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Overnight Oats With Chia Seeds

Creamy Overnight Oats With Chia Seeds made with rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, and a touch of maple syrup. Mix everything in one jar, refrigerate overnight, and add your favorite toppings in the morning.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 325

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 small pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
  • 1/2 cup sliced banana, berries, diced apple, mango, or peaches
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter
  • 1–2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans
  • 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
  • A small pinch of cinnamon
  • Granola or cereal for crunch

Equipment

  • 16-ounce jar with a tight lid or a medium bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon or fork

Method
 

  1. Place the rolled oats and chia seeds in a clean 16-ounce jar or medium bowl. Level the measuring spoons and cups so the mixture does not become too thick.
  2. Add the milk and Greek yogurt. Dairy milk, oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk will work.
  3. Add the maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Use 1 teaspoon of sweetener when serving the oats with sweet fruit. Use 2 teaspoons for a sweeter breakfast.
  4. Stir for 30–45 seconds, scraping the bottom and sides of the container. Check that the chia seeds are evenly spread and no dry pockets remain.
  5. Cover the jar or bowl tightly. Leave about 1 inch of empty space at the top because the oats and chia seeds will swell.
  6. Place the container on a level refrigerator shelf for at least 6 hours, or leave it overnight for the softest texture.
  7. Stir the oats before serving. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time if they are thicker than you prefer. Wait 1 minute after each addition before adding more.
  8. Add fruit, nut butter, nuts, coconut, cinnamon, or another topping. Add granola and other crunchy toppings right before eating so they stay crisp.

Notes

  • Use old-fashioned rolled oats for a soft but structured texture.
  • Instant oats may become pasty after chilling.
  • Steel-cut oats need more liquid and a longer soaking time, so they are not a direct substitute in this recipe.
  • Replace the Greek yogurt with an additional 1/4 cup milk for yogurt-free oats. The result will be thinner and less creamy.
  • For thicker oats, mix in 1 teaspoon chia seeds and refrigerate for another 20 minutes.
  • For thinner oats, stir in milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
  • Frozen fruit can be added before chilling. Reduce the milk by about 1 tablespoon if the fruit releases a lot of juice.
  • To serve warm, transfer the oats to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Stir and heat for another 15–30 seconds as needed.
  • Add a splash of milk after heating if the oats become too thick.