This overnight oats recipe is the ultimate "prep-ahead" breakfast. My favorite part are the toppings— that's really where these recipes shine (and keep me excited to make them again and again). I've got 4 different ways to enjoy this super simple recipe, and all the variations are nutritious + delicious.
What makes this overnight oats recipe different?
I know the Internet is laden with recipes for overnight oats, so I'm definitely not trying to re-invent the wheel with this recipe. Yet I wanted to try and come up with a variation that was plant powered and boosted with nutrients.
My recipe has the following ingredients: rolled oats (a given, right?!), chia seeds, flaxseed meal, unsweetened almond milk, vanilla extract, and a touch of maple syrup. Even before adding toppings, that's giving you 3.5 grams of protein, as well as 3.3 grams of dietary fiber.
This overnight oats recipe is also high in calcium, without any dairy in it at all! The chia seeds also offer high quality protein + antioxidants.
How to make overnight oats
Don't let the prep time fool you. This recipe for overnight oats is EASY. Simply measure the ingredients for the base into a bowl, then stir. Once mixed together, cover and place in the fridge overnight.
When you wake up, add whichever toppings seem right in the moment, then dive right in and eat! If I'm going to prep something ahead, I like to make it as simple as possible. This overnight oats recipe is def my kind of recipe.
Best storage options
As you can see from the photos of these adorable snack packs, I like to store my overnight oats in 4 oz glass containers. The lids screw on tight, so I don't worry about tossing one of these containers into my bag. They're also just the right size for scooping out all the goodness my fridge just melded together overnight.
Mason jars also stack up nicely, which helps when storing. While you can store this overnight oats recipe in plastic containers, I find that glass seems to do a better job jelling all the ingredients together for some reason.
Overnight oats toppings
Alright, now we're on to the fun part: toppings! Obviously you can + should top them absolutely however you want. Yet I got serious about finding some good combos for you to try. So if you need some inspo, read on:
- Almond-y joy- shredded coconut, sliced almonds, mini chocolate chips, maple syrup
- AB&J- strawberry jam, almond butter, fresh strawberries, sliced almonds
- Blueberry delight- blueberry jam, fresh blueberries, cinnamon
- Banana protein boost- banana, almond butter, cinnamon, honey
No matter how you top this overnight oats recipe, it's gonna be good.
Non-smoothie breakfast options
This might shock you but... I don't always have a green smoothie for breakfast. *GASP* I'll give you a moment to pick your jaw off the floor. Seriously though, I sometimes like having my daily smoothie for a snack or lunch. I've actually got some incredibly scrumptious non-smoothie breakfast options, like these overnight oats, to share with you.
Breakfast cereal bars- These taste like childhood for me, yet are super fun to make and I can pronounce all the ingredients in mine.
Pumpkin pancakes- Use this recipe to make decadent pancakes or waffles. Super filling, and easy to freeze for on-the-go breakfasts in the future as well.
Almond butter & jam muffins- These are my ultimate go-to breakfast. I can't express how delicious these are, plus they're easy to make!
Plant based protein bars- Loaded with nuts + seeds, as well as dried fruit, these versatile bars are epic- tasty, filling, and fun to reheat in the toaster oven before you drizzle with almond butter.
Vegan yogurt parfaits- I was shocked at how delicious this vegan 'yogurt' was the first time I tried it. And when mixed with my special Coconut Granola recipe from Fresh Start Autumn, I was hooked. Like the overnight oats recipe below, it's easy to break this recipe down into snack sized portions. Or just make 2 big parfait-style breakfast treats out of it and enjoy.
Now that I'm craving breakfast foods, let's whip up this overnight oats recipe and meal prep like pros. Don't forget to comment + review this recipe, especially if you made some topping magic of your own. I love hearing new ways to top this simple recipe!
Overnight Oats Recipe
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
Oat Base:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Suggested toppings #1
- ¼ cup coconut flakes
- 1 tablespoon raw almonds (sliced )
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips (mini )
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup
Optional toppings #2
- 1-2 teaspoons strawberry jam
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- ¼ cup diced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon almond slices
Optional toppings #3
- 1-2 teaspoons blueberry jam
- ¼ cup blueberries (fresh)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional toppings #4
- ½ banana
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Mix all the base ingredients in a bowl
- Cover bowl and refrigerate overnight
- Remove bowl from fridge and top with desired toppings
Video
Notes
- You can sub any kind of plant milk for the almond milk.
- You can swap in honey for the maple syrup.
Kat
Overnight oats are our family's go-to road trip breakfast. Thanks for new ideas in the toppings department! 🙂
Janice
This time around I used applesauce, pear, peanut butter and cinnamon as my add-ins. Soooo good!
Janice
Very tasty! I topped it with blueberries, almonds, cinnamon, and coconut. Didn’t put any sweetener in with the oats and it was sweet enough for me.
Amanda
These are the bomb-dot-com! I love how I have a healthy breakfast ready for me in the morning!
Kim
Overnight oats are one of my favorite make-ahead breakfasts. Thanks for sharing some new ingredient ideas!
Deborah Norvell
Bonjour/Buenos dias.
Your overnight oats look great. I have made overnight oats before, but I usually like to mix in my toppings with the base recipe and then refrigerate. Is there a disadvantage to doing it this way?
Plus, I try to put it in very small containers but it taste so good, I end up eating more than I need. Some weeks I have more self control than other weeks.
Thank you.
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi there Deborah! We love adding toppings in just before eating so that they don't end up gooey. Sometimes adding fruits like apple or blueberry before they sit in the fridge overnight can cause them to end up with a less-than-desireable consistency. And we hear ya on the self control! However, at least you're splurging on healthy foods, rather than drive-thru breakfast sandwiches or refined cereals. Happy breakfasting!
Olivia
I'm constantly looking for healthier snack options for my toddler, and this was a WINNER. We did blueberries, maple syrup, and hemp hearts... OMG. I was hoping she wouldn't finish her portion so I could try a bite (and I got one!).
Simple Green Smoothies
Overnight oats for all! Yes, the ability to customize with awesome toppings like the ones you chose make sure this is a winner for everyone who tries it. Can't go wrong!
Sarah
I was really impressed with you delicious the Strawberry and almond butter one was. I haven't done much with almond milk yet, but after making this I'll def use it again. It's sooo good!
Simple Green Smoothies
Winning at blending, Sarah!! Way to rawk it! 🙂
Erin
I'm in awe of how easy these were to make, and how delicious they were! I loved your chia pudding recipe from FS, so when I saw this recipe, it reminded me of that... and it didn't disappoint! I did peanut butter + chocolate chips in mine.
Simple Green Smoothies
You had me at peanut butter, Erin! Bet that was insanely good!