What if you could start your day with a breakfast that’s as easy to get on the table as it is healthy, delicious, and versatile? Prepped in minutes the night before, this perfect hot-or-cold breakfast helps you face the day instead of a stack of dishes.
Tasty and Nutritious
The easy prep and versatility of oats make them ideal not only for breakfast, but as a post-workout snack or between-meals treat. Overnight oats pack in more than flavor too.
Oats are more protein-dense than many other grains. They also contain other vital nutrients, including folate; fatty acids; minerals such as selenium, zinc, copper, potassium, and calcium; and vitamins, including pantothenic acid, niacin, biotin, and pyridoxine. Research shows that eating oats brings numerous other health benefits.
- They can help reduce cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health.
- β-glucan, a type of fiber in oats, increases your sense of satiety, so you can go longer without feeling hungry.
- Oats contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phytochemicals.
- Regular consumption of oats may contribute to a risk reduction for a variety of chronic conditions or diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
5 Overnight Oats Recipes
With a prep time of around five minutes, it’s easy to make each serving the night before you eat it. If you prefer batch prep, mix up multiple days of oats in a larger container or individual, ready-to-eat single-serve bowls or jars.
Here are five delicious recipes to get you started.
1. Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Apple pie overnight oats combine the flavors and aromas of apple pie with no baking required. The rich combo of coconut yogurt and almond milk brings out the comforting scents of cinnamon and autumnal maple syrup to help you start the day. Top with chopped apple. If you have the time or desire, heat the apples in the microwave before adding.
2. Cheddar & Herb Savory Overnight Oats
These cheddar and herb savory overnight oats combine the rich flavors of Greek yogurt and shredded white cheddar cheese with the bright greens and fresh aromas of your choice of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, basil, or chives. At serving, top with more cheese and herbs, or mix in diced bell peppers, shredded carrot, or your other favorite raw vegetables.
3. Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
The decadent brown-sugar and cinnamon flavors of a cinnamon roll with the nutrition of oats? Yes, please. Complete these cinnamon roll overnight oats with a serving of your favorite fruit, such as blueberries or sautéed pears.
4. Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Chia seeds add tooth to creamy peanut butter overnight oats. Feel free to substitute another nut butter, such as cashew, almond, or hazelnut. Make yours like a PB&J in a bowl with a dollop of jam, or drizzle in maple syrup for a sweet contrast with the salty peanut butter.
Tip: Stir well to ensure the peanut butter fully mixes with the rest of the ingredients. Prefer some heat? Make overnight oats with mamba, a Haitian-style spicy peanut butter.
5. Golden Milk Overnight Oats
Inspired by turmeric lattes, golden milk overnight oats will take a few minutes longer than the other recipes. However, the anti-inflammatory combo of turmeric and black pepper, not to mention the luxurious color, are worth it.
First, gently heat milk on the stove or in the microwave. Whisk in the turmeric and black pepper, then stir in the other ingredients, let cool, and refrigerate overnight.
This is an especially easy version to make sweet with fruit and a drizzle of honey or savory — for instance, by stirring in black beans, green chile, and diced avocado — before serving.
Perk Up Your Day
Sweet, savory, or in-between, these tasty recipes can help you get started with overnight oats. From the health benefits to the ease of prep and cleanup, overnight oats are the perfect way to start your day or fuel up anytime you need a snack.
