Mason Jar Overnight Oats are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast for anyone who wants a delicious, nourishing meal ready the moment they wake up. This recipe is incredibly simple, endlessly customizable, and ideal for meal prepping several jars at once. Whether you're looking for a wholesome weekday breakfast, a portable snack, or a make-ahead option that fits a busy lifestyle, these overnight oats offer the convenience and flavor that readers of Mason Jar recipes love. Creamy, satisfying, and adaptable to any fruit or spice combination, this is a recipe you'll return to again and again.
Duration / Prep Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes + overnight chilling
- Servings: 1
- Yield: 1 mason jar (12–16 ounces)
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1–2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, thickens the oats)
- 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional add-ins: berries, sliced bananas, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, cocoa powder, nut butter, dried fruit
Tip: Rolled oats work best. Quick oats become mushy, and steel-cut oats remain too dense without additional soaking adjustments.
Directions
- Combine dry ingredients: Add rolled oats, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt to a clean 12–16 oz mason jar.
- Stir in liquids: Pour in milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and sweetener. Stir thoroughly to ensure the oats and chia seeds are fully coated.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in fruit, nuts, or flavor add-ins if you prefer them soft. For fresher toppings, add them right before serving.
- Seal and refrigerate: Screw on the lid tightly and shake the jar to mix again. Refrigerate overnight or at least 4–6 hours.
- Serve: Stir the oats, adjust thickness with a splash of milk if needed, and top with fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of nut butter.
Best Practice: Overnight oats continue to thicken as they sit. If prepping multiple jars for the week, wait to add fresh fruit until the day you plan to eat them.
Warning: Avoid adding citrus fruit directly to the oats overnight—it may cause bitterness or curdling. Add it at serving time for best results.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 10g
- Calcium: 28% DV
- Iron: 12% DV
(Values will vary depending on milk type, sweetener, and toppings used.)
Pro-Tip:
For the best results, use a high-quality mason jar with a secure, leak-proof lid. Not only do mason jars keep your overnight oats perfectly sealed and fresh, but their sturdy glass construction also makes them ideal for meal prep, travel, and long-lasting use. If you don’t already own mason jars—or your current ones have seen better days—this is the perfect time to upgrade. A great set of durable jars will make prepping multiple breakfasts effortless and enjoyable. Click the button below to explore some of the top-rated mason jars available on Amazon and find the perfect set for your kitchen.
Conclusion
Mason Jar Overnight Oats are a simple, nutritious way to fuel your mornings without any hassle. With endless flavor variations and no cooking required, this recipe fits perfectly into busy routines while still delivering the wholesome goodness readers expect from homemade, jar-friendly meals. Prepare a few jars at once, customize them to your taste, and enjoy a ready-to-eat breakfast that keeps you energized throughout the day. Whether you're new to overnight oats or a seasoned fan, this recipe offers a reliable base you'll love to build from.
