Easy overnight oats – a step by step guide with photos to show you exactly how to make healthy overnight oatmeal. I’ve also included my favorite overnight oats recipes.
Overnight oats have become one of my absolute favorite ways to eat oatmeal. Basically, its rolled oats soaked in milk or another liquid overnight. There’s no cooking or additional preparation needed. In the morning, you just give it a stir, add a little more liquid if needed, and enjoy.
Overnight oatmeal is easy to throw together, can be made ahead of time, and after the oats soak up the liquid they take on a delicious pudding like consistency.
Over the years I’ve made numerous easy overnight oats recipes so I’ve learned a thing or two about making the perfect jar.
Below are answers to the most common overnight oatmeal questions I get. I also provided a visual step-by-step guide and a list of my favorite easy overnight oats recipes.
What type of container should I use?
I recommend using 16 ounce wide mouth glass mason jar for overnight oatmeal. This provides enough room for the oats, liquid, and any other add ins. I’ve also used 8 ounce mason jars but those were just a little too small. I suggest picking up some of these plastic mason jar lids too.
You can purchase glass mason jar containers at any grocery store. I have even seen them at Target and Walmart. If you can’t find them or don’t feel like driving around then just purchase mason jar containers from Amazon.
Personally, I love glass mason jar containers. However, many of my readers say that plastic containers work just as well. I guess it is more of a preference. If you want to learn more about glass meal prep containers, check out this post.
Which oats are best for overnight oats?
I use rolled oats for my overnight oatmeal recipes. These are also called old fashion oats. You can find them in the oatmeal section and/or in the bulk section of any grocery store.
If you can’t find them then you can get rolled oats on Amazon or Thrive Market.
Rolled oats are less processed than instant oats but more processed than steel cut oats. They work perfectly in overnight oatmeal recipes. Instant oats turn into gummy mush and steel cut oats stay way too crunchy.
Many people ask if they can use steel cut oats. I tested steel cut oats and even after 2 days they were still very crunchy. So from my experience I’d say no. Some bloggers have made overnight oatmeal with slightly cooked steel cut oats but in my opinion that takes the easy out of it. So, I’d say if you’re looking for a quick throw together overnight oatmeal recipe then stick with rolled oats.
Do you eat overnight oats hot or cold?
Overnight oats are meant to be consumed cold. They get prepped at night so you eat them in the morning without any additional work. The oats process in the liquid so you don’t need to cook them. Some people let the oats sit on the counter for ½ hour or so to take the chill off but I eat them straight from the refrigerator.
If you want to warm the oats up you can do so in the microwave or on the stove. I understand that the concept of eating oatmeal cold is foreign but I recommend giving it a try. I think overnight oats are delicious. Depending on the ingredients sometimes I feel like I am eating dessert. Think pudding. Yum.
Are overnight oats healthy?
Yes! Of course, it depends on the ingredients used but generally speaking overnight oatmeal is healthy. They are filled with whole grains and fiber. If you add chia seeds then there’s omega fatty acids and protein. Fruit adds fiber and lots of vitamins.
Also, overnight oats are portion-controlled. I make each serving in its own mason jar so I know the nutritional information for each one. This is super helpful when trying to keep calories under control.
What type of liquid do you use?
My preferred liquid is coconut milk. I’m referring to the coconut milk found in the dairy section not the canned coconut milk. This is my favorite but any liquid will do. You can use dairy milk, almond milk, rice milk, or whatever liquid you prefer in your oatmeal.
Can I use yogurt?
Yes, many overnight oatmeal recipes call for yogurt. However, as much as I love yogurt I don’t use it often in overnight oats. I feel it becomes too thick and I am not crazy about the tang. But again it’s all about preference. I recommend giving it a try and see what you think.
The easy overnight oats formula I prefer is 1/2 cup rolled oats + 1/2 cup liquid. If I am using fruit I use about 1/4 – 1/2 cup fruit. I adjust the liquid, as needed, depending on the liquid I use and other ingredients. After all the ingredients are mixed together the oats should be covered in liquid. I have a picture below illustrating this.
Do you mix overnight oats?
Yes. The oats softened from sitting in the liquid overnight. After you mix all the ingredients together the oats should be covered in liquid. If not, add a little more liquid until oats are covered.
What spices and other ingredients can I use?
Think of overnight oats as you would any oatmeal recipe. It really is a blank canvas. You can use any kind of fruit, nuts, chocolate, spice, and/or flavors you like. My only suggestion is if you add an ingredient you don’t want to get soft or soggy (ex. nuts) then stir them into the oats in the morning.
I also add chia seeds my recipes. Chia seeds add fiber, omega fatty acids, and protein. They also soak up the liquid and help with the pudding like texture. You don’t have to use them but I think they add a nice nutritional boost. You can purchase chia seeds in the nature food section or bulk section at your grocery store. I also get big bags of chia seeds from BJs Wholesale. If you can’t find chia seeds then you can purchase bags online from Amazon or Thrive Market.
How long do the oats have to sit in the liquid before I can eat them?
I always prepped the night before. So the oats usually sit in the refrigerator for at least 7-8 hours or a little longer. However, they will be ready to eat in about 4-5 hours so if you want some for lunch or afternoon snack you can prep a jar when you wake up.
How far in advance can I make them?
For best results make overnight oatmeal no more than 3 days in advance. That has been my experience. Overnight oats are so easy to prepare so it hasn’t been a big deal to whip up another batch mid week should I need or want to.
Supplies to prepare easy overnight oats
Wide mouth plastic mason jar lids
Here’s a quick video I put together.
Easy Overnight Oats Step by Step Guide
Step 1. Start with the oats. I always use 1/2 cup of oats. If you think that is too much then reduce the amount of oats.
Step 2: Add the liquid. If I use 1/2 cup of oats then I will use 1/2 cup of liquid. I always use the same amount of liquid as oats. If you are using yogurt then add it in during this step. A couple tablespoons of yogurt will work fine. Adjust the liquid as needed depending on the amount of oats you’re using.
Step 3: Add in the chia seeds. Like I said earlier I add chia seeds. You can also add ground flax seed, hemp seed, or any other nutritional add ins. I also use this step to add in the spices, sweetener, ground cocoa powder, PB2, peanut butter or things like that. Adjust the liquid as needed.
Step 4: Add in the fruit. I always use frozen fruit because that is what I have on hand. You certainly can use fresh or even dried fruit. Bananas are awesome in overnight oats.
Step 5: Mix it all together. You want to see all the oats covered in liquid. After it’s mixed together add in more liquid if needed. The fruit you use will release juices as the oats soak so keep that in mind as you are adding in more liquid. This is what the overnight oats should look like before you put them into the refrigerator.
Step 6: Put the lid on and store in the refrigerator overnight or at least 4-5 hours.
Step 7: In the morning, the oats will look like this. Stir in about 1 tablespoon of additional liquid to loosen up the overnight oatmeal. If you’re using pure maple syrup as a sweetener add that first, stir it up, then add more liquid if needed. Once you get the consistency you want add in the nuts, seeds, or any other crunchy ingredient you’re using.
Easy Overnight Oats Recipes
Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Pumpkin Chocolate Overnight Oats
Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats
Cinnamon Raisin Overnight Oats
Banana Chocolate Oatmeal in a Jar
Raspberry Almond Oatmeal in a Jar
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal in a Jar
Salted Turtle Oatmeal in a Jar
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal in a Jar
Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oatmeal
Blueberry Almond Oatmeal in a Jar
Cherry Vanilla Overnight Oatmeal
Chocolate Mint Overnight Oatmeal
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McCann’s makes a 5 minute steel cut oat (cut smaller than regular 25 minute steel cut oats). I wonder if that would work.
I am not sure but I will look into that.
i use 1 part steel cut oats to 2 parts liquid. Have been doing this for years. If I add chia seeds I add a little more liquid.
Goldie, Any need to heat the liquid before adding to Steel Cut Oats? Steel Cut is what I have in the house so I’d like to use those up first.
These look delicious!! I’m doing the Body & Soul Fitness 20lb challenge… as soon as it’s over I hope I can try these recipes! They look delicious!! Thank you! Love your blog!! I’m in East Aurora, NY!
I don’t soak overnight. I just make into a biscuit & pan fry.
I love love love oatmeal! Thanks for sharing! And I love your recipe!
Thanks for sharing mine! All of yours look delicious!! I was like ooo chocolate pb, then ooo turtle..ooo pumpkinnnn. hahah oh my <3
xoxo Sarah Grace, Fresh Fit N Healthy.
Monica calls them refrigerator oatmeal, and also offers 16 recipes (between two blog posts) that use milk and yogurt:
http://www.theyummylife.com/Refrigerator_Oatmeal
http://www.theyummylife.com/8_muesli_flavors
I’ve been eating fridge oatmeal most mornings for months. I make 6 or 7 at a time, put most of them in the freezer, and take one out at night to thaw overnight. Love that!
Have you ever tried freezing them?
I love overnight oatmeal as a quick easy breakfast. I found one in the back of the frdige I forgot about &wished I had found earlier.
i love mine with steel coat oats! It’s how I’ve made it since I started making them, so I can’t compare it in texture to the rolled oats but they are definitely not crunchy. Overnight oats have been a lifesaver–I could never find something quick for breakfast and would always end up having some kind of muffin, toast, bagel etc that had no health benefit and also left me hungry within the hour. I truly look forward to eating this every morning!!
How do you do this with steel cut oats? How much liquid compared to oats? And do you have to cook the oats or heat the liquid?
Thanks so much these look delishious. I plan to use coconut water as added liquid.
I love overnight oats and eat them faithfully 5 mornings a week. I’ve always, always used steel-cut oats. I buy Country Choice Organic Oven Toasted Steel Cut Oats from Amazon; oats on the bottom, thin layer of chia, just enough honey to cover, a heaping tablespoon of plain no-fat yogurt, then almond milk to fill the jar. I prep five jars on Saturday and by Monday morning, my oats are deliciously chewy little nuggets of awesomeness 🙂
Thank you for the guide! It has been helpful and very clear for someone like me who is totally new to overnight oats 🙂
Just to clarify a few questions..
1. Can i use skimmed milk only for the liquid? (i do not like yogurt either.. so will it become too watery?)
2. Can i add my fruits like strawberries and raisins the next morn instead? Do not want them to become soggy.
Thanks so much! 🙂
I just prepared three of these recipes, 2 each. Licking the spoon each time, I was surprised at each ones great and unique flavor. Thanks for this excellent tutorial. I can hardly wait for brealfast. I have one big problem though…I don’t know which one to try first.
Just an idea I used instant steel cut oats in place of regular oats and it turned out very well.
Can you use quinoa in the oats?
Amount of yogurt and chia seeds?
I use about 1/4 cup of yogurt and 1- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
I’ve tried overnight oats with the steel cut oats and the texture isn’t great. I did find if I cooked the heck out of them in the microwave they were edible. The recipe I used was a banana and vanilla recipe and since the steel cut oats don’t seem to suck up much liquid it was a much soupier consistency, but I have to admit the bananna/vanilla milky flavour was delish even if the oats were a bit of an odd new consistency for me 😉
I have to tell you that I am a bit of an evangelical fan of yours lately! I am a BIG fan of using the web and pinterest to try new recipes and at best I get a 50% success rate (I may be the reason they invented the term “Pinterest Fail”). But since I found your site I’ve had at least a 90% success rate (I can’t think of anything I did not love, but if I say 100% it may sound like I haven’t really invested! ).
Your recipes are clearly ones you actually eat and perfect. Thanks so much!
Thanks so much for your comment. I’m going to try and perfect overnight steel cut oats this week because I actually prefer steel cut to rolled oats. Yes everything I make is what we eat. I don’t have the time (or money) to make food for my family and separate food for the blog. My fridge would be more packed than it already is haha
Have a great start to the week.
We love overnight oats and prefer the steel cut (generic purchased at Aldi’s) and do not find the texture to be a problem. I think it may be a preference thing, we use almond mild exclusively, and add fruit in the am after stirring it. We like other multigrain “hot cereals” like Bob’s Red Mill 10 grain done “overnight style” also. Keep up your good work.
Someone ever tried overnight oats in water?? It’s the only thing I can use in my meal plan. I’m an athlete ans I have to follow my plan. I ‘ m a litle scared about trying it on water. Thanks
Can you make it without chia seeds
yes you can but the chia seeds do give it a pudding like texture.
Hi, I’m in school and I don’t have access to a refrigerator, can I just use cold water for the overnight oats instead? thanks for your response
I made this last night – 3/10/17 and had it this morning…I really like this idea of oats in a jar amd I plan on making other variaties. Thank you for your tutorial it was very helpful.
Holy cow! Tried your tutorial as a jumping off point and used ingredients I had on hand. Wow, this was every bit as good as you said! I never would have thought cold oats could be so good. Second batch is already in the fridge and I can’t wait till it is done. Thank you for such great instructions.
It would be helpful if you specified the type of coconut milk on all your recipes. I nearly made a 1,000-calorie smoothie.
Thanks for the feedback. I will make sure that’s clear. it is the coconut milk found in the dairy section.