Overnight porridge is a simple recipe made with oats left to soak in milk overnight, no cooking required. It is a preparation also known as overnight oats. In this version I make an overnight porridge without yogurt, using plant milk, rolled oats and chia seeds: just a few ingredients, a naturally creamy texture and a healthy, quick breakfast ready in the morning, perfect to prepare ahead without cooking.
So this porridge is perfect for anyone looking for a light, filling and healthy breakfast, easy to prepare the night before and ready to enjoy as soon as you wake up. The oats absorb the milk, the chia seeds gently thicken the mixture and the result is a simple preparation suitable for the whole family.
Recently I make it often, especially since chia seeds have entered my everyday kitchen. You may have already seen them in other recipes on the blog, from kefir with chia to kefir with chia seeds and strawberries,
because they have the ability to turn everything into a soft, pleasant cream without needing to add anything else.
Compared to the more common versions of overnight porridge with yogurt, this one is completely yogurt-free, therefore lighter and also suitable for those who prefer a plant-based breakfast. Just add honey and fresh or dried fruit at the moment of serving to complete the dish.
Let’s go to the kitchen now and prepare together this healthy, light and tasty breakfast. If you want to stay updated on new recipes you can follow my page Facebook and my profile Instagram.
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Rest time: 8 Hours
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 2
- Cooking methods: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients to make overnight porridge with plant milk and chia seeds
- 1 1/8 cup rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cup plant milk (or whichever you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- to taste fresh fruit
- to taste lemon zest
Tools
- 4 Jars 8.5 fl oz
- Refrigerator
- Spoon
Steps to make Overnight porridge with plant milk and chia seeds
To make the overnight porridge, pour the plant milk into the jars.
Add the rolled oats directly to the milk, without stirring too much. Stir in the honey if you want a slightly sweet base, or another sweetener such as maple syrup, agave syrup, stevia… Finish with a teaspoon of chia seeds for each jar.
Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Close the jars and let them rest in the refrigerator overnight.
In the morning open and, if you like, add fresh fruit before serving and, if you like, a small portion of seeds or dried fruit.
Storage notes and tips
Overnight porridge keeps in the refrigerator, well sealed in the jar, for 2 days. As hours pass it becomes even creamier, because oats and chia seeds continue to absorb the liquid.
If it becomes too thick, just add a little plant milk and stir before serving.
You can prepare it in advance for several days, but it is always better to add fruit and honey only at the moment of serving so they remain fresh and do not release liquid.
For a softer texture, you can slightly increase the milk; for a firmer version, reduce it or let it rest longer.
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Your questions
How do you make overnight porridge?
It is prepared by mixing oats, milk and chia seeds only if desired, and leaving everything to rest in the refrigerator overnight, without cooking.
Is overnight porridge the same as overnight oats?
Yes, they are the same preparation: oats soaked in milk. The term “overnight oats” is more commonly used in English, while “overnight porridge” is also widely searched in Italian.
Can you make overnight porridge without yogurt?
Yes, this is exactly a yogurt-free version, made only with plant milk, lighter and suitable for those avoiding dairy.
How long should overnight porridge rest?
At least 6 hours, preferably overnight, so the oats soften and the chia seeds create a creamy texture.
Can I use any plant milk?
Yes, you can use almond, oat, soy or others, according to your taste.
Can it be eaten warm?
Yes, if you prefer you can warm it slightly, although it is originally a cold preparation.
Can I use cow’s milk or other types of milk?
Yes, you can use either cow’s milk or any plant milk such as almond, oat or soy. The result will vary slightly in taste and texture, but the preparation remains the same.
Can I use water instead of milk?
Yes, you can use water, but the result will be less creamy and more neutral in taste. If you choose this option, you can enrich it with fruit, honey or other ingredients to make it more enjoyable.
