A healthy breakfast that you make the night before, so that you can enjoy it right away in the morning? That's exactly what makes overnight oats so ingenious! With this basic overnight oats recipe, you will learn how to make overnight oats, how long you can store them and discover endless variations - from overnight oats with banana , apple or peanut butter to combinations with chia seeds, quark or yoghurt.

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How do you make overnight oats?

The beauty of making overnight oats is that you only need two basic ingredients: oats and a liquid like milk or yogurt. But for extra flavor, texture, and nutrients, you can add extras like chia seeds, Greek yogurt, or peanut butter.

Overnight oats basic recipe

• 40g oatmeal

• 120 ml milk of your choice (=1/2 cup)

• 60g Greek yoghurt (or cottage cheese for extra protein)

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds ( or Boost Mix )

• Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

🕒 Let this rest overnight in the fridge

How long can you store overnight oats?

A frequently asked question: how long can you store overnight oats? If you put them in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge, they will stay fresh for up to 5 days . Perfect for a Sunday evening meal prep. Note: if you use fresh fruit such as apple or banana , add it just before eating for the best taste and texture.

Overnight oats healthy? Absolutely.

Why are overnight oats healthy? Because you start with oats – a grain that’s packed with fiber, releases energy slowly, and helps keep your blood sugar levels stable. Add yogurt or cottage cheese for extra protein, chia seeds for healthy fats, and you’ve got a nutritious, complete breakfast that’s really filling.

✔️ Rich in fiber
✔️ High in protein (especially with yoghurt or cottage cheese)
✔️ Good for your digestion
✔️ No added sugars needed
✔️ Easy to digest
✔️ Can be eaten both cold and hot

“This is the best overnight oats recipe I have ever come across – and it is super simple and straightforward too. Absolutely delicious. I don’t need to look any further for other breakfasts 😊” Caroline

What are overnight oats?

If you’ve never tried overnight oats, they’re essentially making oatmeal without cooking it. Instead of cooking your oats on the stove or in the microwave, you simply soak the oats in milk. As they soak, they absorb the liquid and become nice and soft – ready to eat cold.

Technically they are ready after 2 hours in the fridge, but they are best if you let them thicken overnight… hence the name overnight oats !

The next morning, all you have to do is pick up your spoon: you have a ready-made, creamy and nutritious bowl of oatmeal with a pudding-like texture. Easy, quick and mega tasty . It is a hearty breakfast with a fuller structure than warm oatmeal, perfect for busy mornings.

Why are overnight oats such a good idea?

You get all the benefits of oatmeal in a convenient grab-and-go breakfast:

✔️ More protein than most grains

✔️ Packed with fiber, which keeps you feeling full for longer

✔️ Super nutritious and filling – your morning starts off right

Can you reheat overnight oats?

Yes, absolutely! Reheating overnight oats is perfect for those who prefer to eat warm. Place your jar without the lid in the microwave for about 1 minute and stir well. Extra tip: add a dash of milk for a softer texture.

Summary

🥄 Breakfast without the hassle: This recipe will make your morning a whole lot easier – no stove or oven required. Just mix it up in the evening, pop it in the fridge and enjoy it in the morning.

🥣 Only two or three basic ingredients: Essentially, all you need is oats and milk. But adding Boost Mix (or chia seeds), Greek yogurt, fruit, and nuts (butter) is highly recommended for extra flavor and creaminess, and extra nutrients that keep you feeling fuller for longer.

💪 Packed with nutrients: Rich in protein and fiber, which keeps you feeling full for longer and provides your body with plenty of things it loves.

🍓 Completely to your taste: Whether you like fruit, chocolate or nuts - you can vary endlessly. Add what you like!

📆 Perfect for meal prep: Make it on Sunday night and enjoy a nutritious and delicious breakfast all week long.

Basic ingredients you need for overnight oats

For overnight oats you really only need 2 ingredients: oats and milk . But honestly? That tastes pretty bland. By adding Greek yogurt, Boost Mix, fruit and nut butter, you can make it a really balanced breakfast. 🥣

Oatmeal:
This is the only ingredient that is really indispensable. You can use instant oats but also whole wheat rolled oats (like our Muesli )

Milk:
For the liquid you can even use water, but milk gives more flavor and creaminess. Choose what you like: whole milk, semi-skimmed, skimmed or plant-based milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk or oat drink.

Boost Mix / chia seeds:
Small, but packed with nutrients 💪. They give a pudding-like texture and thicken faster – that’s why I always add them to my basic recipe.

Check out our Boost Mix here : a mixture of chia seeds, broken linseeds and hemp seeds.

Greek or plant-based yogurt:
Gives a fresh touch, extra creaminess and a protein boost. Your breakfast will immediately feel more filling.

Sweetener (optional):
A little bit of honey or maple syrup can do wonders, especially since oatmeal itself tastes quite neutral. This is not necessary with the oatmeals that are already flavored.

Toppings:
Get creative here! 🍓 Think fresh fruit, dried fruit, nut butters, nuts, seeds, or spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. The possibilities are endless – and that’s what makes this recipe so fun and versatile!

How to make a basic overnight oats recipe – the right proportions

It’s all about the proportions to get the texture you like. So try the ratios below first, then adjust – add more milk or use less – until you find what works for you! Once you’ve got your sweet spot, you can play around with flavors and toppings endlessly. 🌈

🔢 Overnight oats basic recipe:

1/2 cup oatmeal + 1/2 cup milk
👉 This is the most basic ratio.

Overnight oats basic recipe with chia seeds (Boost Mix):

1/2 cup oatmeal + 1/2 cup milk + 1 tablespoon Boost Mix

For me this gives the perfect texture: creamy, not too runny – and definitely not oatmeal soup 😉.

But: feel free to adjust it to your taste.

“A really good base for overnight oats. In the morning we just add a little extra. We have already tried with banana and peanut butter – we use half a banana or apple per person, but we stick to 1 tbsp peanut butter. Thank you!” – Karolien

How to make overnight oats with 2 ingredients

1. Add oatmeal to your favorite storage jar.
2. Add milk of your choice.
3. Stir well until everything is covered.
4. Place in the refrigerator and let it rest overnight.

How to make overnight oats basic recipe with chia seeds?

1. Combine oats, 1 tablespoon Boost Mix (or chia seeds) and yogurt in a jar.
2. Add milk until everything is covered.
3. Stir well, cover and place in the refrigerator (min. 2 hours, ideally overnight).

The next morning, simply add your favorite toppings and you're all set!

My top 6 overnight oats recipes

• Overnight oats with apple and cinnamon: Apple oatmeal , pecans, apple, cinnamon
• Overnight oats with banana and chocolate: Banana, dark chocolate, hazelnuts, chocolate oatmeal
• Overnight oats with cottage cheese and coconut: Vanilla Collagen oatmeal with cottage cheese, coconut, almonds or cashews, (white) chocolate chips
• Overnight oats with cinnamon and brown sugar: Natural oatmeal , brown sugar, walnuts
• Overnight oats with peanut butter and strawberry: Natural oatmeal, peanut butter & home-made chia jam
• Overnight oats with yogurt and blueberries: Blueberries, peanut butter, Vanilla-Collagen oatmeal

Overnight oats with peanut butter and strawberries

Like eating a peanut butter jelly sandwich… but in a bowl of overnight oats! Layers of peanut butter, homemade chia jam, fresh strawberries and some chopped peanuts make this an irresistible combination of sweet and salty. A true classic with a twist! 🥜🍓

Overnight oats Apple and cinnamon

With apple chunks, pecans, maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon, this is the perfect fall variation. The flavor is warm and sweet, and the crunchy fruit and nut chunks add a delicious bite. Like eating apple pie for breakfast – but healthy! 🍎🥧

Overnight oats Banana and chocolate

The name says it all: banana and chocolate – a match made in heaven 🍌🍫. This flavor is also perfect for kids! The combination of creamy chocolate oats and sweet banana gives a rich, almost dessert-like taste, while you’re actually just eating a nutritious breakfast. Feel free to add some chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips for that extra crunch. Breakfast has never been so delicious!

Overnight oats with cottage cheese and vanilla protein powder

This one is for all the sports enthusiasts or anyone looking for a protein-rich breakfast. Did you know: our Vanilla Collagen oatmeal contains no less than 13g of protein per serving ! Combined with coconut and cashews, this is a real winner.

Overnight oats with cinnamon and brown sugar

This classic is one of the most beloved oatmeal flavors ever for a reason! 🍁 The deep flavor of brown sugar (with that hint of molasses), combined with earthy maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon, is simply delicious.

Did you know that this was also one of the original ways oatmeal porridge used to be prepared? It even reminds me a bit of rice porridge – creamy, sweet and nostalgic. You can eat this variation both cold and warm!

Overnight oats with yoghurt and blueberries

Fresh blueberries (or frozen berries) with heavenly vanilla flavor… need I say more? So good! I like to eat this version cold, but you can also leave it at room temperature to remove the chill from the oats, or briefly warm it in the microwave so that the berries burst open.

Tip : are you using frozen berries? Add them to the base, this way you get a nice purple overnight oats and they are thawed by the time you want to eat the oats.

Tips for the most delicious overnight oats

🔹 Make them in a (mason) jar
Use a glass jar with a lid. This resealable containers are useful.

🔹 Prefer warm? That's possible!
Although overnight oats are usually eaten cold, you can easily reheat them. Simply microwave your jar for 1 minute (make sure it is heatproof), stir well and enjoy warm.

🔹 Stock up for the entire week
Overnight oats will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days . Ideal for making a few portions on Sunday evening for the next few days. Be careful with fresh fruit though – it usually only stays nice and fresh for 1 to 2 days.

🔹 Pay attention to your milk-to-oatmeal ratio
Too much milk = runny porridge. Too little milk = too thick. A 1:1 ratio (e.g. ½ cup (or 1 sachet) oats and ½ cup milk) usually works well, but feel free to adjust to your taste. This basic recipe also works with Muesli !

🔹 Layering instead of mixing
Using toppings like fruit, nuts or sweetener? Layer them on top of the overnight oats instead of mixing them together right away. This will help them retain their texture.

🔹 Let it soak for at least 2 hours
Two hours is the minimum, but ideally you let them sit overnight. This will allow the flavours to infuse better and give you that lovely creamy texture.

🔹 Temperature matters
Cold milk slows down the soaking process. Short on time? Use room temperature milk to soften the oats faster.

Popular toppings & extras

• Fruit: Banana, apple, berries
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pecans
• Seeds: Chia, pumpkin, flaxseed or our Boost Mix (this is a mix of broken flaxseed, chia seeds and hemp seeds for a protein boost)
• Sweet: Maple syrup, honey, agave syrup (not necessary for the oatmeals that are already flavored)
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla
• Creamy: Peanut butter or other nut butter, extra Greek yogurt, coconut cream
• Special flavors: Matcha, cocoa, lemon zest

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I reheat my overnight oats? Yes! Heat them in the microwave for 1 min (without the lid!)
• How do I make them creamier? Add extra yogurt or use a full-fat milk
  
• What if my overnight oats are too thick?
  Add a little extra milk and stir again.
• Can I use flavored yogurt? Absolutely! You can use any type of yogurt. This makes it even easier to add flavor to your oats without adding extra toppings or sweetener.
• Can I make 1 big batch? Sure, you can also buy each oatmeal in 750g bags if you prefer to make in large batches.
• When do I add toppings? Depending on the toppings you are using, you can add them right after you have mixed the base recipe. For example, if they oxidize quickly, like banana or apple, you are better off adding them just before serving.
• Can I make overnight oats with yogurt?
  Yes! Overnight oats with yogurt add extra creaminess and protein. Greek yogurt or plant-based varieties work perfectly.
• Is overnight oats with chia seeds mandatory?
  Not mandatory, but chia seeds make your oats thicker, more nutritious and give a nice texture.
• Can I make overnight oats with cottage cheese?
  Definitely! Overnight oats with cottage cheese provide a protein boost and are ideal after a morning workout.

Ingredients

🥣 Overnight oats basic recipe

• 40g instant oatmeal
• 120 ml milk of your choice (=1/2 cup)
• 60g Greek yogurt (3 level tablespoons = 1/4 cup)
• 1 tbsp Boost Mix
• optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  

Let it soak in the fridge for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight). Stir well before eating and add fruit or nuts as a topping!

Check out the ingredients for the 6 delicious toppings here:

Peanut butter & home-made chia jam

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon home-made chia jam - see the recipe here
• 1/4 cup strawberries, chopped
• 2 tablespoons peanuts, chopped

Apple & Cinnamon

• Basic recipe with apple oatmeal
• 1/4 cup apple, diced
• 1 tablespoon pecans, chopped
• Pinch of cinnamon

Chocolate Banana

• Basic recipe with chocolate banana oatmeal
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1 tablespoon hazelnut pieces
• 1 tablespoon black chocolate drops

Vanilla Protein

• Basic recipe with Vanilla-Collagen oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon cashews
• 1 tablespoon white chocolate drops
• 1 tablespoon coconut flakes

OG

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• pinch of cinnamon
• pinch of sea salt

Blueberry Vanilla

• Basic recipe with Vanilla-Collagen oatmeal
• 1/4 cup blueberries (can also use frozen berries)
• pinch of salt

Preparation

Place all ingredients in a glass jar and stir well until everything is nicely mixed.
Cover with a lid or cling film and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours – or preferably overnight.

Toppings can be added the night before, or just before serving. See the tips on adding toppings above. The next morning, all you have to do is open the jar and enjoy!
Is it a bit too thick? Then just add a dash of milk or water until it is nice and creamy again.

Save

You can store overnight oats in the fridge for up to 5 days . Ideal for meal prep on Sunday evening - so you have a quick, healthy and tasty breakfast ready for the entire working week.

Have you tried this basic overnight oats recipe?

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