Recipes
Simple Overnight Oats Recipe
Nov 25, 2024
TLDR: Combine: Oats + milk + yogurt + chia + honey + blueberries + almonds and what’s the result? Crushing your health, budget, waste reduction, and time-saving goals all in one jar.
Overnight oats are a game-changer for busy mornings—quick to prep, easy to customize, and ready when you are. If you’ve been meaning to try making something like this but haven’t gotten around to it yet, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. Need a nudge? Check out this article for tips on how small steps can help you tackle anything—even breakfast: How to Be More Organized and Get More Done.
Recipe
Ingredients (per jar):
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup milk or plant-based milk of choice
¼ cup yogurt (any type)
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp sweetener of choice (e.g., honey or maple syrup—feel free to use less for a less sweet option)
¼ tsp vanilla extract (or more, to taste)
A few dashes of cinnamon (about ¼ tsp, but no need to measure)
Instructions:
Add oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, sweetener, vanilla, and cinnamon to a jar or container with a lid.
Mix well: Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are combined, and no chia seeds are clumped or stuck to the sides. Pro Tip: Mix before adding frozen ingredients—frozen items can make it harder to stir everything evenly.
Add your extras: most common additions are a few tablespoons of frozen wild blueberries and a similar amount of almonds (stored in the freezer for crunch). Other ideas: Toasted walnuts, shredded apples, chopped peaches, cocoa powder, peanut butter, banana slices, coconut flakes, or any fruit/nuts you have on hand.
Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4–6 hours).
Enjoy: Grab it straight from the fridge for an easy breakfast. If the portion feels too large, split it into smaller servings for breakfast and a snack.
Why This Recipe Works:
No need to measure precisely—don’t overthink it! Adjust to your taste and what you have available.
It’s perfect for using up leftovers like fruit, nuts, or pantry staples.
Keeps well in the fridge, or freeze extras for later.
Customize for Best Fit:
Experiment to suit your preferences! Try using high-protein yogurt, reducing the sweetener, or adding different mix-ins to match your breakfast or snacking needs.
Tips for Success:
If meal prep has been sitting on your to-do list for ages, don’t overthink it! Sometimes my first step is simply getting the equipment out—even if I don’t finish the task right away. Starting small can make all the difference.
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Fun fact: This recipe actually inspired the article linked at the top. Reflecting on why I was struggling to batch cook consistently helped me create a framework for getting started—not just with cooking, but with all kinds of tasks that can feel overwhelming.
Need inspiration? This method has worked for me in everything from fixing scissors to preparing meals like this one. Read more about how starting small can lead to big results: How to Be More Organized and Get More Done.
