Overnight oats, simply put, is a mixture of rolled oats, your milk of choice, and sometimes a bit of yogurt. The oats need time to soak up the liquid, and are usually left overnight in the refrigerator to let the mixture thicken and the oats soften until tender. This easy breakfast is infinitely customizable to personal taste and cravings, and because oats are rich in fiber, it’s a healthful option. The soluble fiber found in oats has a plethora of benefits, like supporting gut health, increasing satiety, and reducing blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Oats are also higher in protein and fat than other grains, and high in vitamins and minerals. They also contain mighty antioxidants, which may help reduce blood pressure. And when paired with yogurt for extra creaminess, there’s the added benefit of a protein boost. It’s a no-brainer to keep overnight oats stashed and replenished in the fridge, especially in hotter months when it’s incredibly refreshing to dig into a bowl of creamy grains.

How To Make Overnight Oats

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to enjoy overnight oats at home. Experiment with the flavor profile and add a pinch of ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger, or cardamom, if desired. Or opt for chocolatey overnight oats and add some cocoa powder into the mix. Feel free to prepare the oats in individual serving containers or jars if you’ll be taking this on-the-go.

Overnight Oats Recipe

1½ cups dairy or plant-based milk of choice1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, optionalA pinch of saltOptional toppings: maple syrup, honey, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, nut butter

Overnight Oats Upgrades

Elevate a standard batch of overnight oats with these flavorful and exciting recipe ideas. RELATED: 45 Festive, Flavorful Apple Recipes to Make This Fall