Get started with overnight oats: 12 easy recipes to kick off your mornings

Overnight oats are the ultimate no-stress breakfast. With just a few minutes of prep the night before, you wake up to a creamy, chilled, and totally customizable meal ready to grab and go.

Whether you’re new to meal prepping or just need a little breakfast inspiration, this gallery will help you get started with flavors that range from classic comfort to bold and creative.

Classic overnight oats

A creamy, simple base to build on.
This no-fuss version is perfect for first-timers.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey

Steps:

1. In a jar or bowl, mix oats, chia, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add milk, yogurt, and honey. Stir well.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. In the morning, stir and enjoy as-is or top with fruit or nuts.

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Banana bread oats

Warm banana flavor meets creamy comfort.

You’ll need:

• Base recipe (see above)
• ½ ripe banana, mashed
• 1 tbsp chopped walnuts
• Dash of nutmeg

Steps:

1. Mix banana into your oat base.
2. Add walnuts and nutmeg. Stir well.
3. Refrigerate overnight.
4. Top with fresh banana slices in the morning.

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Peanut butter & jelly oats

A nostalgic favorite in breakfast form.

You’ll need:

• Base recipe
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp raspberry or strawberry jam

Steps:

1. Stir peanut butter and jam into the oat base.
2. Refrigerate overnight.
3. Add extra dollops of peanut butter and jam before serving.

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Mango coconut oats

Tropical, creamy, and refreshing.

You’ll need:

• Base recipe
• ½ cup diced ripe mango
• 2 tbsp shredded coconut
• Optional: splash of vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Mix mango and coconut into the oat base.
2. Add vanilla if using. Stir well.
3. Refrigerate overnight.
4. Top with more mango and a sprinkle of coconut in the morning.

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Apple cinnamon oats

Perfect for fall mornings.

You’ll need:

• Base recipe
• ½ apple, finely chopped
• ½ tsp extra cinnamon
• Optional: 1 tbsp raisins

Steps:

1. Mix apple, cinnamon, and raisins into your oat base.
2. Refrigerate overnight.
3. Serve cold or warm it slightly, topped with more apple.

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Espresso almond oats

For breakfast with a caffeine kick.

You’ll need:

• Base recipe
• ½ tsp espresso powder
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• Dash of cocoa powder (optional)

Steps:

1. Mix espresso powder and almond butter into oats.
2. Add cocoa if using. Stir well.
3. Chill overnight. Top with almonds or cacao nibs.

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Carrot cake oats

Sweet, spiced, and sneakily healthy.

You’ll need:

• Base recipe
• ¼ cup grated carrot
• 1 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts
• Dash of cinnamon and nutmeg
• Optional: 1 tbsp raisins

Steps:

1. Mix all ingredients into oat base.
2. Stir well and refrigerate overnight.
3. Add shredded coconut or extra nuts before serving.

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Blended overnight oats

Smooth, pudding-like, and totally addictive.

You’ll need:

• Base recipe
• ½ banana
• Dash of vanilla
• Optional: protein powder or nut butter

Steps:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a jar and chill overnight.
4. Top with granola or berries.

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Chocolate chia oats

A rich, dessert-like twist.

You’ll need:

• Base recipe
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
• Optional: dark chocolate chips

Steps:

1. Mix cocoa and sweetener into oat base.
2. Stir in chocolate chips if using.
3. Refrigerate overnight and serve with extra chips.

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Blueberry lemon oats

Bright and tangy with a burst of berries.

You’ll need:

• Base recipe
• ½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• Zest of ½ lemon
• Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice

Steps:

1. Stir blueberries and lemon zest into oat base.
2. Add lemon juice for extra zing.
3. Refrigerate and top with extra berries in the morning.

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Protein-packed oats

Fuel up with extra staying power.

You’ll need:

• Base recipe
• 1 scoop vanilla or plain protein powder
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• Optional: chia or flax seeds

Steps:

1. Stir protein powder and peanut butter into the mix.
2. Adjust milk if needed for texture.
3. Refrigerate overnight and serve with banana or berries.

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Cinnamon roll oats

Like dessert for breakfast.

You’ll need:

• Base recipe
• ½ tsp extra cinnamon
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Optional: dollop of Greek yogurt and pecans on top

Steps:

1. Mix cinnamon and maple syrup into oat base.
2. Chill overnight.
3. Top with a swirl of yogurt and a few chopped pecans.