13 Overnight Oats Recipes That Are Full of Flavor, Fiber, and Protein

Sometimes hitting the snooze button in the morning for a precious extra 10 minutes of sleep is 100 percent worth it. The only problem: It makes getting ready more rushed, and when you run out of time on a.m.’s like that, the first task to typically go is cooking up breakfast. (It’s not like you can exactly skip getting dressed unless you’re blessed with a work-from-home job where no one sees you.)

The secret to being able to sleep in while still having something to eat? Making it in advance. There’s a reason why there are entire cookbooks dedicated to meal prepping, and when it comes to planning ahead in the breakfast department, overnight oats are a beloved favorite.

Here’s how overnight oats is different from oatmeal: One, as mentioned, it can be made in advance. It’s a no-cook method of making oatmeal, which is why it can save so much time. Soaking the oats in water or an alternative milk overnight makes them ready to eat when you wake up. Just like traditional oatmeal, you’re still getting a protein- and fiber-packed breakfast, too.

Of course cereal grains on their own can taste pretty bland, which is why it’s helpful to have some overnight oats recipes that include other ingredients to up the nutrient-density and flavor. Bookmark this page to keep these recipes on hand for when you need a little extra inspo for make-ahead breakfast options.

1. Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Let’s start off strong with a classic combo: Peanut butter and strawberries. Adding a spoonful of peanut butter to your overnight oats instantly ups the protein and healthy fats you need to start your day on a good note. This recipe also has another protein- and fiber-packed ingredient: Chia seeds. Soaking the chia seeds right with the oats overnight makes them easier to digest—plus gives them their hallmark soft texture. The end result is a breakfast with a whopping 15 grams of protein.

Get Minimalist Baker’s recipe here

2. Overnight Oats With Fresh Fruit

These oats get an added boost of sweetness thanks to vanilla and maple syrup that marinates overnight with the rest of the ingredients. When you’re ready to dig in, top off your bowl with a handful of your favorite fruit for extra antioxidants and flavor, or even some nuts for a crunchy contrast.

 Get Kristine’s Kitchen’s recipe here

3. No-Bake Banana Bread Oats

As you may remember from 2020, baking a loaf of banana bread takes a good hour. With this recipe, you can enjoy the same exact flavor profile but only spend about five minutes putting it together, while it does all the work for you overnight in the fridge.

Get Jessica In the Kitchen’s recipe here

4. Raspberry Gingersnap Overnight Oats

If you, like me, miss that strange week between Christmas and New Year’s where you ate cookies at all time for no reason other than just because you could, this recipe is for you. Besides the oats, this recipe is made with Greek yogurt, which serves as another great protein source and adds an extra layer of creaminess.

 Get Sweet, Savory, and Steph’s recipe here

Feeling extra ambitious? Watch the video below to see how to make your own gluten-free gingersnap cookies:

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5. Savory Miso Breakfast Oats

More of a savory breakfast person, but still crave the ease of overnight oats? This recipe gives you both. The oats are soaked with chia seeds in yogurt overnight. Then, in the morning, it’s topped off with a hard-boiled egg, miso, kimchi, and kale. Besides being full of fiber, the miso and kimchi have probiotic properties, making this breakfast majorly good for your gut.

 Get The Cutting Veg’s recipe here

6. Black Forest Overnight Oats

Made with chocolate and cherries, this breakfast is akin to the cake of the same name—that doesn’t mean it’s skimping on nutrient density though. It’s chock full of antioxidants thanks to cherries, which boast vitamin C and E, known for their ability to reduce inflammation.

 Get What the Fork’s recipe here 

7. Spicy Black Bean Overnight Oats

Could there be any more fiber in this breakfast? (No, there couldn’t; I checked.) This recipe is another delicious savory take on make-ahead breakfast. This version is made with chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes which bring the heat, plus lime juice and avocado that add welcome zesty creamy contrast. Don’t put away your alt-milk though—you still need it to soak your grains.

 Get Sinful Nutrition’s recipe here

8. Berry Chia Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a great way to introduce chia seeds into your daily routine. Though the texture can be strange for some, when they’re melding together with tasty ingredients like cinnamon, maple syrup, and your favorite frozen berries, it’s easy to let them combine with the delicious oats, while easily adding fiber to your morning meal.

Get Pinch of Yum’s recipe here

9. Golden Milk Overnight Oats

Want your breakfast to help ward off inflammation while brightening your morning? Bringing turmeric into the equation will not only help, it brings tons of flavor to your morning meal. This recipe also calls for cinnamon, which helps keep blood-sugar levels steady.

 Get Fit Mitten Kitchen’s recipe here

Watch the video below to learn more about the connection between turmeric and lowering inflammation:

10. Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats

Breakfast hack: You can work protein powder right into your overnight oats mixture. If you’re not a smoothie person, it’s a great alternative way to use your powder in something other than a shake. Plus, adding a few dark chocolate cacao nibs makes it extra chocolatey (always a bonus).

 Get Eating Bird Food’s recipe here

11. Medjool Date German Chocolate Overnight Oats

This recipe is another way to start your day out on a sweet note. It has the flavor profile of another beloved chocolate cake—but just in time for breakfast. The secret is using Medjool dates and cacao powder for sweetness. Plus, the topping is made with a combo of chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and dates.

 Get Feasting on Fruit’s recipe here 

12. Flax and Blueberry Overnight Oats

Much like chia seeds, flax seeds only get better with an overnight soak. To maximize their benefits, breaking down their hard exterior shell with liquid helps unlock their omega-3 fatty acids, along with their digestive-boosting properties. Throw in some pecans, blueberries, vanilla, and brown sugar to make this extra-thick overnight oat recipe.

Get Pinch of Yum’s recipe here

13. Customizable Overnight Oats

So, you’ve read this whole post and you’re ready to maybe try out your own combinations? If you’re curious but still feel like you need some guidance to make your best breakfast ever, look no further than this recipe from Cookie + Kate. This recipe gives you the blueprint you need to DIY your breakfast oats to your exact liking. Happy overnight oat-ing!

Get Cookie + Kate’s recipe here