I blend rolled oats, chia seeds, almond milk, and Greek yogurt into a creamy make-ahead breakfast that’s ready to enjoy after a short chill in the fridge.

Overnight Oats (Creamy Rolled Oats with Yogurt & Chia)

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flexible, and endlessly customizable—perfect for busy mornings. It mixes up in just five minutes, transforms into a satisfyingly creamy texture with no cooking required, and stays fresh in the fridge for days. Whether I enjoy it cold or warmed, it always feels creamy, tasty, and nourishing.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rolled oats
Unsweetened almond milk
Plain Greek yogurt
Light brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Chia seeds
Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings: Additional Greek yogurt, icing sugar, splash of milk, extra cinnamon

directions

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix rolled oats, chia seeds, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in almond milk, Greek yogurt, and a splash of vanilla until everything is fully incorporated.
Refrigerate: Divide the mixture into jars or containers, seal them, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or ideally overnight—for best texture and flavor.
Prepare Optional Topping: Whisk together Greek yogurt, icing sugar, and a little milk until smooth.
Serve: Stir the oats and top with the yogurt mixture and extra cinnamon or other toppings as desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: ~5 minutes
Chill Time: Minimum 4 hours (overnight recommended)
Total Time: ~4 hours 5 minutes (active work time just 5 minutes)

Variations

Vegan Option: Swap Greek yogurt for plant-based yogurt and replace brown sugar with maple syrup or agave.
Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for extra satiety.
Nutty Flavor: Stir in almond butter or chopped nuts for crunch.
Fruit Addition: Fold in diced apple, raisins, or berries for freshness and natural sweetness.

storage/reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days—perfect for meal prep.
Freezing: You can freeze portions (without toppings) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: I usually enjoy the oats cold, but if I want them warm, I microwave them for 30–60 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

FAQs

How long should I refrigerate the oats?

For best texture, I refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight gives the creamiest results.

What oat types work best?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal—quick oats get too mushy, and steel-cut oats don’t soften enough.

How thick should I make the mixture?

I follow a 1:1 ratio of oats to milk, adding Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. If chia seeds are included, I may increase liquid slightly.

Can I customize the flavor?

Absolutely—people create endless variations like apple-cinnamon, banana-chocolate, or even carrot cake-style. Add fruits, spices, or sweeteners to suit your taste.

Are chia seeds healthy?

Yes—chia seeds boost fiber, omega-3s, and texture. They help thicken the oats while adding nutritional benefits.

Can I make large batches ahead of time?

Definitely. I often meal prep several portions. Stored in jars, they stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Should I warm up the oats?

I usually eat them cold, but if I want to heat them gently, a 30–60 second microwave stint works well.

Conclusion

I rely on this overnight oats base when I need a nutritious, no-fuss breakfast ready in the morning. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and endlessly customizable to suit whatever flavors and textures I’m craving—making busy mornings feel calm, creamy, and delicious every time.