Prep them once and you’re set for the week. Bonus: Kids love this healthy breakfast!
On one motivated Sunday I got into the food prep mood. Do you know how you get all into something…and go all out…and even surprise yourself and send photos of your stacked salads and breakfasts of the week to your mother who you know will be so proud (because she’s been telling you for years to prep ahead)? So I prepped lunch for the week…and breakfast for the week…and yes…it lasted all but just one week. But not the overnight oats. After that first week, I kept getting requests for more.
“Ma, do we have more of those overnight oats?” They liked them!
“Sure! we’ll have more!”
I made sure to stock up (because getting this particular daughter to eat a normal breakfast let alone something semi healthy is a win!)
Surprisingly the kids love these, and I prep them in to-go containers on Sunday night and they last all week. If you’d like, you can keep the fruit or toppings separate and add the toppings in the morning, but it’s totally fine if you add them straight away.
You don’t need to look up the recipe every time you make these. If you want to make it from memory, the ratio is 1:1 of rolled oats to milk, plus half as much yogurt.
This recipe makes 4 – 5 servings and feel free to double.
Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (quick 1 minute oats will still work but it will be mushier)
- 2 cups milk or any milk alternative (I used unsweetened almond milk)
- 1 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt (I like using Greek)
- 3 tsp maple syrup, honey, or your preferred sweetener
- 4 tsp chia seeds
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract optional
- pinch of sea salt
- Toppings of your choice: granola, fruit, nut butter, nuts, seeds, chocolate chips etc
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients. Divide into individual containers. Add desired toppings.
Raw oats?
Yes
Looks amazing! Do you think I can add protein powder to this?
Yes for sure!
Does the yogurt have to be plain or can I use a flavored one?
You can use flavored
Is there an alternative to the yogurt?
The yogurts adds. You can do it with just the milk – the yogurt adds protein and creaminess – but the chia seeds will gel with milk only too
Are regular “quick oats” good for this? That’s what we have and now I wanna make it!
It works! It’s a little mushier but still good.
Can You add the toppings before putting in the fridge or will they get soggy and gross?(ex bananas. granola etc)
Can I prep a bunch of these on Sunday to last the whole week or does it need to be done the night before? Will it be too mushy sitting in the fridge after a few days?
I’ve prepped it on Sunday and it lasted the week- enjoy!
Would coconut or soy yogurt work? For those allergic to dairy
Yes. It will work.
How important is the Chia seeds? That’s one ing I’d skip
I love the consistency the chia adds. It soaks up the liquid and creates a sort of pudding. It can be done without it but highly suggest it.
I just made four flavors of this:
2 mixed with strawberry yoghurt, mixed with strawberries and chocolate chips and the other with bananas and granola.
The others with sliced apples and maple syrup and cinnamon and one topped with bananas and granola.
Thank you again for another great recipe. My daughter (13) preps these on her own on Sunday and then adds toppings through the week
Topping combination suggestions?
How long does it need to stand? is it good right after making it, or does it need stay overnight?
Delicious. I did vanilla yogurt, Def needed the sweetness of it.
Fabulous, easy, healthy recipe!