Techniques
Meal Prep
Skill
Beginner
1 min

How to make overnight oats by mixing oats with yogurt and milk and chilling

Combine oats with a thick dairy base and a liquid, mix well, then refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to soften and thicken.

Mix oats with Greek yogurt and coconut milk (or another milk) until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate for a couple hours or overnight so the oats hydrate and the mixture thickens into a ready-to-eat breakfast.

The short version

  • Overnight oats are set by chilling, not cooking.
  • A covered container prevents fridge odors and drying out.

What you need

  • lidded container/jarAny fridge-safe pot or jar with a lid

How to do it

  1. 1

    Add oats, Greek yogurt, and milk (e.g., coconut milk) to a container.

    Use a lidded jar/pot so it can chill covered.

    Watch this step
  2. 2

    Add any mix-ins (e.g., cacao powder, chia seeds) and mix thoroughly.

    Mix until no dry pockets remain.

    Watch this step
  3. 3

    Put a lid on and refrigerate for a couple hours or overnight.

    Longer chilling gives softer oats and a thicker texture.

    Watch this step

What goes wrong

Not mixing thoroughly, leaving dry clumps of oats or powder

Stir until fully uniform before chilling.

Why it works

Time in the fridge lets the oats absorb liquid (hydration) and the mixture set up without cooking.

Put it to use

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