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Overnight Oatmeal in a Jar keeps busy mornings stress-free and healthy! Tips to customize the recipe and still enjoy it hot!
Like it or not...back-to-school and fall festivities are just around the corner. And, although I am a self-proclaimed Dinner-Mom, I strongly believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Nobody leaves our house without a good breakfast!
To that end, Breakfast has its own recipe category in the archives! (Breakfast for dinner anyone?!) Make ahead options in that category include Banana Oatmeal Cookies and Ham Quiche Cups.
But, oatmeal is a perennial morning favorite at my house and it doesn't get any easier than prepping several servings the night before to enjoy the rest of the week. And, it's anything but boring. We've rounded up lots of mix and match options for inspiration.
Overnight Oatmeal Tips and Tricks
Use good old fashioned whole oats for this overnight oatmeal recipe. The quick cooking kind are too processed and powdery and steel cut oats are too hearty. But, old fashioned oats are just right!
By the way, if you're a fan of the steel cut variety, check out these directions to make steel cut oatmeal in a crockpot.
Add oats to a mason jar or glass container with a tight fitting lid. Pint-sized mason jars allow plenty of room for toppings!
Next add the desired amount of liquid, such as milk, rice milk, almond milk or even water. The general rule is equal amounts of liquid and oats. If you like your oatmeal creamy, then add a tablespoon or so more. If thick and chewy is your style, then stir in a little less liquid.
Stir in the flavor. These goodies go in at the time of assembly:
- Chia seeds (these nicely soak up some of the liquid too!)
- Flax seed (can also be sprinkled on at serving time)
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Maple syrup, honey or other sweetener to taste
- Peanut butter or nut butters/seed butters
Allow the oatmeal to soak up the liquid and goodies at least two hours or up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Come breakfast time, pull out fresh and dried fruit, nuts, granola and chocolate chips to top off the oatmeal. Or spoon some blueberry compote over the top!
It's no problem if you're a hot oatmeal kind of person. Spoon the oatmeal into a bowl and warm it in the microwave for 30 seconds to the minute and then add your toppings.
Either way, breakfast is served in a matter of minutes. And, that's just what you need on a busy morning!
📋 Recipe
Overnight Oatmeal
Ingredients
- ¾ cup whole oats
- ¾ cup water or milk of any kind
Overnight Mix-in Ingredients
- Flax seed about 1 Tablespoon per serving
- Chia seeds about 1 Tablespoon per serving
- Cinnamon about ⅛ teaspoon per serving
- Vanilla extract about ⅛ teaspoon per serving
- Honey about 1 Tablespoon per serving
- Maple syrup about 1 Tablespoon per serving
- Sugar or other sweetener to taste
- Nut butters Up to ¼ cup per serving
Day of Toppings
- Fresh fruit
- Dried Fruit
- Fruit Compote or apple butter
- Chopped Nuts
- Chocolate Chips
- Coconut
- Granola
Instructions
- Combine oats, liquid and desired overnight mix-in ingredients in a glass container with a tight lid.
- Refrigerate jar overnight or up to 3 days.
- If desired, transfer oatmeal to a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds to a minute.
- When ready to enjoy, spoon your favorite toppings on top!
Notes
Nutrition
More delicious oatmeal recipes ideas to try:
- Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal from My Whole Food Life
- Blueberry Cheesecake Oatmeal from Food, Faith, Fitness
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies from The Lemon Bowl
- Peach Cobbler Oatmeal from Spoonful of Flavor
Pin this visual recipe for Overnight Oatmeal for quick reference!
Nina Stark says
This looks so good...going to order some gluten free oats this morning...thx
Judith says
I just tried this, and it tastes so good! I can't wait to try other combinations. I have a question on the flax seeds. I added some to my overnight oatmeal, but I read online that whole flax seeds go undigested, and just pass through your system. Do you know if the flax seeds break down in overnight oatmeal? I really want to incorporate them into every single overnight oatmeal combo I make, and want to make sure I'm getting the nutrients out of them. Thank you in advance if you can answer this !
Marjory says
Hi! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe! I really don't know what happens to whole flax seeds that sit overnight. I add ground flax seed, which I understand is more easily digested.
Judith says
okay, then I'll just use ground flax seed. Thank you!
Colleen (Souffle Bombay) says
My kids would love to try this! I like how easy and how many flavor possibilities their are...never saw oatmeal made this way...cool!
Cookin Canuck says
I'm a stickler about breakfast, too - no child of mine is heading off to school without a good breakfast! 🙂 Overnight oats are such a great idea for school days. Less work in the morning is always a good thing!
heather | girlichef says
Overnight oats are one of those things I've been meaning to try forever, but haven't yet. I can't believe how simple it is - how perfect for school days. And since I have everything I need to make some, I really should head into the kitchen and get tomorrow morning's breakfast ready!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
I'm so bad about eating Breakfast in the mornings! I am always rushed and I never have anything to grab and go with! I need to make a few of these and stock my fridge! I'm thinking that Vanilla extract and maple syrup would be a winner!
Lora @cakeduchess says
I'm all about breakfast and even wake up extra early to make sure something yummy is ready to wake everyone up (not easy when school starts...hahaha). Love all the tips and flavor ideas for something so simple! I'm inspired!!
Amanda @ The Kitcheneer says
Thanks for the tips! I love overnight oats! There are so many ways to dress it up!
The Food Hunter says
Great tips...this is such a fun thing to do too.
Martha @ A Family Feast says
Great tips and tricks Marjory! I've attempted overnight oatmeal before - but didn't have much luck (the consistency was off). You've inspired me to try again!