Overnight Oats Recipe
Creamy overnight oats with Greek yogurt, chia seeds and mixed berries, chilled until soft, thick and spoonable.
Contains: Milk
Check the labels of the oats and other packaged ingredients you use if you need to avoid gluten or other cross-contact allergens.
WHY IT WORKS
Why This Recipe Works
01
Creamy Without Cooking
Milk and Greek yogurt soften the rolled oats while chia seeds gently thicken the mixture into a creamy, spoonable breakfast.
02
Built for Overnight Soaking
A full overnight chill gives the oats time to absorb the liquid evenly, so the texture is tender without becoming mushy.
03
Berries Keep It Fresh
Mixed berries add bright flavor and natural sweetness without turning the base into a single-fruit variation.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Equipment
THE RECIPE
Ingredients & Method
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Method
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Add the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt to a medium mixing bowl.
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Stir thoroughly until the yogurt is evenly dispersed and no clumps of chia seeds remain.
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Fold in about half of the mixed berries, keeping the remaining berries for serving.
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Divide the mixture between 2 lidded jars or containers, cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
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Stir each portion before serving. If the oats are thicker than you prefer, add a small splash of milk and stir again.
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Top with the reserved mixed berries and serve cold.
COOKING GUIDANCE
Practical Cooking Notes
Make Ahead
Mix and portion the oats into covered jars or containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the freshest berry texture, reserve some berries to add just before serving.
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Recipe Notes
Ingredient Notes
Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best balance of softness and texture after an overnight soak. Instant oats can become very soft, while steel-cut oats stay much firmer and need a different liquid ratio and method.
Useful Substitutions
Dairy-free milk can replace the 2% milk, and a plain non-dairy yogurt can replace the Greek yogurt. Honey can replace the maple syrup in the same amount, although the flavor will be slightly different.
INGREDIENT QUALITY
Quality Note
Use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than instant or steel-cut oats. Rolled oats soften during the long chill while keeping enough texture for a creamy rather than pasty result.
SPEND LESS
Cost-Saving Tip
Frozen mixed berries work well here and can be more economical than fresh berries out of season. Fold them in before chilling so they thaw directly into the oats.
COOKING TIPS
Tips
Use Rolled Oats
Old-fashioned rolled oats absorb the liquid gradually and keep more texture than instant oats after a long chill.
Built for Overnight Soaking
Stir the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla and salt thoroughly so the chia seeds do not settle into clumps.
Adjust After Chilling
Overnight oats thicken as they stand. Stir in a small splash of milk before serving if you prefer a looser, creamier consistency.
Add the Final Berries Last
Fold some berries into the oats before chilling, then add the remaining berries just before serving for a fresher look and texture.
MAKE IT LAST
Storing, Freezing & Serving
Storing
Keep the overnight oats covered in the refrigerator and use within 3 days. Stir before serving because the mixture will continue to thicken as it stands.
Freezing
Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well; the berries will be softer after freezing.
Before Serving
Stir the oats well after chilling. If they are thicker than you like, add a small splash of milk until the consistency suits you.
Serving
Serve cold straight from the refrigerator, or let the container stand for about 10 minutes first if you prefer the oats slightly less chilled.
ESTIMATED PER SERVING
Nutrition
1 of 2 servings
Nutrition information is an estimate. Where shown, % Daily Value uses standard US Daily Values for adults and children aged 4+; actual values vary with ingredient brands, exact quantities and portion size.
QUESTIONS
Overnight Oats FAQs
What kind of oats are best for overnight oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for this recipe because they soften while keeping some texture. Instant oats tend to become much softer, and steel-cut oats need a different method.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes. Frozen mixed berries work well and can be folded in before chilling so they thaw into the oats. They may release more juice and tint the oat mixture slightly.
How long do overnight oats need to soak?
For the intended texture, refrigerate these oats for at least 8 hours or overnight. The long chill gives the rolled oats and chia seeds time to absorb the liquid evenly.
Why are my overnight oats too thick?
The oats and chia seeds keep absorbing liquid as they chill. Stir in a small splash of milk before serving until the mixture reaches the consistency you prefer.
Can I make several servings ahead?
Yes. Divide the mixture among covered jars or containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the freshest berry texture, reserve some berries to add just before serving.
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