Blog post and recipe were first published on March 31, 2016. Body of the post and recipe card updated on January 10, 2025.
Breakfast continues to be one of my problem areas when it comes to my recently-overhauled, healthier diet. In this neck of the woods, it’s so easy make a quick stop and pick up inexpensive (and delicious!) breakfast tacos, or drive-thru and grab a cheese-smothered (amazing!) breakfast sandwich, that it’s kinda hard to stay on track. So, to keep myself out of the drive-thru or from reaching for that box of frosted cereal, I’ve been in the market for quick, healthy breakfast ideas.
In my last recipe post, I talked about toast and my love for the versatile, quickie breakfasts that can be made with it. I still love my toast, but I love variety too, so I’m still actively looking for healthful, fast morning meal ideas.
So, if you are unfamiliar with them, allow me to introduce you to one of my new breakfast favorites: overnight oats.
I love a warm, satisfying bowl of oatmeal, but it’s a breakfast meal that’s associated with long, lazy weekend mornings for me. I just have trouble making time to cook and sit down to eat on busy mornings. The glory of overnight oats really is that they “cook” themselves overnight while soaking in milk. Adding any extra goodies, like fresh fruit or nuts, to the oats is all that needs to be fussed with in the morning.
There are all kinds of recipes for overnight oats around the web. All of those other recipes vary greatly as to the type of milk used, toppings, whether to add the toppings at night or in the morning and whether or not to add sugar.
I definitely recommend adding your extras in the morning as I’m confident that any added fresh fruit or chopped nuts would become too soggy if soaked in milk for hours. No thank you! I also use a bit of brown sugar here, mostly because I simply enjoy the taste of it in my oatmeal. However, if you prefer, you can leave the sugar out or use a bit of another sweetener.
To tell the truth, I was super skeptical when I placed my first batch of overnight oats in the refrigerator a couple of weeks ago. I had no idea what the consistency would be like compared to oatmeal cooked in a pot or in the microwave. I can tell you that I was so happy with the results! The milk soaks up nicely into the oats leaving them creamy, yet they maintain a bit of texture. Any spices or extracts that are added diffuse throughout the oats and there is wonderful pop of flavor in every bite.
How much I enjoy overnight oats is definitely one of the best, food-born surprises I’ve had in quite a while. It’s a time-saving, healthy meal that is worth adding to your morning recipe arsenal if you hit the ground running so often like I do. I also have the occasional, ridiculously hectic morning where all I have time to do is scurry out the door and by using a resealable jar, like a mason jar, this can be a portable breakfast too.
Yep, “grab and go” is the daybreak motto around here more often than I care to admit! Don’t get me started. I mean I live with small people who like to bicker and lose their shoes…a lot. Anyway, what were we talking about? Oh yes, oats!
I usually eat them right out of the fridge, and they are great chilled. But, if you prefer to warm your oatmeal, just nuke them for 30-45 seconds, top with your favorite add-ins and then dig in!
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Apple-Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Course: breakfast, Fall Favorites, Winter FavoritesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings10
minutes4-6
hoursOvernight oats are a delicious, hearty and easy meal prep breakfast option. During busy weeks, we love having a jar or two of these creamy oats prepped for no-fuss morning meals. This recipe for Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats is a comforting way to start the day any time of the year.
Ingredients
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats (regular, not quick-cooking)
1/2 cup milk or your favorite nut milk
1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 -1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar (or to taste)
pinch of salt
1/4- 1/3 cup chopped, fresh apple
1-2 teaspoons of raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
1-2 teaspoons of toasted pecan pieces (optional)
Directions
- 1. In an 8-ounce mason jar (or other container…mason jars are just my fave) combine the first six ingredient and stir well.
2. Close the container and allow to chill overnight (at least 6 hours) in the refrigerator. Chop the fresh apples and store them in a separate container for easy use the following morning.
3. Just before serving, add the chopped apple and any other extras that you like such as raisins, dried cranberries or pecans to the mason jar. Serve warm or cold, as you prefer. Enjoy!
Notes
- Recipe from A Little Fish in the Kitchen at www.alittlefishinthekitchen.com. All content is owned by Marcelle G. Bolton, please contact the author to republish.
I know my husband would like the flavor combination…it sounds extra good with the nuts.
This sounds absolutely delicious! A great way to start the day.
Love oats! And have them often for breakfast. These look just perfect. For a quick, easy breakfast I often like a hard-boiled egg (I'll boil them up once a week and store them in the refrigerator until I need them). Usually served with some fruit. Easy and tasty! But not as tasty as this — thanks so much.
Dear Marcelle, we love oats, in baked goods, sweet as well as savory. We love them warm, we love them cold. I am sure we would love your overnight oats too – full of great flavors and dried fruits, they must taste awesome!
Hi Grace, thank you! This flavor combo is sure a hit here 🙂
Hi Susan, we think so too! Thank you!
Hi David! I hope you like overnight oatmeal and please let me know what you think about them 🙂
Hi Laura, we are loving this healthy breakfast style and I bet vanilla bean paste does amazing things in this oatmeal!
i have become a loyal fan of overnight oats, and by that i mean that i eat them every single morning! i like this flavor combination very much. 🙂
I love the idea! Gotta get some of those make very soon, Marcelle. A delicious way to start the day.
That is brilliant, Marcelle! I love oatmeal and can't wait to try this.
I love overnight oats. I usually just add some vanilla bean paste or carob powder. Such a great, healthy breakfast.
Cheri, it was a nice change from our normal morning routine and the time-saving aspect is a huge perk. Please let me know what you think about them if you try some 🙂
Cheri, it was a nice change from our normal morning routine and the time-saving aspect is a huge perk. Please let me know what you think about them if you try some 🙂
Greg, I was pleasantly surprised at how they turned out. Please let me know what you think if you try them out! 🙂
Thank you, Angie! You have a great weekend too 🙂
Hi Marcelle, you know I am trying to cut most sugar out of my diet and mornings are when I always had my sweets. Will have to try these overnight oats, looks like a fantastic way to start the day.
Overnight soaking is new to me and very sensible. I'll give it a try! GREG
That's the best food to kick start the day! I am going to make some overnight oats for the weekend too.
Have a lovely weekend!
Angie