Easy Overnight Oats with Yogurt

Overnight oats with yogurt is a protein-packed breakfast you can prep ahead in less than 5 minutes and enjoy throughout the week.

I made the switch from stove-top oats to overnight oats a while ago, and I’ve stuck to this simple recipe ever I saw how easy it was to assemble.

Watch how these yummy overnight oats jars are assembled in no time:

Overnight oats are always a huge hit, but today, we are kicking the yum factor up a notch with yogurt. The results are hearty, creamy and thick oats you can enjoy straight from the fridge.

Yogurt is a simple way to add extra flavor, protein, and make the oats taste more like a treat than a healthy breakfast.

How to Make Overnight Oats with Yogurt

This recipe is a breeze to stir together and prep ahead. Let’s walk through the process of making overnight oats with yogurt: 

1. Assemble the Overnight Oats
   Fill each jar with ½ cup old-fashioned oats, ½ teaspoon ground flax, ¾ cup milk, ¼ cup yogurt, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Stir to combine, then top with your choice of fruit, nuts, or seeds. 
2. Let it Soak
   Refrigerate the jars for 4 hours or up to 4 days. 
3. Ready to Eat? 
   In the morning, grab a jar from the fridge, stir to combine and warm-up, or enjoy the oats cold.

I often get asked, “can I use quick oats to make overnight oats”? While you can, I don’t recommend it since the flakes are smaller and unable to absorb the liquid creating a soupy, soggy batch. No beuno.

Can You Heat Overnight Oats with Yogurt

Overnight oats with yogurt can be eaten chilled or warmed in the microwave- there’s no wrong way. If you prefer them warmed, I recommend popping them in the microwave for 30 seconds and working your way up until it’s just right.

How Long do Oats Need to Soak in Yogurt?

Oats need at least 4 hours to soak up the liquid and moisture from the milk and yogurt. Once they’re done soaking, overnight oats will last for up to 3 days in the fridge if fruit is added, 5 days without fruit after that, and they will become too soggy to enjoy.

Best Yogurt for Overnight Oats

Adding yogurt to a batch of overnight oats will certainly boost the creamy factor. Still, certain yogurts yield thicker results than others and depending on your preference, some options are better than others. Here’s a quick overview of the different yogurt options and their benefits: 

Greek Yogurt 
Greek yogurt is by far the thickest and protein-dense choice, with 6 grams of protein per ¼ cup. However, if you are not a fan of the tangy taste, using vanilla flavored or plain yogurt would be a another alternative. 

Plain Yogurt 
Plain yogurt is unsweetened and has a thinner consistency compared to Greek yogurt. However, it’s still a delicious, creamy addition to any overnight oat recipe. 

Flavored Yogurt 
Adding vanilla or fruit-flavored yogurt will give your oats a boost, but if you’re watching sugar content, flavored options could be a problem since most contain an extra 5 to 6 grams per ¼ cup compared to unflavored Greek and plain yogurt at 0 grams. 

What to Add to Yogurt Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are super customizable- you can make a base recipe then add any of your favorite toppings and ingredients to create one incredible meal.

Here are few ideas to boost the nutrition and flavor for your next batch of oats: 

• Ground flaxseed – ½ teaspoon per serving- helps to thicken the oats
• Chia seeds – ½ teaspoon per serving- another great thickener
• Nut butter – 1 teaspoon per serving- a dose of healthy fats
• Protein powder – 2 tablespoons per serving- adds protein and thickens the oats
• Honey or maple syrup – 1 teaspoon per serving
• Hemp seeds – 1 teaspoon per serving
• Fresh fruit – ½ cup per serving
• Dried fruit – 1 tablespoon per serving
• Chopped nuts – 1 tablespoon per serving

Dairy-Free Greek Yogurt Overnight Oats

In case you or someone in your family can’t tolerate dairy, swap the milk for your favorite non-dairy alternative, and use any of the dairy-free yogurt options below: 

• Almond milk yogurt
• Cashew milk yogurt
• Pea protein yogurt
• Soy yogurt

Making Yogurt Overnight Oats Ahead of Time

Overnight oats are intended to be made ahead of time and refrigerated for future breakfasts. I often plan on making at least one batch of overnight oats for breakfasts and sometimes lunch throughout the week.

Prepare the recipe as directed above and refrigerate in jars or one large serving dish for up to 5 days.

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More Overnight Oat Recipes

If you’re looking for healthy breakfast recipes, you’re in luck! Below are more favorites you can add to your weekly breakfast rotation. 

• Cinnamon Apple Overnight Oats
• Banana Foster Overnight Oats
• Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats