An easy make-ahead breakfast; these Matcha Overnight Oats use steel cut oats, yogurt, chia seeds, and protein powder for a meal that will keep you feeling full. Plus you get the health benefits of matcha green tea!
*post and photos updated March 2019*
Overnight oats. Love ’em or hate ’em?
I remember when the overnights oats craze started. My Pinterest feed flooded with all kinds of ways to enjoy them. But I just couldn’t get on board… the thought of cold mushy oats did not appeal to me.
My coworkers at my previous job loved them. I remember one was so excited about her make-ahead mason jar breakfast discovery and she finally got me to give them a try. Even putting them together the night before I was still a little skeptical. And sure enough the next morning I sat down at my desk, jar and spoon in hand… Underwhelmed by the cold mush I was eating. I think I actually ended up warming them up because I just couldn’t handle it.
Fast forward several years later and I actually love all kinds of overnight oats recipes. I know I know.
BUT. What changed my mind?
STEEL CUT OATS.
What got me on board the overnight oats train was trying them out with steel cut oats. Another coworker suggested steel cut because they still keep their texture and get chewy, versus mushy.
Sure enough I liked those much better. Steel cut overnight oats quickly found their way into my weekly breakfast routine.
Matcha Overnight Oats
So this recipe is made to use steel cut oats, but you can use quick oats if you prefer. Even a mix will work. Just know that steel cut oats require more liquid and need to set longer.
How to put together overnight oats
The process for putting together these Matcha Overnight Oats takes less than five minutes. You just add all of your ingredients into a jar, stir, refrigerate and cover overnight (or about 4 hours).
The oats and chia seeds will absorb the liquid overnight and you’ll have thick, creamy oats in the morning!
More about Matcha Green Tea
Matcha is a traditional Japanese green tea that comes with many health benefits.
Cancer Prevention: Matcha contains antioxidants called catechins, which are not found in other foods. The catechin found in green tea, EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate) provides cancer-fighting properties. EGCg and other catechins counteract the effects of dangerous free radicals coming from chemicals, radiation, UV rays, which can all lead to cell and DNA damage.
Aids* in Weight Loss: I don’t want this benefit to be held with too much high regard, but there is research shown that consuming matcha can help boost metabolism and burn fat.
Lowers LDL “Bad” Cholesterol: The catechin found in green tea, EGCg, also aids in lowering cholesterol levels.
If you’re not on board the matcha latte train yet, these overnight oats are just one of many ways to enjoy matcha in various forms.
More Matcha Recipes
- Whole Grain Matcha Muffins
- Spiced Matcha Latte
- Flourless Paleo Brownies with Matcha Frosting
- Dark Chocolate Matcha Coconut Butter Cups
- Vanilla Mint Matcha Shake
- Blueberry Matcha Waffles
Let me know if you try this recipe by leaving a comment and review on the blog! I love hearing from you and it helps others find the recipe too!
Xx Ashley
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Matcha Overnight Oats [with Protein]
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 mins
- Yield: 2 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
An easy, make-ahead breakfast, these Matcha Overnight Oats are a meal that will keep you full for hours.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup + 1 TBSP steel cut oats* (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 TBS chia seeds
- 28g plant based vanilla protein powder
- 2 tsp matcha powder
- 1/3 cup TBS yogurt (plant based or Greek)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
optional toppings:
- unsweetened flaked coconut
- fresh fruit
- granola (I used this paleo one by Blissful Eats, highly recommend!)
- nut butter
Instructions
- In a 16oz jar (or larger), combine all of your ingredients from steel cut oats to milk, and stir well until thoroughly mixed. You can also seal jar and shake.
- You can divide oats into two 8oz jars, or keep in one large jar. Allow matcha oats to thicken overnight, or at least 4 hours, until liquid is absorbed. Check for desired thickness in the morning – stir in a couple tablespoons of more milk if desired.
- Add your toppings like blueberries, crunchy granola, nut butter, etc. and enjoy straight from the jar.
Notes
OATS: You may replace steel cut oats with 1/4 of quick or rolled oats, I just enjoy the texture of steel cut better!
Protein powder: You may need a few more tablespoons of liquid depending on protein powder used. Simply check your overnight oats in the morning or after 4 hours and if the mixture is very thick, stir in 2-3 more tablespoons of milk.
There is no added sugar in this recipe, because the protein powder I typically use is sweetened. If you’re looking for a little sweeter flavor, I suggest raw honey or pure maple syrup if strictly vegan.
Cook time refers to overnight fridge time.
Overnight oats can be prepped ahead of time up to 3 days.
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Mason Jar
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Matcha Overnight Oats, steel cut overnight oats, matcha recipes
Q:
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Christina says
Love this! I usually use quick cooking oats for everything and that works for me. I tried matcha for the first time in NYC because Georgie ordered a latte and it was good!! I think I would really love this. I love adding yogurt to overnight oats, it definitely ups the creamy factor!
Ashley says
Oh I lovveeee me a good matcha latte.
And yes to yogurt in oats! I think that was another factor that helped me get on board. I also add them to my chia seed pudding… Heh.
Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It says
I’ve never tried matcha and I definitely should now! This looks perfect for St. Paddy’s Day!!
Ashley says
Oh definitely give it a try Marina! So many health benefits 🙂
rachel @ athletic avocado says
Love that you used steel cut oats instead of regular, I have to try that! And I’m loving the green 🙂
Ashley says
I hope you do try! I love em 😀
Thanks Rachel!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’ve only ever used good old rolled oats! But I totally will try steel-cut!! Totally a nicer bite!
Ashley says
You’ll have to let me know which you prefer 😉
Leah @ Grain Changer says
I love the idea of using half steel cut oats and half rolled oats. I can totally see how the texture of rolled or quick oats alone might turn some people off, so adding in some steel cut oats is a GREAT idea! My husband prefers his oats on the more chewy side much like you, so he’ll LOVE this way of making it!!! What a great idea 🙂
Ashley says
Oh you’ll have to let me know if he likes it better with steel cut 🙂 Thank you Leah!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
Ashley, this looks amazing! I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with my bag of matcha other than putting it in my coffee! I’m so pinning this.
Ashley says
Ah YAY! So glad I could help 🙂 But now you’ve got me wanting to put matcha in my coffee, because that is something I haven’t done before… hhmmmm.
Tarah Chieffi says
Yum! I’ve never tried matcha at all and I’ve never tried steel cut oats in my overnight oats, so I need to give this one a shot!
★★★★★
Ashley says
If you’re new to matcha, it can definitely be a taste you may need to “get used to”, but I’ve come to really enjoy it! Plus it is super good for you 🙂 Thanks Tarah!
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
This looks soooo good! I love overnight oats in any shape or form!
Ashley says
Thank you Kristy! I have a feeling it will start to become a small obsession now that I’ve found a way I like them 🙂
jill conyers says
I have a hard time finding recipes using matcha. This is a must try. Thanks!
Ashley says
Oh well I am glad I could be of assistance, Jill! There’s another one coming up here shortly 😉
Pragati // Simple Medicine says
I am a big fan of steel cut oats, too. I love that you included matcha, a night antioxidant boost in the morning!
Ashley says
Yes! Thank you Pragati 🙂
Georgie @ Healthy Pears says
Hey Ashley – were do you get your matcha from? I love matcha powder on chocolate things, like brownies or bliss balls! But haven’t tried it in anything else & would love to have another go at it! Cheers
Ashley says
Hi Georgie! I actually buy mine from online, either Amazon or Vitacost makes their own brand that is relatively inexpensive, and they often have BOGO. There is a link in the recipe page to the one I used in this recipe! It is a litttle bit pricey, but is very good quality and I can tell the taste difference compared to cheaper stuff. It’s good! Hope that helps 🙂
Georgie @ Healthy Pears says
Thanks for the info! Must have missed the link before! Will def have to buy some and start making some matcha recipes 🙂
Ashley says
Oh no problem at all Georgie! Can’t wait to see what you try out ! 🙂
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
When we moved out of our last apartment, one of our rommates had bought a bunch of match and never used it. She left it behind after moving out, and I should have used it! Especially for stuff like this!
Ashley says
Ah man! I totally would have snagged that up. I’ve been finding ways to incorporate it into tons of recipes lately 🙂
Diana says
I just recently got into overnight oats. I was like you…cold oatmeal in the morning? no thanks. Fast forward to now…I’m OBSESSED! This recipe looks fantastic!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
LIKEY!!! DUDE I cannot get in to overnight oats either. The mushy-ness. Bleh. But I do LOVE steel cut oats so I must try this! I’m giving it a go. If you’re sold, then so am I!!
Ashley says
Yay! Let me know if you like or dislike 😉
Cailee says
YUM!! This looks amazing! Would you believe that I’ve never actually tried overnight oats! IKR?? I totally have to make this! Thanks for the recipe!! Hope that you have a great weekend!
xoxo Cailee!
Ashley says
I can actually see why one wouldn’t try overnight oats, it took me awhile too… again, cold much?! But these are totally different. Thick and creamy and slightly chewy! Thank you Cailee 🙂
Hannah says
I can’t handle the texture of regular overnight oats, but steel cut sounds like it just might work for me!
Jess @hellotofit says
Mushy overnight oats weird me out, too!! I prefer oatmeal bakes, which are I guess just as mushy, but have a chewy-ish top. I’d be down to try these steel cut overnight oats!
Sandhy says
Hi I just tried this and I think maybe not enough milk. I just opened my bowl and everything was still super hard. Is it really just a 1/4 cup of milk?
About to add water and microwave but I do want to try again once I figure oat the issue
Ashley says
Hi there, thanks for the comment! I use this ratio quite often, but consistency is likely personal preference. I like to eat my oats cold and prefer them thick. Feel free to add a couple (or more) tablespoons of milk and adjust to your liking for how thick/thin you’d like them 🙂
Sandhy says
okay thanks.. perhaps it was the way I mixed it. The oats didn’t soften at all for some reason. I will try it with the other ratios 🙂
Ashley says
When using steel cut they will be a bit chewy! If you prefer you could always use rolled or quick. I personally found that I prefer the way the steel cut holds up a bit bitter than the quick oats. Again, personal preference! Feel free to change up the ratio of the yogurt and chia seeds too if you’d like a slightly thinner consistency. The chia seeds is what helps thicken the mixture, so you may find you only prefer 1/2 TBS vs 1. Hope that helps! Let me know if you need anything else or would like more suggestions 🙂
Emily says
Hi! I’d love to try this. How much protein powder in a measurement other than grams or scoops? Could you provide in TBs or cups? Thank you!
Ashley says
The measurement I used was really just half of a serving of the protein powder specified by the label. It might just be maybe 2 TBS or so? It won’t affect the recipe much if you’re off by a little 🙂
Jennifer says
I’m not a fan of yogurt, mostly the texture but not big on the taste either. How much does adding the Greek yogurt into the oats change it?? I see you said it makes it a bit more creamy, but can you taste the oats too??
Ashley says
Hi Jennifer, thanks for your comment! The yogurt definitely makes these a bit creamier, but you can still taste the oats. If you don’t want to buy yogurt solely for this recipe, you’ll just need to add more milk. I think about 2/3 cup of milk should work here.