10 Overnight Oats Recipes That Are the Total Opposite of Bland (2024)

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 the 10 recipes here on hand for when you need a little inspo for make-ahead breakfast options.

Scroll down for 10 overnight oats recipes full of fiber, protein, and deliciousness.

1. Peanut butter overnight oats

Adding a spoonful of peanut butter to your overnight oats instantly ups the protein and healthy fats. This recipe also has another protein- and fiber-packed ingredient: chia seeds. Soaking the chia seeds right with the oats makes them easier to digest—key if you aren't used to eating a lot of fiber and are trying to up your intake. The end result is a breakfast with a whopping 15 grams of protein.

Get the recipe: Peanut butter overnight oats

2. Overnight oats with fresh fruit

Soaking your oats with a touch of vanilla and maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness to every bite. When you're ready to dig in, top off your bowl with a handful of your favorite fruit for extra antioxidants and flavor.

Get the recipe: Overnight oats with fresh fruit

3. No-bake banana bread breakfast

As you know from circa 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.

Get the recipe: Banana bread overnight oats

4. Raspberry gingersnap overnight oats

Cookies for breakfast? It's happening. Besides the oats, this raspberry gingersnap overnight oats recipe is made with Greek yogurt, which serves as another great protein source and adds a layer of creaminess.

Get the recipe: Raspberry gingersnap overnight oats

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

5. Savory miso breakfast bowl

Overnight oats don't have to be sweet; this recipe gives a delicious savory take. The oats are soaked with chia seeds in yogurt overnight. Then, in the morning, they're 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 recipe: Savory miso overnight oats

6. Black Forest overnight oats

Made with chocolate and cherries, this breakfast is decadent enough to double as dessert—that doesn't mean it's skimping on nutrient density though. It's chock full of antioxidants.

Get the recipe: Black Forest overnight oats

7. Spicy black bean breakfast

Could there be any more fiber in this breakfast? This recipe is another delicious savory take on this make-ahead breakfast dish. This version is made with chili powder, crushed red pepper, lime juice, and avocado (besides the beans and oats). Don't put away your alt-milk though—you still need it to soak your grains.

Get the recipe: Spicy black bean overnight oats

8. Golden milk overnight oats

Want your breakfast to help ward off inflammation? 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 the recipe: Golden milk overnight oats

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

9. 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. Plus, adding a few dark chocolate cacao nibs makes it extra chocolatey.

Get the recipe: Chocolate banana overnight oats

10. 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 a thick slice of German chocolate cake—without all the sugar. The secret is using Medjool dates and cacao powder for sweetness. The "frosting" is made with chopped pecans, unshredded coconut, and the dates.

Get the recipe: Medjool date German chocolate overnight oats

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