A healthy breakfast prepared the night before, ready to enjoy in the morning? That's exactly what makes overnight oats so brilliant! With this basic overnight oats recipe , you'll learn how to make them, how long they keep, and discover endless variations—from overnight oats with banana , apple, or peanut butter to combinations with chia seeds, quark, or yogurt.

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How do you make overnight oats?

The beauty of making overnight oats is that you only need two basic ingredients: rolled oats and a liquid like milk or yogurt. But for extra flavor, texture, and nutrients, it's best to 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 yogurt (or cottage cheese for extra protein)

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds ( or Boost Mix )

• Optional: 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup

🕒 Let this rest overnight in the fridge

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How long can you store overnight oats?

A frequently asked question: how long can you store overnight oats? If you refrigerate them in a tightly sealed container, they'll stay fresh for up to 5 days . Perfect for Sunday evening meal prep. Note: if you're using fresh fruit like apple or banana , it's best to add it just before eating for the best flavor and texture.

Overnight oats healthy? Absolutely.

Why are overnight oats healthy? Because you start with oatmeal—a grain packed with fiber, a slow-release energy source, and that helps keep your blood sugar levels stable. Add yogurt or cottage cheese for extra protein, and chia seeds for healthy fats, and you have a nutritious, complete breakfast that's truly filling.

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

This is the best overnight oats recipe I've ever come across—and it's super simple and straightforward, too. Absolutely delicious. I don't need to look for other breakfast options anymore. 😊 Caroline

What are overnight oats?

If you've never tried overnight oats, it's essentially making oatmeal without cooking. Instead of cooking your oats on the stove or in the microwave, you simply soak the oats in milk. During the soaking process, they absorb the liquid and become wonderfully soft – ready to eat cold.

Technically, they're ready after 2 hours in the fridge, but they're 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'll have a ready-made, creamy, and nutritious bowl of oatmeal with a pudding-like texture. Easy, quick, and incredibly delicious . It's a hearty breakfast with a richer texture than hot oatmeal, perfect for busy mornings.

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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 gets off to a great start

Can you reheat overnight oats?

Absolutely! Reheating overnight oats is perfect for those who prefer their oats warm. Microwave the jar uncovered for about 1 minute and stir well. Extra tip: add a splash of milk for a softer texture.

Summary

🥄 Breakfast without the hassle: This recipe will make your morning so much easier—no stove or oven required. Simply mix it together in the evening, refrigerate, and enjoy in the morning.

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

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

🍓 Completely to your liking: Whether you love fruit, chocolate, or nuts – the possibilities are endless. Add whatever 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 two ingredients: rolled oats and milk . But honestly? They taste pretty bland. By adding Greek yogurt, Boost Mix, fruit, and nut butter, you can make it a truly balanced breakfast. 🥣

Oatmeal:
This is the only ingredient that's truly essential. You can use instant oats, but also whole-grain rolled oats (like our Muesli ).

Milk:
You can even use water for the liquid, but milk adds more flavor and creaminess. Choose your favorite: whole milk, semi-skimmed, skimmed , or plant-based milk like almond, coconut, cashew, or oat milk.

Boost Mix / chia seeds:
Small, but packed with nutrients 💪. They create 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 blend of chia seeds, crushed linseeds and hemp seeds.

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

Sweetener (optional):
A little honey or maple syrup can work wonders, especially since oatmeal itself has a fairly neutral flavor. This isn't necessary with pre-flavored oats.

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 precisely what makes this recipe so fun and versatile!

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

It's all about the proportions to get the texture you like. So, try the ratios below first, and then adjust—add a little more milk or use a little less—until you find exactly what works for you! Once you've found your ideal base, you can vary the flavors and toppings endlessly. 🌈

🔢 Overnight oats basic recipe:

1/2 cup oatmeal + 1/2 cup milk
👉 This is the simplest 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.

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"A really good base for overnight oats. In the morning, we simply add a little extra. We've already tried it with banana and peanut butter—we use half a banana or apple per person, but we stick to 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. Thank you!" – Karolien

How to make overnight oats with 2 ingredients

1. Add oats 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 refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.

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

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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 & homemade 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 pinch of cinnamon, this is the perfect autumnal treat. The flavor is warm and sweet, and the crunchy fruit and nut pieces add a delicious crunch. It's like having 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 perfect for kids too! The combination of creamy chocolate oatmeal and sweet banana creates a rich, almost dessert-like flavor, while still providing a satisfying 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's for all the gym-goers or anyone looking for a protein-rich breakfast. Did you know: our Vanilla Collagen Oatmeal packs a whopping 13g of protein per serving ! Combined with coconut and cashews, it's a real winner.

Overnight oats with cinnamon and brown sugar

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

Did you know that this was also one of the original ways oatmeal porridge used to be prepared? It's even somewhat reminiscent of rice porridge – creamy, sweet, and nostalgic. You can enjoy this version hot or cold!

Overnight oats with yogurt and blueberries

Fresh blueberries (or frozen ones) with a heavenly vanilla flavor... need I say more? So delicious! I like to eat this cold, but you can also leave it at room temperature to remove the chill from the oats, or briefly microwave it to make the berries pop.

Tip : Using frozen berries? Add them to the base. This way, you'll get a beautiful purple overnight oatmeal, and they'll be thawed by the time you're ready to eat them.

Tips for the most delicious overnight oats

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

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

🔹 Stock up for the whole week
Overnight oats will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge . Perfect for preparing a few portions on Sunday evening for the next few days. Be careful with fresh fruit, though – it usually only stays 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 to 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 immediately. This way, they'll retain their texture.

🔹 Let it soak for at least 2 hours
Two hours is the minimum, but ideally, let them sit overnight. This allows the flavors to meld better and creates that wonderfully 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 ground flaxseed, chia seeds and hemp seeds for a protein boost)
• Sweet: Maple syrup, honey, agave syrup (not necessary for the already flavored oats)
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla
• Creamy: Peanut butter or other nut butter, extra Greek yogurt, coconut cream
• Special flavors: Matcha, cacao, lemon zest.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I reheat my overnight oats? Yes! Heat them in the microwave for 1 minute (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 one large batch? Of course, you can also buy any oatmeal in 750g bags if you prefer to make large batches.
• When do I add toppings? Depending on which toppings you're using, you can add them immediately after mixing the basic recipe. If they oxidize quickly, such as banana or apple, it's best to add 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 options work perfectly.
• Is overnight oats with chia seeds mandatory?
  Not mandatory, but chia seeds make your oats thicker, more nutritious and give them a nice texture.
• Can I make overnight oats with cottage cheese?
  Absolutely! Overnight oats with cottage cheese provide a protein boost and are ideal after a morning workout.

Ingredients

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🥣 Overnight oats basic recipe

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

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

See the ingredients for the 6 delicious toppings here:

Peanut butter & homemade chia jam

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon homemade 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 of 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.

You can add toppings the night before, or just before serving. See the tips about adding toppings above. The next morning, all you have to do is open the jar and enjoy!
If it's a bit too thick, simply add a splash of milk or water until it's nice and creamy again.

Save

You can store overnight oats in the fridge for up to 5 days . Perfect for Sunday evening meal prep – this way you'll have a quick, healthy, and delicious breakfast ready to go throughout the workweek.

Have you tried this basic overnight oats recipe?

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