Hey guys! Have you tried overnight oatmeal yet? It’s such an easy and yummy breakfast, especially as the weather gets warmer – just pop it in the fridge the night before and wake up to cool, refreshing breakfast ready and waiting! Also, our microwave just broke yesterday, so I’m glad I have a no-microwave needed variation of my favorite microwave banana oatmeal at the ready! Overnight oats are fun because you can get really creative with the toppings – the combinations are endless, but here are six of my favorite easy overnight oatmeal recipes. Enjoy!
I think the best thing about overnight oatmeal is that it’s so fast and easy. A couple minutes of prep in the evening will mean breakfast is ready and waiting in the morning – being too busy to make breakfast is no longer an excuse! The less thinking and cooking first thing in the morning, the better, right?!
Let’s do this! I’ll get you guys started with all the ingredient options, then break it down into some of my favorite flavor combos.
Step One: Make the basic recipe.
All you have to do is combine rolled oats (gluten free certified if necessary), ground flax and milk (dairy or nondairy) in a jar and shake. Boom. (Or, stir together in a bowl.)
Step Two: Flavor your base.
I love cocoa powder (chocolate for breakfast = fun), honey, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon. Feel free to get creative with spices or extracts!
Step Three: Add healthy fats (and crunch!)
A handful of nuts or seeds and/or a spoonful of any nut butter adds flavor, crunch, and satisfying healthy fats. Use your favorites!
Step Four: Top with Fruit
Fruit adds sweetness and volume, not to mention fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Any fresh or frozen fruit works great – I love how frozen fruit defrosts overnight and creates a juicy sauce for your oatmeal in the morning!
And now, here are some of my favorite flavor combinations. Let me know which ones you enjoy most – or which different winning combinations you come up with yourself! I’d love to try them. :)
Basic Overnight Oatmeal
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:
1/2 cup old fashioned oats (certified GF if needed)
1 tablespoon ground flax
3/4 cup milk (dairy or nondairy)
Directions:
- Combine oats, flax, and milk in a one-pint jar (or bowl). Add desired base flavorings, screw on the lid, and shake.
- Top with desired healthy fat additions and fruit toppings, put the lid back on or cover, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 3-4 hours).
Here are some of my favorite variations:
Berry Almond: Add 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon honey to the base. Top with fresh or frozen mixed berries and sliced almonds.
Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and 1 teaspoon honey to base. Top with peanuts, banana, and chocolate chips. :)
Tropical: Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 1 teaspoon maple syrup to base. Top with banana, mango, kiwi, and toasted coconut.
Cherry Almond Chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup to base. Top with frozen dark cherries, sliced almonds, and chocolate chips.
Chocolate Strawberry: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup to base. Top with fresh or frozen strawberries and chocolate chips.
Banana Bread: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup to base. Top with bananas and pecans.
What are your favorite oatmeal flavorings and toppings? Have you ever tried overnight oatmeal?
If you liked this, check out more of my easy make-ahead breakfast recipes: