Overnight oats are a simple and nutritious breakfast that can be prepped the night before, making them a convenient, time-saving option for busy mornings. Here’s a basic guide to making overnight oats :
Basic Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients :
½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, oat, or coconut milk)
¼ cup yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for added fiber and texture)
1-2 teaspoons sweetener (like honey, maple syrup, or agave, optional)
A pinch of salt
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Topping Ideas :
Fresh fruit (bananas, berries, apples)
Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
Seeds (sunflower seeds, flaxseeds)
Nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter)
Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries)
Directions :
- Combine the oats and liquid : In a jar or container, add the oats and milk. If you’re using yogurt, mix that in as well.
- Add extras : Stir in chia seeds, sweetener, vanilla, and salt if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate : Seal the jar or container and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
- Add toppings and serve : In the morning, top with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or other toppings of your choice. You can eat it cold or heat it up in the microwave for a warm version.
Flavor Variations :
- Peanut Butter Banana : Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter before refrigerating, and top with banana slices in the morning.
- Berry Bliss : Add mixed berries (frozen berries work great too) and a little honey.
- Apple Cinnamon : Stir in diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Add a dash of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Chocolate Delight : Mix in 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder and a few dark chocolate chips for a dessert-like treat.
The beauty of overnight oats is how customizable they are, so feel free to get creative with flavors and toppings !