Save Creamy, customizable overnight oats layered in jars with delicious toppings, perfect for meal prep and Instagram-worthy breakfasts. With minimal prep and endless flavor combinations, this recipe makes breakfast both easy and enjoyable.
My family started prepping overnight oats last summer and now it is a staple for busy weekdays. The kids love choosing their own toppings and I appreciate not worrying about rushed mornings.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 2 cups
- Milk: 2 cups (dairy or plant-based)
- Greek yogurt: 1 cup (or plant-based yogurt for vegan)
- Chia seeds: 2 tbsp
- Maple syrup or honey: 2 tbsp
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Salt: Pinch
- Fresh berries: 1/2 cup (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) for topping
- Banana: 1 medium, sliced for topping
- Granola: 1/4 cup for topping
- Shredded coconut: 2 tbsp for topping
- Nut butter: 2 tbsp (peanut, almond, or sunflower seed) for topping
- Chopped nuts: 2 tbsp (almonds, walnuts, pecans) for topping
- Dark chocolate chips: 2 tbsp for topping
- Dried fruit: 2 tbsp (raisins, cranberries, apricots) for topping
Instructions
- Mix Base:
- In a large bowl, combine oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
- Portion:
- Divide mixture evenly among 4 clean jars (about 3/4 cup per jar).
- Add Toppings:
- Add desired toppings to each jar. For example, mixed berries with granola, sliced banana with nut butter plus nuts, coconut, dried fruit with chocolate chips, or strawberries with almond butter.
- Chill:
- Seal jars and place in refrigerator overnight (at least 8 hours).
- Serve:
- In the morning, stir contents, add extra milk for creaminess, and enjoy directly from jar or transfer to a bowl.
Save On weekends, we let everyone 'build their own' jar, turning breakfast into a fun routine where everyone gets creative. It brings us together even on the busiest mornings.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, 4 glass jars or airtight containers, and a spoon for layering and stirring.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and nuts if using standard toppings. Choose plant-based alternatives for vegan, and avoid nuts or select seeds for nut-free jars. Use gluten-free oats if needed, and check product packaging for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (base only) has 250 calories, 6 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein. Additional toppings will increase these values.
Save Give these overnight oats a try next week, and you'll look forward to breakfast especially with all the beautiful combinations. Just prep ahead and enjoy nourishing mornings all week.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use plant-based milk and yogurt?
Yes, substituting plant-based milk and yogurt works well to make a vegan-friendly version without sacrificing creaminess.
- → How long should the oats soak for best texture?
Soaking the oats for at least 8 hours allows them to absorb liquids fully, resulting in a creamy, well-blended texture.
- → What are some good topping combinations?
Try fresh berries with granola, banana with nut butter and nuts, or shredded coconut with chocolate chips for varied flavors.
- → Can I prepare these jars in advance?
Yes, these jars keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, making them ideal for advance meal prep and quick breakfasts.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Using certified gluten-free rolled oats ensures this dish fits gluten-free dietary needs without compromising taste.