It’s not just moms who are busy in the morning. We’ve all got to start eating better! These days, nobody has time for the most important meal of the day. Yes, you should listen to what your mother told you (so should I) and get everything ready the night before. But do we? Well, here are 10 easy ways to do just that, at least for breakfast, with overnight oats.

What is that? Overnight oats are just what they sound like: overnight recipes for oats. It’s uncooked oatmeal soaked overnight (or at least a few hours) in liquid, which it soaks up by morning, making it ready-to-eat. For less-mushy oats, use less liquid. For more-mushy oats, use more liquid. You can use toppings to beat the bank or eat it just like it is, and any way in between.

How to make basic Overnight Oat?

Let’s break it down, starting with the basics. Here’s what you need for the base.

EQUAL amounts of (I recommend one-third to one-half cup of each):
  • Raw rolled oats or steel oats (NOT the instant stuff)
  • Milk (almond milk or other milk-product/milk-substitute - water may be used too)
  • Yogurt (Greek can be substituted, or yogurt can be left out if you don’t have any)
Add in layers or stir in (before or after refrigeration, usually a half-cup or more of whatever):
  • Other stuff you like to eat like fruits, raisins, nuts, seeds, granola (things will get soggy, so save ingredients you like crunchy - nuts, cereals - to add in the morning or right before you eat it)
  • Spices, extracts or herbs you have handy (cinnamon and vanilla are tasty classics, chia and flax seeds are healthy too)
Don’t forget a bowl, jar, mug or other container (even an avocado or cantaloupe shell) to keep in the fridge (I like small to medium mason jars with lids for at home, lightweight plastic containers with lids for travel)

Overnight oats can be eaten cold from the fridge or heated up, as long as you use a microwave safe container and stir before eating to mix in “hot spots.”

They can stay in the fridge for up to 2 days, but that is it. Only make one or two days ahead.

Here are just a few variations you can make - get creative and use your favorites!

Mixed Berries Overnight Oat
Stir in a half-cup each of strawberries & blueberries for the perfect marriage of fruit to pair with your overnight oats.

Blueberry muffin Overnight Oat

For a New England favorite, stir in blueberries and add a touch of lemon zest (don't skimp on the lemon zest!).

Strawberry and cream Overnight Oat

For a creamy delicious start to your day, layer or stir in 1-2 Tbsp flax seeds, maple syrup and frozen strawberries.

Peaches and cream overnight oats

Put some sweet in your morning when you layer or stir peaches into your overnight oats.

Tropical Style Overnight Oats

Give breakfast a tropical twist any day when you stir in mango & pineapple.

Cocoa Nib & Pomegranate Overnight Oats

Worth all the work, pomegranate seeds and cocoa nibs (2 tsp), vanilla extract (1 tsp) make simple yet delicious overnight oats.

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Overnight oats with apple slices and a pinch of cinnamon might be my favorite for fall.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats

Feeling tired of the same old oats? Get crazy and stir in some peanut butter and your favorite jam !

Maple Bacon Overnight Oats

Go savory with your overnight oats and stir in crispy bacon ; I like to replace the syrup with shredded cheese (this is best heated up in the am)

Avocado and banana Overnight Oat

For Hispanic-style overnight oats, stir in avocado; instead of banana, try some fresh parsley with it.
Oats are the classic breakfast food. Overnight oats are simply delicious food-to-go, and who knew, they’re good for you too! Maybe you have some help getting the kids up and going in the morning. If not, these recipes are literally simple enough the kids can do without help. In fact, what a great idea for kids’ breakfast too. No mumble and grumble about nothing to eat when your kid sees these on the top shelf. Good morning!