½cuprolled oatsold-fashioned is best, but quick-cook oats will work
Instructions
Place milk, a pinch of salt, flaxseed, chia seeds, and if using the vanilla extract and maple syrup into a small jar or bowl. Mix the ingredients using a spoon, or by securing the lid on the jar and shaking to combine.
Add in the oats and stir to combine OR secure the lid once again and shake until the ingredients are well combined.
Cover and refrigerate the oats for at least 8 hours, or up to 5 days.
Before serving, stir in fruit, nuts, yogurt, peanut butter, or chocolate chips as desired.
Video
Notes
Nutritional values are based on base oatmeal without adding fruit, nuts, etc. Serving Size: This recipe is for 1 serving, but increase to create as many jars of overnight oats as desired.Storage: Overnight Oats will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Toppings are best added right before serving. Serving Warm: If you prefer your oatmeal served warm, be sure your jar is heat safe, remove the lid, microwave for 1-2 minutes, and then serve. Alternatively, transfer the oats to a heat-safe bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes. Optional Protein Boost: If desired, add 1 scoop of protein powder or collagen powder to the base recipe when adding the chia seeds and flaxseed. Flavor Ideas (Add these ingredients after refrigeration before serving and each combination is for one serving of oatmeal.)
Chocolate Cherry: For one serving, add ¼ cup of fresh, canned, or frozen chopped cherries along with ½ tablespoon of chocolate chips to the oatmeal.
Almond Joy: Instead of regular milk, use coconut milk to make the base of the overnight oats. Before serving, sprinkle each serving with about ½ tablespoon of chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon of toasted coconut, and ½ tablespoon of sliced almonds.
Banana Pie: Mash half of a very ripe banana and stir into the oatmeal. Top with crushed graham crackers and a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream and enjoy immediately.
Peanut Butter Banana: Top each serving of overnight oats with sliced banana and a drizzle of peanut butter before serving.
Apple Cinnamon: Before serving the overnight oatmeal, stir in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a couple of tablespoons of freshly diced apples into the oats. Top with chopped walnuts if desired.
Peanut Butter Cup: Drizzle the prepared oatmeal with peanut butter or nut butter of your choice and then sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Peaches and Cream: Before enjoying the oatmeal, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt and 2-3 tablespoons of diced peaches.
Blueberries and Cream: To serve, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh or frozen blueberries.
Strawberries and Cream: Before serving, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt and 2-3 tablespoons of diced strawberries.
Cinnamon Roll: Stir in ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and the tiniest pinch of ground cloves. Top with a dollop of vanilla yogurt if desired to mimic a cinnamon roll's frosting.
Cinnamon Raisin: Stir in ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of raisins to each serving of oatmeal prior to serving.
Pumpkin Pie: Stir in 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon fresh nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger, and 1-2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts to each serving of overnight oats before serving.
Maple Brown Sugar: Along with the optional maple syrup addition, add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. You can opt to stir this into your oats before or after refrigerating.