Overnight Oats With Chia Seeds

Overnight Oats With Chia Seeds is a creamy, nutritious make-ahead breakfast that simplifies your routine. Featuring rolled oats, Greek yogurt, and a touch of sweetness, this dish is the perfect solution for busy mornings when you need a healthy meal ready to go.

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This recipe yields two servings of easy, vegetarian-friendly breakfast goodness. By preparing it the night before, you allow the chia seeds and oats to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a thick and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup unsweetened milk (dairy or plant-based)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) (optional)
• 1 small banana, sliced (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans) (optional)
• 1 tbsp nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew) (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

In a medium bowl or large jar, combine oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to blend.

Step 2

Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours), allowing oats and chia to absorb the liquid.

Step 3

In the morning, stir the mixture. If too thick, add a splash of milk to reach desired consistency.

Step 4

Top with fresh berries, banana slices, chopped nuts, or nut butter as desired. Serve chilled.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Stir the mixture thoroughly in the morning. If the consistency is too thick after the chia seeds have expanded, simply add a splash of milk until you reach your preferred creaminess.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based yogurt and milk. You can also experiment with flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or swap the honey for agave or your preferred sweetener.

Serviervorschläge

Customize your bowl with fresh berries, sliced banana, and a crunch from chopped almonds or walnuts. A drizzle of peanut or almond butter adds a rich finishing touch.

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Whether you enjoy it at home or take it on the go, these overnight oats provide a balanced and delicious start to your day with minimal morning effort.

Recipe Q&A

→ How long do overnight oats last in the refrigerator?

Overnight oats stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored covered in the refrigerator. The texture continues to develop, becoming creamier with each passing day. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy hassle-free breakfasts through Wednesday.

→ Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Steel-cut oats require a longer soaking time and remain chewier than rolled oats. For best results, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats, which soften perfectly overnight. If using steel-cut, expect a heartier texture and consider soaking for 12-24 hours.

→ What milk works best for overnight oats?

Any milk works beautifully—dairy, almond, oat, soy, or coconut. Unsweetened varieties let you control the sweetness with honey or maple syrup. Creamier milks like dairy or oat produce richer results, while almond milk creates a lighter consistency.

→ Do I need to cook the oats before soaking?

No cooking required! The magic happens in the refrigerator. The liquid softens the oats and chia seeds absorb the moisture, creating a perfectly creamy texture without any heat. This no-cook method preserves nutrients and saves precious morning time.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or dairy-free alternatives, and choose plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy. The result remains just as creamy and satisfying, with all the same nutritional benefits from the oats and chia seeds.

→ Why did my oats turn out too thick or dry?

Oats absorb liquid differently based on the brand and chia seed quantity. If too thick, simply stir in a splash of milk before serving. For future batches, increase the liquid by 2-4 tablespoons. Finding your perfect consistency might take one try.