📖 Instructions

1. Grab a jar or container: Find a mason jar or a container with a lid. Any size will do, but a 16-ounce jar is perfect for a single serving.
2. Add the oats: Pour 1/2 cup of rolled oats into your jar. Make sure you're using rolled oats, not steel-cut or instant oats, as those won't soften properly overnight. I once accidentally used steel-cut oats and it was like chewing rocks in the morning... not fun, lol.
3. Pour in the liquid: Add 1 cup of your chosen liquid. This could be regular milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or even water. I personally love almond milk for its slightly nutty flavor, but experiment and find your fav!
4. Sweeten it up (optional): If you have a sweet tooth, add a touch of sweetness. A tablespoon of maple syrup, honey, agave, or even a sprinkle of stevia works great. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking. You can even use a pinch of brown sugar if you're feeling fancy.
5. Add chia seeds (optional): For an extra boost of nutrients and a thicker consistency, add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. These little guys are packed with fiber and omega-3s, and they'll absorb some of the liquid overnight, creating a pudding-like texture. Careful not to add too much, or you might end up with oat pudding rather than oats.
6. Stir it all together: Give everything a good stir to make sure all the oats are submerged in the liquid and the sweetener (if using) is evenly distributed.
7. Add your favorite fruits: Now comes the fun part! Add your favorite fruits. I like to use about 1/2 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), but bananas, peaches, apples, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries work wonderfully. Get creative!
8. Sprinkle with nuts and seeds: For some added crunch and healthy fats, sprinkle on a tablespoon of chopped nuts and seeds. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds – the possibilities are endless! Just make sure the nuts are unsalted.
9. Seal and refrigerate: Secure the lid on your jar and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it sit overnight, or for at least 4 hours, to allow the oats to soften and the flavors to meld together. I usually prep mine before bed so it's ready when I wake up.
10. Enjoy! In the morning, grab your jar of overnight oats from the fridge. Give it a stir, and if it seems too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. You can eat it cold straight from the fridge, or if you prefer a warm breakfast, heat it up in the microwave for a minute or two. Either way, get ready to enjoy a delish and nutritious breakfast that's ready when you are!