How to Make Overnight Oats with Yogurt That Actually Taste Good
Curious how to make overnight oats with yogurt and chia seeds that you and your whole family will love? This recipe is completely customizable and you can alter it to your heart’s desire.
I know, I know, there are tons of recipes for overnight oats out there.
I follow a nutrition program called 2B Mindset that teaches a plating system. Focusing on getting adequate protein at meals and snacks is very important.
I like to have about 20 grams of protein at my snacks and about 30 grams at my meals. However, I actually don’t track them, weigh them, etc. I just glance at the nutritional facts and estimate, cause I ain’t got time for that.
I could make overnight oats without yogurt, but then I need to add more protein to my meal or snack. So, for simplicity sake, I have found what works best for me. overnight oats with yogurt, specifically, plain Greek yogurt.
Benefits of Oats
Oats are naturally gluten-free whole grain and full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
In 1 cup, oats contain 51 grams of carbs, 13 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 8 grams of fiber. This means they are considered a nutrient-dense food.
Oats can help reduce cholesterol levels and reduce blood sugar and insulin responses.
Since they are a good source of fiber, they can also aide in constipation and increase the good bacteria in the digestive tract.
Oats can also aide in weight loss. As you eat them, they will keep you full for longer, requiring less snacks between meals, which can help you lose weight.
Read more about oats here.
Why I love Overnight Oats
I am going to be honest here, I used to not like overnight oats. When I was used to the sugary prepackaged oatmeal, overnight oats were a big adjustment. Over the past few years, I have cut back on my sugar intake and my taste buds have changed tremendously. After experiment with a few recipes, I finally found a way that I really like them.
Within about 5 minutes, you can have your breakfast or snack prepped and ready for your week.
GREAT FOR MEAL PREP– Meal Prepping has been a GAME CHANGER for me as a busy mom. Having healthy options ready to go in a moments notice has helped me fuel my body so I have energy to do all the things with my kiddos. Learn how to get started with this beginner’s guide.
HEALTHY– They are made with whole ingredients that are good for your whole body. Overnight oats are a perfectly balanced meal with healthy carbs, high protein, and healthy fats.
FILLING– They will fill you up for hours. I hate it when I eat a meal and within an hour I am hungry again. These overnight oats will keep you full for hours because they have carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
GREAT FOR BREASTFEEDING MOMS– As breastfeeding momma, you never know when you are going to get hungry and if you are going to have time to make something healthy. These are great to pull out of the fridge and ready instantly! You can even eat them while nursing and you only have one dish to do afterwards. I know the struggle is real and these overnight oats were life savers for me! Oatmeal is also great in increasing your milk supply.
Ingredients in Basic Overnight Oats
I love to have these basic oats in the fridge so I can pull it out and add whatever I am feeling at the moment, kinda like ordering your ice cream when you go to an ice cream shop. I know, a little bit of a stretch, but the same principle. You gotta enjoy your food!
OATS– Quick oats are the best option for overnight oats. You could use others, but it will change your texture significantly.
CHIA SEEDS– Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber which can improve heart and gut health. It can also help reduce cholesterol levels. Fiber can also help you feel fuller longer. They should be a part of your diet. Read more about them here.
YOGURT– Choose your favorite type of plain yogurt. I love using Greek yogurt because I am always looking for more protein. You could use a flavored yogurt, but those are not my favorite. They typically are filled with sugar and additives.
MILK– Choose your favorite milk or non-dairy option. Whole milk, 1%, almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk all work great!
OTHER ADDINS
- Carrot cake- add some thinly shredded carrots, cinnamon, and nuts.
- Almond joy- add cocoa powder, top with coconut and chocolate chips.
- Apple pie- dice half an apple, add some cinnamon, sprinkle with nuts
- Peanut butter & jelly- peanut butter, dehydrated strawberries
How to make Overnight Oats with yogurt
I promise, this really couldn’t be more simple. Even if you aren’t a fan of cooking or think you aren’t good at it, you can do this recipe. Let me tell you a little secret… there is no cooking with this recipe which is AH-MAZING!!
- Add all of the ingredients into a glass container or jar.
- Use a spoon to stir everything up.
- Put in the fridge for AT LEAST 4 hours, but as the name suggests, overnight is better.
I told you it was simple 🙂
How to eat Overnight Oats
We made a very basic overnight oats recipe so you now you have some freedom to accessorize however you want!
SWEETENER– I HIGHLY recommend some sort of a liquid sweetener. My favorites are agave nectar, maple syrup, or honey. Drizzle a little on the top. Stir only if you want.
You can add the sweetener as you are making the overnight oats and mix it in then, but I feel like the same amount of sweetener doesn’t go as far. Maybe the chia seeds absorb it? I like my overnight oats sweet, and I have found adding it right before I eat it makes it taste the best. Experiment and see what you like!
PEANUT BUTTER– Use whatever peanut butter you like or have on hand. Natural peanut butter is the healthiest option, but choose what you want! You could also do almond butter, cashew butter, or skip all together.
TOPPINGS– My favorite topping is mini chocolate chips sprinkled over the top so you get a little bite of perfection in every. single. bite.
- chocolate chips
- coconut flakes
- dried fruit- raisins, craisins, blueberries
- dehydrated fruit- apples, strawberries
- nuts- pecans, almonds
- fresh fruit- bananas, blueberries, strawberries
Basic Overnight Oats with Yogurt
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup quick oats
- 1 Tbsp Chia seeds
- ½ cup milk
- ¾ cup yogurt
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a jar or glass container with a lid. Stir or shake container until everything is incorporated.
- Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
Notes
- Carrot cake- add some thinly shredded carrots, cinnamon, and nuts.
- Almond joy- add cocoa powder, top with coconut and chocolate chips.
- Apple pie- dice half an apple, add some cinnamon, sprinkle with nuts
- Peanut butter & jelly- peanut butter, dehydrated strawberries
Common Questions
Do I have to use yogurt?
Absolutely not! As with most recipes, you can adjust as you see fit. You can skip the yogurt, but your consistency will look very different.
Do I have to use chia seeds?
Nope! Chia seeds do help absorb some of the liquid, so you might have to play around with amount of liquid.
What is the best type of milk to use for overnight oats?
Honestly, whichever one you want! If you like the flavor of coconut, coconut milk might be a great choice. You can’t go wrong with any of them 🙂
