make some, enjoy the process, and share your creations with me! Tag me on social media; I’d love to see how you’re making these Basic Overnight Oats your own! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Print
Basic Overnight Oats
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and customizable overnight oats recipe that comes together in just 5 minutes, perfect for a make-ahead breakfast.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 0.5 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 0.25 cup vanilla yogurt (regular or Greek)
- 0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or preferred sweetener, to taste)
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- In a bowl or jar, combine the oats and a pinch of salt.
- Add the almond milk and stir until the oats are submerged.
- Add the yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup, and stir well.
- Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- The next morning, stir and add a splash of milk if desired, then serve with toppings.
Notes
Customize with fruits or nuts as desired; store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg