Breakfast/ Recipes

The One, the Only, Overnight Oatmeal

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Well folks, we’re kicking it old school today.

My favorite breakfast in 2009 is still my favorite breakfast in 2013 and it’s the one I get the most emails/comments/questions about. I have a very old recipe somewhere on this site {complete with awful photography} but wanted to take the time to explain it all once again just in case you’re a new reader or have forgotten about the sheer deliciousness of overnight oatmeal.

Overnight oatmeal couldn’t be simpler to prepare and is mega satisfying. It’s one of the only breakfasts that keeps me full all the way until lunch…definitely from all that protein in the Greek yogurt. It’s my version of bircher muesli and a total breakfast staple, especially when topped with lot of nuts, maple syrup and berries!

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All you do is combine oats and milk in a bowl the night before. The next morning, stir in your yogurt and add your toppings! Done.

Lately, I’ve been preferring whole fat Greek yogurt because it’s suuuuuuuuuper creamy and smooth, not to mention much less processed than the fat free or reduced fat variations. We really like Straus! It’s, hands down, the creamiest organic yogurt I’ve found.

There you have it! If you’ve never tried overnight oatmeal before, give it a try!! I eat this at least twice a week and it’s my favorite quick healthy breakfast.

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Overnight Oatmeal

serves 1

Print this Recipe!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1/2 cup milk of choice

1/2 cup Greek yogurt {I like whole fat}

1-2 tbsp chopped nuts

maple syrup for drizzling

cinnamon

fresh berries

Directions:

The night before you plan to eat it, combine the oats with the milk in a serving bowl. Place in the fridge.

The next morning, stir in the yogurt and top with cinnamon, nuts and berries. Enjoy!

Time:

~2 minutes

October 22, 2013 By
73

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  • Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs
    October 22, 2013 at 4:14 am

    I’ve never actually tried overnight oats, even though I’ve read so much about them — might have to change that 🙂

    Have a great day!

  • Averie @ Averie Cooks
    October 22, 2013 at 4:15 am

    Kicking it oldschool is right! When I first starting blogging in 2009, I think most every post I read was about overnight oats. The memories 🙂 Love the idea and those big berries on top!

  • Madison
    October 22, 2013 at 4:17 am

    I love overnight oats and have forgotten about them. Thanks for the reminder!

  • Danielle
    October 22, 2013 at 4:20 am

    I told you you’re the person who inspired me to try oatmeal in the first place, right? Oh, memories 🙂

  • Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
    October 22, 2013 at 4:24 am

    I love overnight oats! Lovely recipe 🙂

  • Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves
    October 22, 2013 at 4:30 am

    Overnight oats is also my all-time favorite breakfast! So convenient, so delicious, and so satisfying. I always put some kind of nut/seed butter in mine for extra creaminess and yumminess 🙂

  • Jen
    October 22, 2013 at 4:36 am

    Does this make a thick oatmeal or more of a soupy oatmeal? And do you heat it up afterwards or eat it cold? Thanks!

    • Julie V
      October 22, 2013 at 7:50 am

      You can play around with the milk/yogurt ratio to get the consistency you would like. I usually set this out when I get up to bring it to room temp for eating, or you can zap it for a few seconds to make it warmer.

    • joelle (on a pink typewriter)
      October 22, 2013 at 9:26 am

      If you want thicker, you can do what I do — combine about 6 ounces of greek yogurt (a standard single serving container) with oats and leave overnight. In the morning, if it’s too thick for your liking, add a little bit of milk (plus berries, peanut butter, whatever). It’s eaten cold. 🙂

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    October 22, 2013 at 5:12 am

    Mmmm yum! I haven’t been a huge oatmeal person in the past (I know, as a blogger, this is practically a sin), but have been totally into it now, overnight, baked, or made on the stove! I love the toppings you’ve chosen here as well. Beautiful photos!

  • Amy Walters, A DESIGN DOCK
    October 22, 2013 at 5:24 am

    Mmm…yes! I’ve been on a bit of an oatmeal kick lately. I’m kind of loving it. Excited to mix this recipe into my regular hot oats.

  • Erin | The Law Student's Wife
    October 22, 2013 at 5:48 am

    Oatmeal keeps me full and happy all morning like none other! Way to keep it old school–a classic never dies!

  • Heather
    October 22, 2013 at 6:10 am

    Ahh! Overnight oats. I used to eat this all the time and somehow I moved on to other breakfast things in the last couple of years. Thanks for the inspiration – I’ll have to make some overnight oats this week. You’re right – they are so satisfying!

  • Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)
    October 22, 2013 at 6:30 am

    I love overnight oatmeal! Try stirring in grated green apple as well–it’s my favorite 🙂

  • Jennie @themessybakerblog
    October 22, 2013 at 6:32 am

    Overnight oatmeat is a favorite of mine. Your bowl of oats looks delicious. Pinned!

  • Brittany from CountingMyCupcakes
    October 22, 2013 at 6:38 am

    Gorgeous pictures! I love overnight oats, but I always reheat them in the microwave. I’ve tried it cold, but it just doesn’t do it for me. My favorite add ins are vanilla protein powder, cinnamon (and/or cinnamon chips!), a sliced banana or raspberries. Mmm mmm.

  • Momnivore
    October 22, 2013 at 6:39 am

    I just finished a bowl. But instead of yogurt, I used half a can of pumpkin puree and instead of milk I used almond milk. Dairy free and SOOO delicious (topped with lots of pumpkin pie spice) and you’re right – keeps me full longer than any other breakfast!

  • erin @hooleywithaz
    October 22, 2013 at 7:21 am

    yum! i just got down with a sugar detox, and could have used this recipe to mix up my morning muesli a bit!

  • Alisha @ Alisha's Appetite
    October 22, 2013 at 8:29 am

    One of my favorite breakfasts to date! I usually add 1 TB chia seeds to the mix and then throw on a big dollop of almond butter in the morning 🙂

  • Caroline L.
    October 22, 2013 at 8:41 am

    Yep, definitely remember reading all about this on your blog back in the day! Doesn’t look any less delicious four years later! 🙂

  • Kristen
    October 22, 2013 at 9:07 am

    Can this be made with oat bran? I enjoy it much more than oats, and is more nutritional.

    • jenna
      October 22, 2013 at 5:33 pm

      I actually have never tried that variation so I’m not sure!

      • Lani
        November 3, 2013 at 8:19 pm

        Yup! It’s a little grainier but it works.

  • Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
    October 22, 2013 at 10:15 am

    I have never been able to get the consistency of overnight oatmeal quite right, but I’m going to give this recipe a go! It certainly sounds delicious!

  • Wendy @ All Kinds of Miles
    October 22, 2013 at 10:26 am

    Thank you

    • Wendy@ All Kinds of Miles
      October 22, 2013 at 10:29 am

      Whoops, I prematurely hit submit! I was going to say thank you for posting this! It sounds ridiculous, but I’ve tried overnight oats before but felt like my technique was just off or something. I’m going to give it a go tonight!

  • Justeen
    October 22, 2013 at 11:50 am

    I had overnight oats for breakfast this morning! I haven’t tried it with a full fat Greek yogurt before, but Wallaby 2% Greek is great! I usually use chia seeds to thicken up the mixture, but maybe I’ll try your version and do without. Looks delicious!

  • Cara
    October 22, 2013 at 12:25 pm

    My husband and I make overnight oatmeal every work night! We use almond milk, half a banana and no yogurt. Also a Tbsp of chia seeds is an AWESOME addition! We shake it in pint mason jars and grab out of the fridge on the way out of the house. So easy, filling and healthy!!

  • Louise
    October 22, 2013 at 2:11 pm

    Does anyone know if this method works with Steel Cut Oatmeal? Thanks!

    • jenna
      October 22, 2013 at 5:32 pm

      Nope – you would need to cook that first!

  • Laura @ Lauras Baking Talent
    October 22, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    Wow thanks for sharing this recipe. I eat oatmeal a lot of lunch and this will be a new way to prepare it 🙂

  • joelle (on a pink typewriter)
    October 22, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    Yum.. an oldie but a goodie. PS. I use Greek yogurt vs. milk because I like the oats to be thicker in the morn.

  • Coty and Mariah
    October 22, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    Can’t beat this simple go to morning breakfast! Perfect for the work week:)

  • Amy
    October 22, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    While I understand that many non-fat or low-fat yogurts have extra ingredients, preservatives and flavorings added, most organic plain flavored yogurts have a pretty clean ingredient list…. There’s not a huge difference between then organic full fat and low-fat, other than the removal of more fat, the majority of which is saturated fat… ie the fat related to high cholesterol and other heart health issues. There’s definitely a fine balance in choosing a healthy yogurt.

    • Kim
      October 22, 2013 at 7:20 pm

      If you want a whole food, you need to eat full-fat dairy. Yes, it has saturated fat, but eating some whole, organic saturated fat in an otherwise balanced diet is better than eating a food that has been further processed, IMO. Low fat dairy has even been linked to things like fertility problems.

      • Lori
        October 23, 2013 at 2:16 pm

        Low fat dairy has been linked to fertility problems? Have you read research on this?

      • Lori
        October 23, 2013 at 2:19 pm

        Okay I actually looked this up. Looks like it’s just a factor if you WANT to become pregnant. So if you aren’t looking to get pregnant low fat dairy won’t have an effect on your long term fertility. And then they went on to say they encourage the women to go back to eating low fat dairy after they have become pregnant to limit their saturated fat intake.

  • Bryony @ Friday Night Dinners -- PDX
    October 22, 2013 at 6:51 pm

    Love these pictures! I’ll definitely be trying this recipe!

  • Fashion Snag
    October 22, 2013 at 7:12 pm

    I wanna try this!

  • Alanna
    October 22, 2013 at 7:19 pm

    LOVE me some overnight oats. Never fails 🙂

  • Clara
    October 22, 2013 at 7:57 pm

    That looks absolutely delish!! Going to try this very soon…your food photography is superb 🙂

  • Ashley | Our Full Table
    October 22, 2013 at 9:39 pm

    This is so simple and easy! Why have I not tried this before? I’m pinning this!

  • Alexe @ Keys to the Cucina
    October 23, 2013 at 11:48 am

    Wow this looks delicious and couldn’t be any quicker to prepare, thanks for sharing!

  • Ang
    October 23, 2013 at 2:15 pm

    Can you heat this up in the morning?

    • jenna
      October 23, 2013 at 2:51 pm

      You can although I’m not a big fan of warm yogurt so I eat mine cold!

  • Becky
    October 23, 2013 at 5:55 pm

    I love overnight oats! Can’t wait to try them this way. These pictures are beautiful and make me want to eat some right now!!

  • Kim
    October 23, 2013 at 7:33 pm

    You read my mind. I was just planning an overnight oatmeal with the apples we picked at an orchard a couple weeks ago. I don’t know why I don’t make it more often.

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
    October 24, 2013 at 1:38 am

    Totally going to try this – so simple and looks amazing! Thanks for posting the recipe!

  • Links I’m Loving… | girl about columbus
    October 25, 2013 at 3:01 am

    […] 9.) Healthy: Going back to the tried-and-true with Eat, Live, Run’s recipe for overnight oatmeal. […]

  • Nan
    October 28, 2013 at 5:26 am

    It works! I love it

  • Bfast – most important meal? |
    October 30, 2013 at 10:28 am

    […] This is perfect in the winter when you want something a little heartier and to warm you right up! Overnight Oatmeal. I typically don’t use greek yogurt and will just use almond milk. Garnish it with your […]

  • Heather @ French Press
    November 4, 2013 at 3:27 pm

    I’ve never tried adding yogurt to my oats, but it sounds like a good plan to me

  • Ingrid
    November 4, 2013 at 6:49 pm

    i like adding in crunchy almond butter in the morning and honey 🙂

  • Weekend Things | Life as Lauren
    November 10, 2013 at 6:12 pm

    […] Saturday, we slept in, ate breakfast (obsessed with this yogurt-y deliciousness right now!) then dove right into some bathroom remodeling.  We’re swapping out paint, […]

  • Ode to Oatmeal: 50 Recipes to Spice Up Breakfast | Slender Kitchen
    December 8, 2013 at 11:07 pm

    […] milk) Skinny Overnight Oats in a Jar with Chia, Blueberry, and Banana, 243 calories, 6 PointsPlus Overnight Oatmeal with Greek Yogurt, 314 calories, 7 PointsPlus Chocolate Cake Batter Overnight Oats, 209 calories, 6 PointsPlus Carrot […]

  • Six Months Cleaner | LiveDreamRun
    January 6, 2014 at 2:48 pm

    […] taste and texture, and I love it now.  Strawberry and Blood Orange are my favorite, plain or in overnight oats.  I’ve also tried unsweetened almond milk, which has a nutty but good taste, and if you have […]

  • Margaret
    January 27, 2014 at 11:17 am

    Can you use frozen berries?

  • Overnight Oats | A Fettle Fine Thyme
    April 8, 2014 at 6:11 am

    […] This recipe from Eat, Live, Run. […]

  • Overnight Oats | Rustic Roost
    January 8, 2015 at 8:21 am

    […] There are so many variations of overnight oats going around right now.  Adapted from Eat, Live, Run. […]

  • Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal with Sweet Potato - dinextreme
    July 29, 2018 at 2:39 am

    […] Jenna has discovered the best way to cook her oatmeal is by not cooking it at all but instead using her overnight method with creamy Greek yogurt in Eat, Live Run‘s The One, The Only, Overnight Oatmeal. […]

  • Katie
    October 17, 2018 at 10:23 pm

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  • djb
    June 8, 2019 at 5:15 pm

    Thanks for sharing,Nice Article,

  • wo liegt
    July 7, 2019 at 1:19 am

    Good. It seems very delicious. Thanks

  • Mark Smith
    October 14, 2019 at 10:52 am

    Looks great! Thanks for sharing. I have been trying to eat healthier since being diagnosed with arthritis at https://southlandarthritis.com

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    November 2, 2019 at 3:03 am

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  • Where is Madrid
    November 15, 2019 at 9:55 am

    Good. It seems very delicious. Thanks

  • Abhi
    January 2, 2020 at 4:19 am

    Thanks for this.It really looks yummy & my kids will love this Oatmeal recipe.Looks really healthy as well.

    More power to you.Keep active, stay fit and have fun.

    Cheers & have a Happy Life ..:)

  • Where is Qatar
    January 4, 2020 at 11:19 am

    Good. It seems very delicious. Thanks

  • Christianne
    January 6, 2020 at 6:56 am

    Never liked overnight oats until this one! Thank you!! So amazing!

  • when is
    January 29, 2020 at 5:04 am

    Good. It seems very delicious. Thanks

  • Bhawna
    January 30, 2020 at 4:26 pm

    Oh! I totally forgot I can make these for kids breakfast. We stack up so many things on top of the bowl that makes them super yummy. Cannot wait for summer for berries to come in the season.

  • Priti S
    August 15, 2020 at 4:29 pm

    Have you tried making a peach and cinnamon one? Or a mocha one with instant coffee and cacao powder? Mmmm, delicious! I like making these with the rolled oats, not the instant oats. I feel like it gets less mushy that way.