Overnight Oats

Ingredients

• 45 g (½ cup)rolled oats or quick oats
• 120 ml (½ cup)milk of choice
• 120 g (½ cup)yoghurt or additional milk of choice
• as desiredsweetener of choice
• 0.75 g (⅛ tsp)salt
• 75 g (½ cup), optionalfruit of choice
• 15–30 g (1–2 tbsp), optionalnut butter
• 12 g (1 tbsp), optionalchia seeds or other add-ins

Instructions

1. 1

   Mix and chill

   Add all the ingredients to a lidded container or jar and shake well. Refrigerate overnight, then stir before eating the next morning.

What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are oats softened by soaking in liquid in the fridge rather than cooking on the hob. They are a familiar American-style make-ahead breakfast, convenient to portion into a jar and take with you.

This version combines oats with milk and yoghurt for a creamy base, while salt and optional toppings let you adjust the flavour and texture.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 256 calories, 0g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat.

The oats provide most of the carbohydrates, while milk and yoghurt contribute protein and some fat; nut butter adds more fat if included. Fruit adds carbohydrates, and chia seeds add fibre and fat. For a more balanced plate, serve the oats with extra fruit and choose a milk or yoghurt with a protein content that suits your needs.

Choosing the oats and liquid

Oats: Rolled oats keep a little more texture after soaking, while quick oats soften more thoroughly. Either works in this recipe.

Milk and yoghurt: Use dairy or plant-based options, and choose yoghurt for a thicker, tangier result or extra milk for a looser mixture. For a vegan bowl, use non-dairy milk and yoghurt.

Getting the texture right

Mixing: Shake the ingredients thoroughly so the oats are evenly wetted and the salt and sweetener are distributed. Stir again before eating to bring any settled ingredients back together.

Soaking: The oats need time in the fridge to soften; the stated 5 minutes is hands-on preparation, not the full wait before breakfast. If the mixture seems too thick in the morning, loosen it with a splash of milk.

Adding fruit and extras

Fruit: Add fruit of choice for freshness and sweetness. Soft fruit can be mixed in before chilling, while firmer or delicate toppings can be added just before serving.

Seeds and nut butter: Chia seeds thicken the mixture as they absorb liquid, and nut butter makes it richer. Add them in the amounts listed, then adjust the consistency with milk if needed.

Serving and timing

Make-ahead: Assemble the oats in a lidded jar or container, refrigerate overnight and stir in the morning. The single-serving quantity is easy to scale if you are preparing breakfast for more people.

To serve: Eat the oats cold straight from the jar, or transfer them to a bowl. They pair well with fresh fruit, and a little extra milk can loosen the texture.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a jar with enough room to shake the ingredients without spilling.
• Taste the mixture before chilling and add sweetener gradually.
• Choose rolled oats if you prefer more bite in the finished oats.
• Stir thoroughly before eating, especially if chia seeds have thickened the mixture.
• Add a splash of milk in the morning if the oats are thicker than you like.

Variations

• Berry oats: Stir in berries before chilling or scatter them on top before serving.
• Banana oats: Add sliced banana in the morning for a soft, naturally sweet topping.
• Nutty oats: Swirl in nut butter before chilling for a richer bowl.
• Chia oats: Mix in the listed chia seeds for a thicker texture.
• Vegan oats: Use plant-based milk and yoghurt, checking that both suit your preference.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Uneven mixing: Shake the closed jar well and stir again before serving so dry pockets do not remain.
• Too thick: Add a little milk after chilling and stir until the oats reach your preferred consistency.
• Too runny: Use yoghurt instead of some or all of the extra milk for a thicker base.
• Expecting instant oats: Allow the mixture to chill overnight so the oats have time to soften.
• Over-sweetening: Add sweetener to taste before chilling, rather than pouring in a large amount at once.

How to store

Keep the oats covered in the fridge and eat within 3 days for the best texture. They are usually served cold; stir before eating and add a splash of milk if they have thickened. If you prefer them warm, heat gently in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring partway through.

Frequently asked questions