Back when we were kids, breakfast usually involved cereal commercials convincing us sugar counted as nutrition, toaster pastries eaten in the car, or whatever your mom could throw together before school. And honestly? Some mornings still feel like that.

That’s exactly why these Basic Overnight Oats work so well. They’re simple, low-effort, and require almost zero brain power before coffee. You mix everything together the night before, toss it in the fridge, and somehow Future You wakes up looking responsible and organized.

It’s meal prep… without acting like meal prep.

These overnight oats are creamy, filling, customizable, and way cheaper than grabbing one of those tiny overpriced oat cups from the grocery store that somehow cost the same as a small appliance.

Perfect for busy mornings, summer breakfasts, post-workout fuel, or those weeks where life feels just slightly too chaotic.

Basic overnight oats with sliced banana, dried fruit and pecans on top in a white bowl on the brown cutting board.

Serves: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes Plus Overnight

If you’re enjoying these Basic Overnight Oats, here are a few more easy breakfast recipes from Simply Made Dish that make mornings feel slightly more manageable:

🥜 Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
🍌 Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Because once you realize breakfast can basically make itself overnight… there’s really no going back.

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup milk or plain yogurt (or any milk of choice, dairy or non-dairy)

Optional Toppings:

sliced banana
sliced apple
sliced peaches
sliced mango
nuts
seeds
maple syrup
honey
yogurt
dried fruit
coconut flakes
chocolate chips

white vase, multi colored hand towel on a brown cutting board with a glass filled with milk, a small jar with maple syrup, a banana, dried cranberries, whole pecans, a jar of pecans, and a small white bowl of rolled oats all on the brown cutting board on the white counter.

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

More recipes here 👉 Overnight Oats Recipes!

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Add the oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a mason jar or container with a lid. Stir everything together until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.

Pouring Milk over and rolled oats in a bowl on the white counter.

Milk and rolled oats in a bowl on the white counter.

Step 2: The next morning, stir again and add your favorite toppings before serving. Feel free to add nuts, seeds, sliced fruit, or even a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess.

Basic overnight oats with sliced banana, dried fruit and pecans on top in a white bowl on the glass table.

Tips for the Best Overnight Oats

Add toppings right before serving so they stay freshYou may also like:

Use old fashioned oats for the best texture

Add extra milk if you like thinner oats

Make multiple jars ahead for the week

Let the oats sit overnight for the creamiest texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make overnight oats ahead of time?

Yes! Overnight oats are perfect for meal prep and usually stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Do overnight oats need chia seeds?

No, but chia seeds help thicken the oats and add texture and protein.

Can I use quick oats?

You can, but the texture will be softer. Old-fashioned oats work best.

Basic Overnight Oats

These basic overnight oats are easy to prepare, making them a perfect choice for a quick breakfast.

Tara

Prep Time 8 5

Total Time 1 8 5

Servings

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup milk or plain yogurt or any milk of choice, dairy or non-dairy

Optional Toppings

sliced banana
sliced apple
sliced peaches
sliced mango
nuts
seeds
maple syrup
honey
yogurt
dried fruit
coconut flakes
chocolate chips

Instructions

To assemble the basic overnight oats, combine oats with milk or yogurt in a large bowl or glass jar. Stir well, cover and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, spoon your creamy overnight oats into a bowl or keep them in your desired container. Feel free to add nuts, seeds, sliced fruit, or even a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess.