These Make-Ahead Instant Oat Jars are a quick, nutritious breakfast—just add boiling water for a warm, customizable oatmeal in minutes. Perfect for busy mornings and meal prep, they’re easy to store and ready when you are!
I have to admit that I rarely do make oatmeal.. and when I do it comes out of a packet! Thanks for the inspiration with these little oatmeal jars. They are so healthy and easy to make!
-Thalia
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Bailey's Thoughts ...
There’s a special kind of joy in knowing breakfast is already made—like remembering you put gas in the car before the light came on or realizing you actually folded the laundry instead of letting it live in the basket for three days. Make-Ahead Instant Oat Jars are the easiest way to start your day feeling prepared, like the kind of person who drinks enough water and never forgets to take the trash out. Just grab a jar, add boiling water, and you’re done.
Creamy oats, sweet bursts of fruit, and a little crunch from nuts and seeds—this is the kind of breakfast that’s warm, filling, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat. And unlike those expensive store-bought oatmeal cups, these are cheaper, fresher, and fully customizable. You choose the flavors, the toppings, and exactly how much honey or maple syrup goes in.
If you have kids, let them build their own jars. They’re way more likely to eat something when they feel like they had a say in it, and this is an easy way to make that happen. You control the options, they pick what goes in—everyone wins. Plus, these jars last three months in the pantry, so making a big batch now means stress-free breakfasts well into the future.
-Bailey
P.S. If having breakfast ready-to-go makes your mornings better, you’ll love my No Bake Cereal Bars—another fast, easy, and totally delicious meal prep win!
Ingredients
Quick Oats: The best choice for instant oatmeal jars, as they soften quickly with boiling water for a creamy texture. Avoid steel-cut oats, which won’t soften enough, and old-fashioned rolled oats, which stay too chewy.
Freeze-Dried Fruit: The best option for this recipe—it rehydrates instantly with hot water, adding bright, real fruit flavor to every bite. Look for unsweetened varieties in the snack aisle or near dried fruit at the grocery store.
Nuts: Almonds, pecans, walnuts, or cashews all work, use what you like. Buy pre-chopped for convenience or whole and chop them yourself for fresher flavor.
Seeds: Flax, hemp hearts, or chia seeds add texture and nutrients. If using chia seeds, expect a thicker consistency after mixing with water.
Optional Mix-ins: Coconut, Peanut Butter Powder, Cocoa, Cinnamon: These mix-ins enhance flavor.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A natural way to add sweetness—maple syrup has a deeper, caramel-like flavor, while honey is a bit brighter and floral.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Assemble the oat jars. Layer quick oats, freeze-dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and any optional mix-ins into an 8 oz. mason jar or airtight container. Seal tightly to keep ingredients fresh.
- Store for later. Keep assembled jars in a cool, dark place for up to three months. Ensure lids are fully sealed to prevent moisture from affecting the ingredients.
- Prepare to serve. When ready to eat, pour the contents of one instant oat jar into a bowl.
- Add hot water and enjoy. Pour boiling water over the oats and stir until combined. Let sit for a minute to thicken, then add honey or maple syrup to taste. If needed, add an extra splash of water or milk to adjust the consistency.
Top Tip
Adjust liquid for your ideal consistency. Start with the recommended amount of boiling water, then add more as needed for a thinner texture or a splash of milk for extra creaminess.
Mix-and Match Ingredient Guide
Customize your Make-Ahead Instant Oat Jars by choosing ingredients from each category below. Pick your favorites or mix and match for endless flavor combinations!
Oats (Base Ingredient – No Substitutes)
- Quick oats (best choice for soft texture with boiling water)
Fruits (Choose One or More – about ¼ cup per jar)
- Freeze-dried strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, bananas, or mango
Nuts (Nuts (about 1 tablespoon per jar)
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Hazelnuts
Seeds (about ½ tablespoon per jar)
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Hemp hearts
- Sunflower seeds
Mix-Ins (Use about ½ -1 tablespoon per jar)
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
- Peanut butter powder
- Cocoa powder
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice
- Chocolate chips
Sweeteners Added After Hot Water – about 1 teaspoon per jar)
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Brown sugar
Swirl-Ins (Add After Mixing for Extra Creaminess)
- Greek yogurt
- Peanut butter or almond butter
- Mashed banana
- Applesauce
- Coconut milk or heavy cream
Flavor Combination Inspo
Berry Almond Crunch: Freeze-dried blueberries, almonds, chia seeds, cinnamon, and maple syrup
Chocolate Peanut Butter: Cocoa powder, peanut butter powder, chocolate chips, and honey
Apple Cinnamon Pie: Freeze-dried apples, walnuts, cinnamon, and brown sugar
Tropical Sunrise: Freeze-dried mango, shredded coconut, cashews, and maple syrup
Banana Bread: Freeze-dried bananas, pecans, flaxseeds, cinnamon, and honey
📌 Recipe Note: Want to create your own combination? Use the Mix-and-Match Ingredient Guide above to swap in your favorite flavors!
Variations
Gluten-Free: gluten-free quick oats.
Nut-Free: Skip the nuts and use sunflower seeds or hemp hearts for crunch. Choose chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or dried fruit as mix-ins.
Dairy-Free: Already is!
Kid-Friendly: Let kids customize their own jars using their favorite mix-ins. Mini chocolate chips, peanut butter powder, or cinnamon-sugar can make the oats more appealing.
Higher Protein: Stir in 1 tablespoon of peanut butter powder, hemp hearts, or a scoop of protein powder before adding hot water. For extra creaminess, swirl in Greek yogurt after mixing.
Feed a Crowd: Instead of making individual jars, pre-mix a large batch of dry ingredients and store in an airtight container. Scoop out ½ cup per serving when ready to eat.
Equipment
I use these 8 oz. Ball Jars ([affiliate link]) because they’re the perfect size for measuring and storing the oats. Fill halfway with oats and top with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. No jars? Use a 1-cup measuring tool and store in airtight plastic bags.
❓FAQ
8 oz. mason jars are ideal for this recipe. The size is just right—half full with oats, and the remaining space perfectly fits your add-ins like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
If you don’t have mason jars, you can easily use sandwich bags. Simply use a 1-cup measuring tool (8 oz.) to fill halfway with oats, then add your desired mix-ins. Carefully pour everything into the bag, remove excess air, and seal.
It’s best to use freeze-dried or dehydrated fruit for storage, as fresh fruit can spoil over time. If you want to add fresh fruit, do so after the oats are prepared and before eating..
Yes! Simply scale up the ingredients and portion them into airtight containers or mason jars. These oats will keep for up to 3 months in a cool, dry place.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Instant Oat Jars:
Recipe
Make-Ahead Instant Oat Jars
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving per jar
Description
These Make-Ahead Instant Oat Jars are a quick, nutritious breakfast—just add boiling water for a warm, customizable oatmeal in minutes. Perfect for busy mornings and meal prep, they’re easy to store and ready when you are!
Ingredients
For Jar Assembly:
- Quick oats (about ½ jar)
- Freeze-dried fruit (about ¼ jar)
- Nuts (about 1 tablespoon)
- Seeds (about ½ tablespoon)
- Optional: Coconut, peanut butter powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon (to taste)
For Preparing:
- Boiling water (enough to cover the contents and create the right consistency)
- Maple syrup or honey (optional, to sweeten after serving)
Instructions
Layer quick oats, freeze-dried fruit, nuts, and seeds into an 8 oz. mason jar or airtight container. Add optional ingredients as desired. Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, pour the contents of the jar into a bowl. Add boiling water and stir until fully combined. If the mixture is too thick, add more boiling water or a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Sweeten with maple syrup or honey if desired.
Notes
This is more of a concept than a strict recipe. Use ½ jar (4 oz) of quick oats, and feel free to customize the rest. Don’t like nuts? Skip them! Add as much or as little of the optional ingredients (like coconut, seeds, and sweeteners) as you prefer. Make it your own!
Flavor Inspiration:
Berry Almond Crunch: Freeze-dried blueberries, almonds, chia seeds, cinnamon, and maple syrup
Chocolate Peanut Butter: Cocoa powder, peanut butter powder, chocolate chips, and honey
Apple Cinnamon Pie: Freeze-dried apples, walnuts, cinnamon, and brown sugar
Tropical Sunrise: Freeze-dried mango, shredded coconut, cashews, and maple syrup
Banana Bread: Freeze-dried bananas, pecans, flaxseeds, cinnamon, and honey
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Jar
- Calories: 294
- Sugar: 2.3 g
- Sodium: 0.9 mg
- Fat: 10.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 37.9 g
- Protein: 7.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Thalia @ butter and brioche
I have to admit that I rarely do make oatmeal.. and when I do it comes out of a packet! Thanks for the inspiration with these little oatmeal jars. They are so healthy and easy to make!
Simply Sissom
Hi Thalia! You will love them. Breakfast doesn't get any easier!
sdorttuiiplmnr
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Simply Sissom
You can do it! Just take it one meal at a time. Instant oatmeal jars are the perfect place to start!
Victoria K.
Please send me the grab N go breakfast book
Bailey Sissom
Hi Victoria! Thanks for your interest in my the Grab N' Go Breakfast Ebook. To get your FREE copy just enter your email address (so I know where to send it) into the box below the image of the Grab and Go Ebook. It will go straight to your in box! Enjoy:)
Bri
Instead of adding boiling water, could these be microwaved?
Bailey Sissom
Hi Bri. I think the microwave would work fine! You would want to pour the oatmeal contents out of the mason jar and into a large bowl though so that it doesn't boil up and make a total mess of your microwave. I hope you give these a try.. they are super simple!
Pat Dzaugis
A little confused. Do you put everything in the jar except for any fresh fruit and liquid then add liquid the night before and refrigerate? How long would one of these overnight oatmeals last in the refrigerator with the milk? I am guessing 2 days tops before it becomes a hot mess of goop.
Bailey Sissom
Hi Pat. These are not overnight oats.. they are a substitute for the oatmeal packs that you buy at the grocery store (assemble ahead of time and cook in the am). They would def become a hot mess of goop if left in the fridge with milk for a few days! Sorry the post was unclear... hope this helps!
Pam
Hi Bailey. We already eat oatmeal similiarly to your recipe and we add fresh fruit and a little milk, once cooked. I love the mason jar idea because I've been trying to really simplify my life especially in prep and clean cooking lifestyle and my family still prefers simple, clean-eating,home-cooked meals A wise man said,"... there is accomplishment through many advisors." Thanks so much for advising me. Please send me your Grab N’ Go Breakfast Ebook.
Bailey Sissom
Hi Pam! Thank you for your kind words. It really means a lot. I'm glad you found the post helpful. To get the grab n' go ebook simply go to simplysissom.com and click on "get my ebook." It is located in the sidebar. Or, if you are using a phone just scroll to the bottom of the post and enter your email so I know where to send your book:) Let me know how the oatmeal jars work for you!
Victoria Michalczyk
sorry - but don't see the "get my ebook' anywhere on your site - is this option gone now?
Bailey Sissom
It's still an option! Scroll down to the bottom of any post:)
Maureen Gabriel
Is there a way to use fresh fruit vs the dried out or freeze dried stuff?
Thanks
Bailey Sissom
Hey Maureen! I wouldn't put fresh fruit into the jars when you assemble them. I think it will get kinda mushy, unless you just make 1 or 2 and eat them the next day. Also, I like to make a TON and store them in the pantry (sometimes for quite awhile). With that said, you could definitely add fresh fruit after you cooked the oatmeal jars. I do it all the time!
Elysha
In the photographs there is something that looks like blueberries. Are those also available dehydrated?
Bailey Sissom
Yes! You can get dehydrated Blueberries. I found mine at Whole Foods, but I have seen them at Wal-Mart as well!
April Blackstone
Can you use milk instead of water and just microwave it? Using milk give it such a great texture and flavor.
Bailey Sissom
I haven't tried it, but I think that would work really well:)
April Blackstone
It works perfectly! This is such a great idea. I eat oatmeal every morning and while it's not a long tedious process it definitely helps when you're on a tight schedule. So glad I came across this post! Thank you 🙂
Peggy hardin
I would like your grab and go book. Thanks
Bailey Sissom
Hi Peggy! To get the ebook just head to this link, scroll to the bottom of the page and type in your email address so I know where to send it! Hope you love it! https://www.simplysissom.com/batch-prep-breakfast-sandwiches/
Lisa
I love this idea. Especially for camping. Where do you store these?
Bailey Sissom
Hi Lisa! I just keep them in our pantry. They last forever!
Eric Rodgers
Thanks so much for posting this! There's a coffee bar around the corner from my office that sells these at $4.99 a pop. I knew it had to be pretty simple (and less expensive) to put together myself, but didn't know just how easy. It's simple enough to prepare at work, with shelf-stable (or desk drawer-stable) ingredients.
Bailey Sissom
Hi Eric! So glad you found the post useful:) I have definitely been victim to coffee shop up-charging... it's just so convenient! I think you should coin the term "drawer-stable," lol!
Hannah
This may be a silly question but I want to avoid overflow... Add hot water to the mason jar and let it sit? Or pour the contents into a bowl then add hot water?
Thank you!
Bailey Sissom
Hi Hannah! Not a silly question at all:) I usually just use the mason jars for measurement and then pour the oatmeal into a separate bowl to cook/eat.
Rebecca
We like to use milk in our oatmeal to make it creamer...do you think one could add dry milk to the mixture to give it the creamy texture without having to add the milk? I know that I don't always have milk in the fridge at work.
Bailey Sissom
The recipe is super flexible!! I haven't tried it but I think it would be great:) If you give it a shot.. let us know how it went!
J. Bailey
You specified the use of dehydrated fruit , but your sample recipe calls for dried bananas. Are dried bananas the exception to the "no dried fruit" rule?
Would love a copy of your free e-book! Thank you for offering it.
Nina Stark
This is great...time to order some mason jars 🙂
Lewis Johnson
Perfect for meal preps.
Bailey Sissom
Yes!!