In a mason jar or container, combine the oats, almond milk, cottage cheese, chia seeds, cinnamon, and honey. Stir vigorously for about 1 minute until all ingredients are evenly distributed and no dry oats remain at the bottom—this ensures the chia seeds are fully dispersed throughout the mixture so they hydrate evenly. I like to use a fork to break up any clumps of cottage cheese so the final texture is smooth and creamy.

Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though overnight (8-12 hours) is ideal. During this time, the oats and chia seeds absorb the liquid, creating a thick, creamy pudding-like consistency while the flavors meld together. I find that letting it sit overnight rather than just 4 hours gives you a better texture with more developed flavor.

Remove from the refrigerator and give the mixture a quick stir to recombine any settled ingredients. If the texture is too thick, you can thin it with a splash more almond milk. Serve directly from the jar or transfer to a bowl, and top with your favorite additions like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of nut butter.