This is how we have been making overnight oats with yogurt for years. From there you can top with blueberries, peanut butter, chocolate or bananas! With chia seeds included it is a healthy breakfast we love.
This recipe is super versatile! Recently we actually added protein powder to the base and it was delicious too. Need a dairy free option? NO problem, I have done that with my husband too with coconut or cashew milk since he’s lactose intolerant so he can enjoy one too and voila, turns out great that way too!
Now let’s talk about making overnight oats with Greek yogurt. We use this variety because it is thicker which will help stiffen the overall consistency. If you like a looser consistency then regular Yoplait is fine. Go with the flavor you love or use vanilla if you want the fresh fruit flavors to shine.
What are overnight oats?
This term may be new to you. It is really a complete start to the day with rolled oats combined with milk and yogurt. Instead of boiling, your oatmeal soaks up the liquid over night in the fridge, allowing ingredients to hydrate that way. Basic ingredients are oats, milk, yogurt and chia seeds. The rest is up to you and you can swap out to create dairy free too.
What is the best yogurt for overnight oats?
Greek yogurt is where it’s at. It’s thick with a ton more flavor than low fat varieties. Coconut yoghurt seriously goes well with any other flavors I have added in or on. I found that these small 4.5 oz. containers at Costco that were perfect to add into 1 serving. Of course if you are making these for your family you’d need to triple or quadruple the recipe. Each one below will feed 1-2 people depending on how hungry they are.
Which oats are best for overnight oats?
Old Fashioned oats are the easiest and best to use. Alternatively I found the one seen above that is specifically for this dish. I don’t think it is necessary to buy this one but if you can find it, they worked quite well. DO NOT use quick oats or else you’ll create a sort of mush overnight oats (some do prefer that texture though I suppose, so have at it if you do). Steel cut oats aren’t a good choice as they are very firm and won’t become tender with this process.
Overnight Oats with Yogurt Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats, or can labeled overnight oats is what I used, both are great
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup yogurt, Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1 cup fruit
Instructions
- Pour overnight oats in bottom of your jar or mug. Top that with your milk, then yogurt, then chia seeds and stir.
- Top with fresh berries if you'd like and refrigerate overnight.
- Enjoy in the morning!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Best Overnight Oats Toppings
- Blueberries with a touch of vanilla extract
- Banana slices
- Sliced peaches or pears
- Air fryer pumpkin seeds are our fave
- 1/2 c. Raisins and 3 tbsp. brown sugar is another one of our favorites
- Blackberries or raspberries
- Chocolate chips
- Peanut butter is highly recommended, any nut butter out there really
FAQ
Generally, eating cold is the preferred method. Of course if you’d rather have it warmed up you could certainly do so in the microwave. I would transfer to a room temp. dish and heat in 30 second intervals stirring in between times.
Not really. I mean if I have clean 16 oz. mason jars with lids I prefer to use that. BUT often times I will use a large mug instead, no problem.
It’s kinda’ all about the mix ins right?? I love fresh berries on top but other ideas are: almond butter, cashew butter, chocolate chips, pumpkin butter, sunflower seed butter or peanut butter mixed in!
How to Save Leftover Overnight Oats
If you are a texture person this may not be a go for you. It will change over time as it sits in the cold fridge. Thickening you will likely need to mix in a bit of liquid, dairy is best, when enjoying yet again. I would suggest just making portions you know you will eat at a time, fresh, because that is best.
- Refrigerate promptly: If you have leftover overnight oats that you want to save, transfer them to an airtight container or jar as soon as possible after serving. Seal the container tightly to prevent air exposure and place it in the refrigerator.
- Assess the texture: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, take a look at the texture of the oats. Overnight oats tend to absorb liquid and become thicker as they sit, so you may need to adjust the consistency.
- Add liquid if needed: If the leftover oats have thickened too much, you can add a splash of milk, water, or your preferred liquid to loosen them up. Start with a small amount and stir well. Add more liquid gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Customize the flavor: Overnight oats can be customized with various toppings and flavors. If desired, you can add fresh or dried fruits, nuts, seeds, sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and spices such as cinnamon or vanilla extract. Mix in these additions to enhance the flavor and texture of the oats.
Once you’ve adjusted the texture and added any desired flavors, your leftover overnight oats are ready to be enjoyed. You can eat them cold straight from the refrigerator or warm them up in the microwave for a short time if you prefer.
Notes
It’s important to note that the texture of overnight oats may change slightly after being refrigerated, and they might not be as creamy as when freshly prepared. However, with some adjustments and additions, you can still make them delicious and enjoyable. Make sure to consume the leftovers within a few days for optimal taste and food safety.
