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Cottage cheese overnight oats are a great twist on the classic recipe, packing in an extra layer of creaminess and protein without any fuss. If you’re looking for overnight oats that will keep you full longer and are easy to throw together the night before, this is exactly what you need.

The cottage cheese blends in smoothly with oats and milk, creating a creamy texture that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Plus, it’s ready right when you wake up, making mornings a little simpler.

Recipe Info

This recipe is:

Customizable base. Use this as a versatile starting point—top with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or a dollop of nut butter to make it your own.
High-protein and creamy. The cottage cheese adds a wonderful protein boost and creamy texture that sets these oats apart from your typical overnight oats.
Super easy to prepare. Just mix, refrigerate overnight, and enjoy—a perfect grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings.

Making cottage cheese overnight oats for the first time? Read the ingredients notes, step-by-step instructions, and tips. If you’re familiar with the recipe, feel free to jump to the recipe card.

Extra Learning

Before we jump in, here are a few handy resources to help you nail this recipe:

Overnight oats 101. Our overnight oats base recipe that covers ingredient swaps, tips on adjusting the recipe, and how to fix common issues.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Rolled oats. Rolled oats work best for overnight oats, but quick oats will work in a pinch.
Milk of choice. Whether dairy or plant-based, milk softens the oats and blends the flavors. You can use almond, soy, or oat, but for this recipe regular milk probably tastes best because it’s a natural pairing with cottage cheese.
Cottage cheese. Adds creaminess and a protein boost.
Chia seeds. Optional, but they thicken the mixture and add a bit of texture.
Salt. Just a small pinch enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it.
Liquid sweetener. Maple syrup, honey, or agave work beautifully to sweeten naturally; adjust to taste.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats

Mix dry ingredients. In a bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir them together so they’re evenly mixed.

Adding the dry ingredients — Stir the rolled oats, chia seeds, and a pinch

Mixing in the dry ingredients — Stir the rolled oats, chia seeds, and a pinch

Prep cottage cheese. Use an immersion blender or a fork to blend or mash the cottage cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This helps it mix better with the oats. Small curds are okay if you don’t mind.

Mashing the cottage cheese — Mash the cottage cheese until

Mashed cottage cheese — Mash the cottage cheese until

Add wet ingredients and mix. Pour in your milk of choice and the liquid sweetener. Then add the mashed cottage cheese. Stir everything thoroughly to make sure all ingredients are well combined.

Adding the wet ingredients — Stir in the milk and liquid sweetener of your

Mixing in the wet ingredients — Stir in the milk and liquid sweetener of your

Refrigerate overnight. Cover the jar or bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, then place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the oats to soak and flavors to meld.
Top and eat. When ready, take your oats out of the fridge. Add your favorite toppings—think fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey—and enjoy your creamy, protein-packed breakfast!

A jar of cottage cheese overnight oats with chopped dark chocolate, peanuts and strawberry puree — Chill for 6 hours or overnight, then add your favorite toppings

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Variations

Vegan

To make this one vegan:

swap out the dairy milk for your favorite plant-based milk—almond, soy, oat, or anything else you fancy
swap the cottage cheese for a plant-based alternative like silken tofu (here’s a recipe to try) or a thick vegan yogurt that’s high in protein
use maple syrup, agave nectar, or a branded vegan sweetener

High Protein

To pump up the protein in these oats, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder—mix it into the milk before combining with oats. That adds about an extra 20 grams of protein.

	Protein per serving (g)
Regular	20.2
Regular + protein powder	40.2

Meal Prep

Multiply all ingredients by the number of servings you want and portion everything out into individual jars or containers for quick grab-and-go breakfasts all week long. Remember to:

Skip adding crunchy toppings until you’re ready to eat to keep them fresh.
Add fresh fruits like berries just before serving so they don’t get soggy or go bad.
Try changing up flavors daily by switching your sweetener or adding a different spice like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Creamy cottage cheese overnight oats with strawberry puree dark chocolate and peanuts — Creamy cottage cheese overnight oats topped with strawberry puree,
dark chocolate, and chopped peanuts

Tips

Adjust consistency with milk. If your oats seem too thick in the morning, stir in a splash more milk to loosen things up without losing creaminess.
Tinker with sweetener amounts. Everyone’s sweetness preference varies, so add more next time if this recipe doesn’t quite hit the spot.

Storage

Once your cottage cheese overnight oats are mixed, pop them into a sealed jar or airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 to 4 days, making for a quick and easy breakfast ready whenever you are.

A jar of cottage cheese overnight oats for breakfast — A jar of creamy cottage cheese overnight oats for breakfast

Similar Recipes to Try

Looking for more? Check out the following recipes:

Overnight Oats 101. If you’re new to overnight oats or want a straightforward base recipe with handy tips and simple tweaks, this guide has you covered.
Chocolate Overnight Oats. Craving something rich and chocolatey to switch up your mornings? These oats bring cocoa goodness and fun mix-ins like mini chocolate chips for a breakfast treat that’s both easy and indulgent.
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats. Craving a flavor combo that’s both nostalgic and protein-packed? This recipe brings together creamy peanut butter and ripe banana for a cozy twist on your overnight oats routine.
Protein Powder Chia Pudding. If you’re craving a creamy treat with a big protein boost, this chia pudding hits the spot and is a great alternative for your busy mornings.