Overnight Oats
Start with this Overnight Oats Base recipe for thick, creamy oats, then add toppings as desired.
Servings: 1
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup milk or non-dairy milk (any variety)
- 1 pinch kosher salt optional
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
- ½ tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup rolled old-fashioned oats
Instructions
- Place ½ cup milk, 1 pinch kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed, ½ tablespoon chia seeds, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract into a small jar. Close and shake well or mix. Add ½ cup rolled old-fashioned oats and shake or mix again until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate the oats for at least 8 hours, or up to 5 days.
- After soaking, if the oats are thicker than you like, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time. Then, add fruit, nut butter, yogurt, nuts, or granola just before serving.
Video
Notes
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are best, but quick-cook oats will work; they will just be softer. Do not use steel-cut oats. Be sure oats are certified gluten-free if needed.
To Sweeten: Add ½ to 1 tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, sugar, or brown sugar per serving as desired. Increase chia or flax: Add extra milk as needed. I typically use 2-3 tablespoons per ½ tablespoon of chia and 1 tablespoon per teaspoon of flax. No chia or flax: Simply omit. The oats will be slightly looser. Protein powder: Add extra milk as needed. I typically use about ¼ cup per 2 tablespoons of protein powder, depending on the brand. Serving Warm: If your jar is heat-safe, remove the lid, microwave for 60-90 seconds, stir, add toppings, and serve. Alternatively, transfer the oats to a heat-safe bowl and microwave as directed above. Flavor Variations:
To Sweeten: Add ½ to 1 tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, sugar, or brown sugar per serving as desired. Increase chia or flax: Add extra milk as needed. I typically use 2-3 tablespoons per ½ tablespoon of chia and 1 tablespoon per teaspoon of flax. No chia or flax: Simply omit. The oats will be slightly looser. Protein powder: Add extra milk as needed. I typically use about ¼ cup per 2 tablespoons of protein powder, depending on the brand. Serving Warm: If your jar is heat-safe, remove the lid, microwave for 60-90 seconds, stir, add toppings, and serve. Alternatively, transfer the oats to a heat-safe bowl and microwave as directed above. Flavor Variations:
- Apple Cinnamon: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon; top with diced apples and walnuts.
- Peanut Butter Banana: Top with sliced banana and peanut butter before serving.
- Chocolate Cherry: Add ¼ cup chopped cherries and ½ tablespoon chocolate chips.
- Pumpkin Pie: Add 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
Nutrition
Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 94mg | Potassium: 402mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 257IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 229mg | Iron: 2mg
