Overnight oats with chia seeds make for a great breakfast! This easy dish combines oats, chia seeds, milk, and your favorite fruits. Just mix and let it sit overnight!
I love how simple it is! You wake up to a tasty breakfast waiting for you. Plus, it keeps me full and happy all morning long—it’s like a little gift from the night before!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are essential for that classic overnight oats texture. If you want to avoid gluten, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats can work too, but they’ll be softer.
Chia Seeds: Chia seeds help thicken the mixture and add fiber. If you don’t have them, ground flaxseeds can work as a substitute, but the texture will be different.
Milk: You can use any type of milk here. For a creamier consistency, I like full-fat coconut milk, but almond or oat milk is delicious too. Just avoid flavored options to keep it neutral.
Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness, but you can skip this step if you avoid added sugars. Fresh fruit will add natural sweetness too!
Nuts and Nut Butters: Feel free to experiment! If you’re nut-free, try sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter instead. Just make sure to check for allergies.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for Overnight Oats?
Getting the right consistency is key to making creamy overnight oats. Here are some tips:
- Use the right ratio: Start with 1/2 cup of rolled oats to 1 cup of milk. Adjust based on preference.
- Mix it well: Ensure the chia seeds are evenly mixed in to prevent clumping. Stir thoroughly right after combining all ingredients.
- Chill overnight: This is essential! Let the oats soak for at least 6 hours to soften and absorb the liquid.
- Adjust in the morning: If it feels too thick when you stir it in the morning, simply add a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
How to Make Overnight Oats With Chia
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter or other nut butter (optional, for layering)
- Fresh fruit for topping (e.g., banana slices, blueberries)
- Chopped nuts for topping (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast takes about 5-10 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 6 hours in the fridge for soaking. So, you can whip it up before bed and wake up to a ready-to-eat meal! It’s perfect for hectic mornings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats and chia seeds. Pour in the milk, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together well to ensure that the chia seeds are mixed in evenly and won’t clump together.
2. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover your container with a lid or plastic wrap, and pop it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to soak up the milk, becoming creamy and thick.
3. Stir and Adjust Consistency:
The next morning, take out your oats and give the mixture a good stir. If it appears too thick, simply add a splash of milk to get it to the consistency you like. You want it to be creamy and delightful!
4. Add Nut Butter (Optional):
If you like, add two tablespoons of peanut butter or another nut butter. You can layer it in by adding spoonfuls of the nut butter between the oats if you want pretty swirls, or simply mix it in for a richer flavor.
5. Top with Fruits and Nuts:
Now comes the fun part! Top your overnight oats with fresh fruits like banana slices and blueberries. For a nice crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top, and maybe a few extra chia seeds for good measure!
6. Enjoy!
Serve your oats chilled, and enjoy this creamy, nutritious, and filling breakfast that’s ready for you! It’s a perfect way to start your day!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that they will create a softer texture and absorb liquid faster. If using quick oats, you might want to reduce the soaking time slightly to avoid a mushy consistency.
What Can I Use Instead of Chia Seeds?
If you don’t have chia seeds on hand, ground flaxseeds can be a good alternative. They also help thicken the oats but will change the flavor a bit. Just use the same amount!
How Long Do Leftover Overnight Oats Last?
Leftover overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Just give them a good stir before enjoying!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk like almond, coconut, or oat milk for a vegan option. And if you prefer a sweetener, stick with maple syrup instead of honey!
