Save Start your day with these Overnight Oats With Chia Seeds, a creamy and nutritious make-ahead breakfast perfect for busy mornings. This dish combines rolled oats, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds to create a satisfying meal that is both healthy and easy to prepare.
Save By allowing the oats and chia seeds to soak in a blend of milk and yogurt for 8 hours, you achieve a chilled, indulgent consistency without any cooking. A touch of honey and vanilla extract provides just the right amount of sweetness to this versatile base.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup unsweetened milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) (optional)
- 1 small banana, sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans) (optional)
- 1 tbsp nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew) (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine
- In a medium bowl or large jar, combine oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to blend.
- Step 2: Refrigerate
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours), allowing oats and chia to absorb the liquid.
- Step 3: Stir
- In the morning, stir the mixture. If too thick, add a splash of milk to reach desired consistency.
- Step 4: Top
- Top with fresh berries, banana slices, chopped nuts, or nut butter as desired. Serve chilled.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To make this recipe, you will need a mixing bowl or a jar with a lid, a spoon or spatula, and standard measuring cups and spoons. Ensure you stir the mixture thoroughly before refrigerating to prevent the chia seeds from clumping at the bottom.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a dairy-free version, simply use plant-based yogurt and milk. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor, or swap the honey for agave or your preferred sweetener depending on your dietary needs.
Serviervorschläge
These oats are best served chilled. Garnish your bowl or jar with fresh blueberries, sliced bananas, and a crunchy topping of chopped walnuts or pecans. A drizzle of almond or peanut butter adds a rich finish to this vegetarian breakfast.
Save With 46g of carbohydrates and 8g of total fat per serving, these Overnight Oats With Chia Seeds offer a balanced start to any day. Prepare a couple of jars at once to have your breakfast ready for the next few mornings.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats don't work well for overnight soaking as they remain too chewy and hard even after extended chilling. Stick with rolled oats (old-fashioned) or quick oats for the best creamy texture.
- → How long do these keep in the refrigerator?
These oats stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored covered in the refrigerator. The chia seeds continue to absorb liquid over time, so you may need to add a splash of milk before eating leftovers.
- → Can I heat this up in the morning?
Yes, you can gently warm these in the microwave for 1-2 minutes if you prefer hot oats. The texture will become slightly thicker when heated. Add extra milk afterward to reach your desired consistency.
- → What milk works best for this preparation?
Any milk works beautifully—dairy, almond, oat, soy, or coconut. Unsweetened varieties let you control the sweetness level with honey or maple syrup. Creamier milks yield richer results.
- → Do I need to stir this while it chills?
No need to stir during the chilling process. Just give it a good mix before refrigerating to distribute the chia seeds evenly. The seeds will naturally expand and gel without any intervention.
- → Can I double this batch for meal prep?
Absolutely—this doubles or triples easily. Portion into individual jars or containers for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. Add fresh toppings just before serving for the best texture.