Overnight oatmeal is a fantastic breakfast that is served cold and can be made year-round. Simply mix rolled oats with milk and other desired ingredients, allow it to sit overnight and wake up to a no-hassle breakfast.
![A healthy breakfast awaits you in the morning.](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/64d59ffd-50fa-444c-9177-e3b971319706.jpg)
You can make this healthy breakfast according to your taste, using any sweetener and milk you prefer. For a dairy-free variety, try almond milk, coconut milk or cashew milk. Honey, agave or pure maple syrup offer alternatives to refined sugar. This easy recipe requires only a few minutes of prep time and zero cooking, making it a perfect make-ahead breakfast for company or for fueling your busy lifestyle.
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Things You'll Need
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups whole milk (or equivalent of low-fat dairy or dairy-free varieties)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons light brown sugar (0r equivalent of preferred sweetener)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Large sealable jar or container
Basic Recipe
Gather your ingredients, and add all of them to a large jar or other sealable container.
![Put all of your ingredients into the jar.](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/05ebfcf2-6103-464d-a68b-cdfaa1ce99b5.jpg)
Seal the container, and place it in the refrigerator overnight (or at least 6 hours). Enjoy your overnight oatmeal with fresh or dried fruit, nuts and additional milk or sweetener.
![Enjoy your oatmeal right out of the fridge.](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/8784f5ab-f58e-4c60-9b60-46303ca899b9.jpg)
Additional Flavoring Ideas
You can get creative with your overnight oatmeal by trying all sorts of flavoring options.
![Plump raisins feature in cinnamon-raisin overnight oatmeal.](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/b03f15aa-79c2-476f-9f86-6af442c149f3.jpg)
Make cinnamon-raisin overnight oatmeal by adding 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup of raisins to the basic recipe, following the same instructions. Adding the raisins prior to refrigerating it will allow the raisins to rehydrate and plump up overnight.
![Add fresh strawberries for color and flavor.](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/100d1c6a-ca4e-4c49-b5f0-7b4fac0f9cf9.jpg)
Strawberries 'n' cream overnight oatmeal requires adding 1 cup of fresh chopped strawberries and 1/2 cup half & half (or full-fat coconut milk) to the basic recipe. Add these ingredients to the oatmeal either before or after it sits overnight.
![High-energy peanut butter & banana overnight oatmeal gets you going.](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/ead12548-7835-441d-86e3-7ae6963abe0e.jpg)
Make peanut butter & banana overnight oatmeal by serving the overnight oats with banana slices and a dollop or so of creamy or crunchy peanut butter.
![Make a trail mix treat.](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/3ce10b68-9e66-4410-8517-e6986abf0ca4.jpg)
Have your overnight oatmeal trail mix-style with dried fruit, nuts, seeds or chocolate chips. Add the following ingredients to the basic recipe before refrigerating: 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or a combination of nuts and seeds of choice) and 1/3 cup of semisweet or white chocolate chips.
Tip
Always use rolled oats for overnight oatmeal, as quick cooking oats will produce a different texture.
Overnight oatmeal will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.