If you need an easy, make-ahead breakfast that still feels festive, these cranberry overnight oats bring all the cozy holiday flavors together in one creamy, sweet-tart jar. It's a cozy, grab-and-go breakfast that tastes like the holidays and makes the most of any cranberry sauce still hanging out in your fridge.
As a Southern dietitian, I'm all about simple ways to bring real flavor to busy mornings, especially when the fridge is packed with holiday odds and ends. These oats blend whole cranberry sauce with creamy Greek yogurt and a hint of orange for that festive touch. It's an easy, make-ahead breakfast that feels right at home this time of year.
If you love easy breakfast recipes, check out my apple yogurt bowls, pancake sausage muffins, or apple pie granola.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simplest holiday breakfast: One jar, no cooking, and it chills overnight so mornings stay easy.
- Leftovers reimaged: No waste, and the sweet-tart flavor blends beautifully into the creamy oats.
- Balanced, filling option: Greek yogurt and chia seeds make it extra creamy and give it enough staying power to get you through busy holiday mornings.
Looking for more ways to use leftover cranberry sauce? Try my saucy cranberry bbq meatballs for an easy party appetizer or cranberry bourbon cocktail for a festive holiday drink!
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple staples with a festive twist to create a creamy, cranberry-orange breakfast you'll want to repeat all winter.
- Old fashioned oats: They soften overnight without getting mushy and hold up well to the cranberry sauce.
- Cranberry sauce: This adds that sweet-tart cranberry flavor and pretty ruby color. Whole berry, jellied, or homemade cranberry sauce all work.
- Milk: It creates a creamy base that blends smoothly with the yogurt and keeps the oats from drying out.
- Greek yogurt: It adds a boost of protein and makes the oats extra thick by morning. I like using nonfat vanilla greek yogurt, but you can also use plain and adjust the sweetness as needed.
- Chia seeds: They naturally thicken the mixture and add a little fiber to keep you satisfied longer.
- Maple syrup: A light drizzle brings out the cranberry flavor without making the oats too sweet. No need for any other sugar!
- Orange extract: Just a tiny splash adds bright holiday citrus notes that pair perfectly with cranberry.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
You can easily make these oats fit your preferences or what you already have on hand.
- Use any milk you like, since dairy or non-dairy options all work well in this recipe.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a little Southern crunch and warmth.
- If you want an even higher protein breakfast, stir in your favorite protein powder.
- You can replace chia seeds with ground flaxseed, which will still help thicken the oats and add a mild nutty flavor.
- Dress it up with toppings by adding dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips, a spoonful of peanut butter, or a sprinkle of chocolate chunk granola for a little crunch.
How To Make Cranberry Sauce Overnight Oats
These cranberry overnight oats with yogurt come together fast with a quick stir and a little fridge time.
Step 1: Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, orange extract, and cranberry sauce to a jar or small container.
Step 2: Stir the oat mixture until everything is fully combined and the cranberry sauce is distributed evenly.
Step 3: Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours.
Step 4: In the morning, give it another stir and add a splash of milk if you want a looser texture. Top with extra cranberry sauce or a sprinkle of orange zest before serving.
Tips For the Best Orange Cranberry Overnight Oats
Here's how to get the creamiest, most flavorful oats every time.
- I do recommend using whole cranberry sauce since it adds better texture and fruit pieces.
- Don't forget to stir well before refrigerating so the chia seeds don't clump together.
- Adjust the liquid in the morning if needed, since oats can thicken more quickly in colder refrigerators.
Storage
Here's how to prep these overnight oats ahead of time so they're ready whenever you need them!
- Refrigerator: Store the oats in an airtight jar and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. The mixture will continue to thicken slightly, so add a splash of milk before serving if you like it looser.
- Freezer: These are not ideal for freezing since dairy-based overnight oats tend to separate once thawed.
FAQ
Yes, but you'll need to cook them down first. Cranberry sauce blends smoothly, while fresh or frozen cranberries should be lightly simmered to soften and sweeten before adding to oats.
You can skip them, but the oats will be looser. If you omit chia seeds, reduce the milk slightly or add a spoonful of extra yogurt.
They may have absorbed more liquid overnight. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk and stir again until your desired consistency returns.
Yes! Warm them in the microwave in 15-20 second bursts, stirring in between, until they reach your preferred temperature. Add a splash of milk after heating if they thicken too much.
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Jessie
Cranberry Orange Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup old fashioned oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ cup 2% milk
- ¼ cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1-2 tablespoon cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, orange extract, and cranberry sauce to a jar or small container.
- Stir well until everything is fully combined and the cranberry sauce is distributed evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours.
- In the morning, give it another stir and add a splash of milk if you want a looser texture. Top with extra cranberry sauce or a sprinkle of orange zest before serving.
Notes
- If the oats thicken too much after chilling, loosen with a spoonful of milk until they reach your preferred texture.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed jar to keep the oats fresh and creamy.
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