The key to a good day is a good breakfast. But the key to a successful day is a good breakfast that’s super-easy to make, nutritious, and delicious. That’s where this blueberry overnight oats recipe comes in.
It doesn’t get any easier than overnight oats. Spend five minutes throwing this together in the evening, and you’ve got the perfect energizing, low-calorie, nutrient-packed breakfast to get your day moving without interruption.
Rolled oats, chia seeds, and Greek yogurt provide the fuel to keep you going. But it’s the fresh blueberries, crunchy walnuts, and maple syrup that provide the yum factor that keeps this easy breakfast from going stale. Low in sugar, gluten-free, and guilt-free, this is the breakfast you’ve been waiting for.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast. This recipe comes together in just five minutes and chills in the fridge overnight so it’s ready for you in the morning.
- Easy. If you’ve got a jar and a spoon, you’ve got all the tools you need to make this tasty breakfast.
- Budget-friendly. Made with pantry staples, this breakfast is as cheap as it is healthy. Save even more money by opting for frozen blueberries over fresh.
- Transportable. This breakfast is perfect for eating on the go or bringing to the office.
- Customizable. This recipe provides the perfect base for tasty overnight oats. Make it yours by playing with the toppings and add-ons.
How to Make Blueberry Overnight Oats
Making this recipe is as easy as putting all the ingredients in a jar, giving it a stir, and popping it in the fridge.
You’ll find the full, printable recipe card at the end of this post. For now, let’s take a closer look at what goes into these tasty overnight oats.
Key Ingredients
- Rolled oats. Be sure to get old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats or steel-cut oats, since rolled oats provide the best texture. For gluten-free preparation, make sure you purchase certified gluten-free oats, like these from Anthony’s.
- Chia seeds. In addition to providing healthy fats, fiber, and minerals, chia also brings a pudding-like texture that really elevates these oats.
- Milk. Dealer’s choice here. Dairy milk works well, as does almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk. Each plant-based milk option brings a slightly different flavor so feel free to play around to find what you like best.
- Maple syrup. A dash of maple sweetness makes this jar of goodness so easy to eat. Out of syrup? Honey or agave nectar will work too.
- Greek yogurt. This is truly the hidden star of this recipe. Greek yogurt brings a refreshing tang to overnight oats and provides a ton of energizing protein for your morning. If going for vegan, be sure to use plant-based Greek yogurt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix all ingredients except blueberries in a glass container. A mason jar or glass tupperware works well for this.
2. Cover the container and place it in the fridge. Chill for a minimum of 3 hours, but 8 hours is optimal.
3. Add blueberries and top with nuts. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
- Get the timing right. For the perfect creamy-but-not-mushy texture, aim to let your overnight oats chill for around 8 hours. Less and the oatmeal will be chewier with more liquid; more and it will be mushy.
- Try it with other berries. Blueberries are delicious and loaded with antioxidants, but they aren’t the only berries that work with this recipe. Try it with strawberries, raspberries, or bananas (which, yes, technically are a berry!).
- Up the protein. One addition I love to make to this recipe is to add peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut butters. This adds an extra boost of protein and makes for a more filling breakfast.
- Add some spices. I like my oatmeal with just a touch of vanilla, but you can easily mix it up by adding cinnamon or clove.
- Out of chia? In a pinch, you can use flax seeds in place of chia. Whole flax doesn’t quite have the same texture, but adding a teaspoon of ground flax can help recreate that gelatinous character the chia provides.
- Go nuts. Walnuts always pair well with oatmeal but feel free to use chopped almonds, pecans, or whatever you have on hand. Or skip the nuts altogether.
Make Ahead/Storage Recommendations
While the best texture can be found around the 8-hour mark, these easy overnight oats will stay good (and plenty delicious) for up to five days in the fridge, making them meal prep friendly.
That means you can make your full week of breakfasts on Sunday evening and not have to worry about a thing.
When I make my oats a few days ahead, I like to use a little less milk during the prep process. Then, once I’m ready to eat, I add a little extra milk to get just the right texture.
Try These Other Blueberry Recipes
Blueberries are the original superfood, so give them a little love by cooking up more blueberry-licious recipes. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Blueberry Summer Salad with Toasted Pecans & Feta – Celebrate summer all year long with this bright and flavorful blueberry and greens salad.
- Blueberry Refrigerator Pie – Creamy and decadent, but with the goodness of blueberries so you can feel good about gobbling it all up.
- Blueberry Green Smoothie – Don’t let the name fool you. This green smoothie contains plenty of healthy greens, but it’s the blueberries that rock the flavor and the color.
- Blueberry Vinaigrette Dressing – Zesty and bright, and good on just about any salad you can make.
- Gluten-free Blueberry Swirl Muffins – Blueberry muffins are a classic for a reason, and these are my all-time favorite.
Blueberry Overnight Oats
Equipment
- Jar or glass container
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk regular or plant-based
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 tbsp. maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
- pinch sea salt
- 1/3 cup blueberries fresh
- 1 tbsp. walnuts chopped (optional, or nuts of your choice)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except the blueberries into a large glass container and mix until well combined.
- Cover the glass container with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit overnight for best results, but give it a minimum of 2-3 hours.
- In the morning, stir in blueberries, leaving some for garnish, if desired. Pour into a bowl (or eat from the jar). Top with chopped nuts (optional).
