How to Make Extraordinary Oats Overnight

If you’re looking for a simple breakfast that’s healthy, keeps you full until lunch, and is waiting for you in the morning, look no further. Overnight oats – or oats soaked in water, milk or yogurt overnight then topped with your choice of ingredients – are a perfect pick for a healthy start to your day. You’ll get cholesterol-lowering and blood-sugar steadying soluble fiber to help you power through until lunch. And best of all, no cooking required. 

Below are seven flavorful combinations to get you off to a good start.

Extraordinary overnight oats master recipe – one serving

• ½ cup oats (preferably rolled or “old fashioned”).
• ½ cup water, milk (low-fat or non-fat preferred) or yogurt of your choice (regular, soy, almond or other). 

In a small bowl, combine your oats and liquid or yogurt. Set in your refrigerator overnight. In the morning, top with any of the following flavor combinations. It’s really that easy! 

Tip: For overnight oats on the go, combine the above ingredients in a Mason jar instead of a bowl. Add your toppings and set in your fridge. (If you’re using bananas or nuts, it’s best to add those in the morning before you head out the door.)

Berry Bliss

• ¼ cup chopped strawberries. 
• ¼ cup blueberries. 
• 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed. 
• ¼ tsp vanilla.
• ¼ tsp cinnamon. 

This recipe boasts lots of good-for-you nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, vitamin K, manganese, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Banana Bread

• ½ banana, sliced. 
• 1 Tbsp chopped walnuts. 
• ¼ tsp vanilla. 
• ¼ tsp cinnamon. 
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar. 

This recipe contains potassium, omega-3 fatty acids and can regulate your blood sugar.

Peanut Butter

• 1 Tbsp peanut butter.
• ¼ tsp vanilla.
• ¼ tsp cinnamon.
• 1 tsp raw honey. 

Mocha Madness

• Substitute ¼ cup leftover coffee for half of your base liquid. 
• 1 tsp cocoa powder. 
• ½ tsp vanilla.
• 1 Tbsp raw sugar. 

Fruit & Nuts

• ¼ cup sultanas (yellow raisins). 
• ¼ cup sliced Marcona almonds. 
• ¼ tsp almond extract. 
• ¼ tsp ground cardamom. 

Chocolate Dream

• 1 Tbsp cocoa powder. 
• ½ tsp vanilla. 
• 1 tsp agave nectar. 
• 1 tsp dark chocolate shavings. 

Pumpkin Pie

• ¼ cup canned pumpkin (not filling). 
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup. 
• ¼ tsp cinnamon. 
• ¼ tsp nutmeg. 

Nutrition information

Serving: ½ cup dried oats (40g), 150 calories*, 3g fat, 4g dietary fiber, 2g soluble fiber, 1g sugar, 5 g protein. *Calories will be higher if milk or yogurt are used instead of water as well as for flavor options including fruit, nuts, seeds or chocolate.