Easy Overnight Oats Recipe with Yogurt (2024)

By Laura

Posted Mar 24, 2019, Updated Feb 15, 2023

5 from 62 votes

34 Comments

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Easy Overnight Oats with Yogurt are a great healthy high-protein breakfast! This recipe only takes 6 ingredients and 5 minutes to prepare! Plus it’s no-cook, gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free!

Easy Overnight Oats Recipe with Yogurt (2)

Make-ahead breakfasts are life-savers on busy mornings! Starting the week knowing that my refrigerator, freezer and pantry are well-stocked with easy and healthy breakfast options makes me one happy momma.

This Overnight Oats with Yogurt recipe is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s loaded with protein, calcium and fiber and will keep you full all morning long.

This is a great meal-prep recipe that is made with only six ingredients in 5 minutes (no cooking required). Plus, it’s highly customizable and can even be made dairy-free.

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How do you make overnight oats?

As always, let’s walk through the steps of making this recipe. It’s super simple and comes together in no time.

Gather the ingredients

Here is what you will need to make these overnight oats: yogurt, milk, oats, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, sea salt and toppings of your choice

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Overnight Oats: Ingredients and Substitutions

It’s important to take a minute and chat about the ingredients in this overnight oats recipe, as well as possible substitutions (because I knowyou all too well and I am certain you will ask). Please remember, a recipe is only as good as the quality of the ingredients used to make it.

  • Greek Yogurt. Our family’s favorite Greek yogurt is The Greek God’s Greek Yogurt. It is made with very minimal, natural ingredients and tastes amazing! In this recipe I use Honey Vanilla Greek Yogurt. It adds a touch of sweetness and a more intense vanilla flavor – which we love. You can use your favorite yogurt variety and it doesn’t have to be Greek yogurt (even fruit-flavored yogurts if you would like to create fruity overnight oats). If you use plain Greek or regular yogurt, just be aware that your final product will not be as sweet, and you might want to add more honey to taste.
  • Honey.Depending on the sweetness of your yogurt and your personal taste preferences, the amount of honey could either be omitted or increased. Any liquid sweetener works well in this overnight oats recipe, however the two that I recommend most highly are honey and pure maple syrup.
  • Milk.I used whole milk in this recipe (because it’s what we have been buying lately). Any milk variety works well in these easy overnight oats. Just be aware that a milk with a lower fat content will result in less-creamy overnight oats.
  • Oats.As stated above you can use any variety of oats you wish including old-fashioned, rolled, quick-cooking and steel cut. My personal favorite is old-fashioned oats.
  • Cinnamon. Ilove the flavor the cinnamon imparts in this recipe. I think it’s a crucial addition and makes this overnight oats recipe special. However if you don’t love cinnamon you can omit it.

Mix it all together

This simple overnight oats recipe is SO easy to make that the next step is just to mix all the ingredients together.

Combine wet ingredients. Start by combining the wet ingredients and stirring until the mixture is smooth.

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Add dry ingredients.The salt is optional in this recipe, but I find that a pinch really helps amp up the flavor.

Stir. Make sure to stir everything really well so that the ingredients are evenly distributed in the jars.

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Store & Refrigerate

The next step is to pour the mixture into container and store in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 3 hours).

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ENJOY!

After these overnight oats have been chilled, it’s time to crack open a jar and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

My oldest daughter enjoyed these healthy overnight oats the best when they were served plain. Here are a few other suggestions for toppings/mix-ins:

  • Fresh Berries (careful not to use frozen berries unless you thaw and drain them first. They release water as they thaw and will cause your oats to become a little “soupy”)
  • Fresh fruits (bananas, apples, citrus fruits, etc.)
  • Nut Butters (like this vanilla almond butteror this homemade peanut butter)
  • Chia Seeds
  • Candied almonds
  • Cinnamon Sugar pecans
  • Honey or Maple Syrup
  • Strawberry Sauce
  • Chocolate chips or cocoa nibs
  • Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, etc.)
  • Dried Fruits (cranberries, apricots, rasins, etc.)

The sky’s the limit with what you can serve in/on this overnight oats recipe!

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FAQS about how to make Overnight Oats

Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about making overnight oats.

How do you store overnight oats?

Pour the yogurt overnight oats into individual jars with lids. You can make two 8 ounce or four 4 oz servings.

Do overnight oats have to be in a mason jar?

No! Of course not! You can choose any container you’d like to store the overnight oats. I do recommend using an airtight glass container with a lid.

How long do overnight oats keep?

These simple overnight oats with yogurt keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just be sure that the ingredients you use do not expire before you eat them.
For example, if you make this recipe with milk that expires in 4 days, make sure to eat the overnight oats within those four days.

Do you eat overnight oats hot or cold?

You really can eat them at whatever temperature you choose. They are meant to be eaten cold, and taste delicious that way. However many people just have to eat their oatmeal warm, which is totally acceptable too.

Can you microwave overnight oats?

Yes! If you want to enjoy these Greek yogurt overnight oats warm, you may heat them up in the microwave. I recommend starting by only warming them for 30 seconds, then stirring and tasting. Warm them in 30 second increments until you reach your desired temperature.

What kind of oats should I use for overnight oats?

You can use all different types of oats to make this easy overnight oats recipe. Here are some suggestions:
old-fashioned oats (my personal preference)!
quick-cooking oats
rolled oats
steel cut oats

Are overnight oats supposed to be runny?

No, they should not be runny. They should be nice and thick as pictured above.

Can I make these overnight oats dairy-free?

YES you can easily make this recipe into dairy-free overnight oats! Here’s how:
Substitute your favorite dairy-free yogurt for the Greek yogurt
Replace milk with your favorite non-dairy milk. I recommend coconut milk or almond milk.
I also have this dairy-free Peanut Butter Overnight Oats recipe that is AMAZING!

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More delicious recipes

Here are some more of our favorite make-ahead breakfasts.

  • Try these pumpkin overnight oats, chocolate peanut butter overnight oats, and chocolate overnight oats.
  • I eat one of these Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars or a slice of peanut butter banana baked oatmeal every morning!
  • Sneak in some veggies with these Paleo Zucchini Banana Muffins or these Spinach Muffins!(Both recipes are Freezer-friendly)!
  • This chocolate chia pudding is one of our favorite quick and healthy breakfasts.
  • Cookies for breakfast are always a fun idea, especially these Paleo Zucchini Cookies! (Freezer-friendly)!
  • This Peanut Butter Granola is a family favorite!
  • This healthy Chia Pudding is another delicious overnight breakfast recipe, perfect for meal prep!Also try this chocolate chia pudding recipe.
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If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

Easy Overnight Oats Recipe with Yogurt (11)

Easy Overnight Oats Recipe with Yogurt (12)

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Easy Overnight Oats with Yogurt

Laura

Overnight Oats with Yogurt are a great healthy high-protein breakfast! This recipe only takes 6 ingredients and 5 minutes to prepare! Plus it’s no-cook, gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free!

5 from 62 votes

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 4 4 oz Jars

Calories 280.5

Prep Time5 minutes minutes

Total Time5 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix together yogurt, honey and vanilla. Stir until the mixture is smooth.

  • Add milk and stir until combined.

  • Add oatmeal, sea salt, and cinnamon and stir until mixture is uniform throughout.

  • Pour into four 4 oz mason jars, or two 8 oz mason jars and secure the lids.

  • Place in the refrigerator to chill overnight (or for at least 6 hours).

  • Serve with fresh berries, a drizzle of nut butter or extra honey.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25recipe | Calories: 280.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 41.9g | Protein: 8.7g | Fat: 9.7g | Saturated Fat: 4.9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.8g | Cholesterol: 20.6mg | Sodium: 209mg | Potassium: 114.9mg | Fiber: 3.2g | Sugar: 21.3g | Vitamin A: 305IU | Vitamin C: 1.3mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 1.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase aproduct through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale.Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine!

Easy Overnight Oats Recipe with Yogurt (2024)

FAQs

Why do people put yogurt in overnight oats? ›

Yogurt: Greek yogurt lends richness, flavor, and lots of protein to help you take on the day.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

Can I put raw oats in yogurt? ›

Raw oats are an incredibly versatile ingredient. You can add them as a topping to your favorite yogurt or blend them into a smoothie. One easy and nutritious way to enjoy raw oats is to make overnight oats by letting them soak in the refrigerator in water or milk.

What is the secret to overnight oats? ›

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats everyday? ›

They provide sustained energy and can help keep you full throughout the morning. Oats are particularly rich in soluble fibre, specifically beta-glucans, which can help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar levels. Fibre also supports digestive health.

Is it better to make overnight oats with milk or yogurt? ›

Overnight Oats Using Yogurt vs Milk

You can use cow's milk, oat milk or any plant-based milk to make overnight oats. For richer, creamier results, we also like adding regular yogurt or plant-based yogurt. The best ratio of milk to oats is 1:1 oats to milk.

Are overnight oats hard on your stomach? ›

When simply soaking oats overnight without cooking them, they are more likely to be troublesome to your digestion than cooked oats. That means you're more likely to experience those GI symptoms like bloating, flatulence, and stomach cramps.

Do overnight oats spike blood sugar? ›

Oats are rich in carbohydrates and a fibre called beta-glucan, which helps in the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream. However, consuming oats in isolation and in the morning may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels due to the Dawn effect.

Are overnight oats good for your stomach? ›

Oats improve gut health

The resistant starches found in oats also provide a rich food source for the friendly bacteria that live in your gut, which helps keep your microbiome in good balance. Interestingly, these friendly bacteria are hard at work when they are well-fed.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt in overnight oats? ›

You can use your favorite yogurt variety and it doesn't have to be Greek yogurt (even fruit-flavored yogurts if you would like to create fruity overnight oats). If you use plain Greek or regular yogurt, just be aware that your final product will not be as sweet, and you might want to add more honey to taste. Honey.

Are overnight oats healthier than cooked oats? ›

The intensity of heat while cooking is the contributing factor, lower the heat better the nutrient availability. When you soak the oats overnight, it's almost like you're cooking them, but the process is much longer and slower, and it's done without heat. Hence, it is more nutrient rich than cooked version.

How long do overnight oats last in the fridge? ›

Overnight oats can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator. The caveat is that they'll continue to soften the longer they sit — which might be a bonus if you like your oatmeal on the super-creamy side.

Do you stir overnight oats before putting in fridge? ›

In a large glass jar, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup or honey, chia seeds, vanilla cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir well to make sure all the ingredients are combined. Cover with a lid and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and stir.

Why did my overnight oats not work? ›

Another mistake people make is not adding enough liquid to their overnight oats. If you don't add enough liquid, your oats will be dry and clumpy in the morning, making them less enjoyable to eat. Make sure to add enough milk or yogurt to fully cover your oats and give them a creamy consistency.

Do overnight oats have to be in glass? ›

You can definitely make overnight oats in a plastic container. Plastic jars tend to be more durable than glass, especially when dropped, making them a popular choice for families. They're also lightweight and inexpensive.

Is it necessary to add curd in overnight oats? ›

A combination of oats and curd can naturally improve metabolism, relieve constipation, accelerate fat loss, improve bone health and heart health.

Is yogurt and oats good before bed? ›

GABA is a special type of amino acid produced from fermented dairy products like yogurt and cheese. Some foods like rice, oats, wheat, spinach, and potatoes also naturally contain small amounts of GABA. Having enough GABA in our bodies can improve sleep and make us feel sleepy.

What makes overnight oats taste good? ›

Just like with regular stove top oats, there are some classic add-ins like vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, maple syrup (or honey) and a pinch of sea salt that really elevate the flavor and make overnight oats super tasty.

What can you use instead of yogurt in overnight oats? ›

No, yogurt adds a creamy texture but it isn't mandatory. You can use nut butter, banana, applesauce, or coconut milk instead. Can I make overnight oats without chia seeds? Chia seeds add a nice thick and creamy texture.

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