Introduction:
Looking for delicious and high-fiber breakfast ideas for busy mornings? Overnight oats are the easy make-ahead perfect solution! Oats are high in soluble dietary fiber and can be easily customized with various high-fiber add-ins for various flavors and textures. As a family of early birds out the door before sunrise, we love overnight oats because they are easily added to any weekly meal prep routine. In this article, we’ll share the best overnight oats base recipe along with a list of favorite toppings and optional add-ins. Whether you prefer chia seeds, maple syrup, almond milk, or a combination of different ingredients, overnight oats can be tailored to your taste. Let’s dive in and discover the wonderful world of overnight oats!
The Best Overnight Oats Base Recipe:
To make the basic overnight oats recipe, you will need the following:
– 1 cup oats (quick oats, old-fashioned oats, or steel-cut oats)
– 1 cup milk of choice (almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk, or dairy-free milk)
– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional for a creamy texture)
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for added nutrition and a chewy texture)
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. combine the oats, milk, and Greek yogurt in a mason jar or airtight container.
Pro tip: Adding the liquid to the oats early allows them to settle down and allows more room for your add-ins:
2. Add the chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
4. Cover the container and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
5. The next morning, stir the oats well and add your favorite toppings.
Favorite Toppings and Optional Add-Ins:
1. Fresh fruit (sliced banana, berries, diced apples, etc.)
2. Nuts and seeds (almond butter, cashew milk, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds)
3. Sweeteners (maple syrup, honey, brown sugar)
4. Spices (cocoa powder, cinnamon)
5. Crunchy additions (chocolate chips, granola)
6. Protein boosters (protein powder, Greek yogurt)
7. Other flavor combinations (apple pie, carrot cake)
Tips for Overnight Oats Success:
1. Use an airtight container like a mason jar for easy preparation and portability.
2. Experiment with different types of oats for varied textures (quick oats, rolled oats, steel-cut oats).
3. Adjust the amount of liquid according to your desired consistency.
4. For a warm oatmeal experience, heat your overnight oats in the microwave for a minute.
5. Prepare a big batch of overnight oats for the entire week on Sunday night.
6. Store overnight oats in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
7. Feel free to use certified gluten-free oats if you have dietary restrictions.
Conclusion:
Overnight oats are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. With a simple base recipe and a wide array of toppings and add-ins, you can create a variety of flavors and textures that suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the convenience of preparing your breakfast the night before and waking up to a delightful and satisfying meal. Try out different combinations and discover your favorite overnight oats recipes.
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