Looking for an easy, healthy make-ahead breakfast? This overnight oats with yogurt recipe is the perfect solution. Greek Yogurt Overnight Oats with Honey combine hearty rolled oats, creamy Greek yogurt, and naturally sweet honey into a delicious no-cook oatmeal you prep the night before. In the morning, you’ll wake up to a high-protein, high-fiber breakfast that’s ready to eat – no cooking or effort required! It’s a Greek yogurt oats recipe that’s ideal for meal prep and busy mornings, keeping you full and energized to start your day.
Greek yogurt overnight oats are assembled in jars for a convenient, portable breakfast. In this image, a layer of chia seeds and almond butter is topped with creamy oats and a mixed berry compote, demonstrating how customizable this recipe can be. You can add your favorite fruits and nuts to make it even more nutritious and satisfying.
Overnight oats have taken the breakfast world by storm, and for good reason. Oats are packed with whole-grain goodness and soluble fiber, which supports digestion and heart health. Greek yogurt lends richness and a tangy flavor, plus a generous dose of protein and calcium to keep you satisfied.
A drizzle of honey ties everything together with natural sweetness and antioxidants. The best part? There’s no cooking needed. Simply stir the ingredients together and let the refrigerator do the work while you sleep. Below, you’ll find out exactly how to make these Greek yogurt overnight oats with honey, why you’ll love them, and how to customize the recipe to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy No-Cook Prep: This recipe comes together in 5 minutes with no cooking at all. Just mix the ingredients and refrigerate – breakfast will be waiting for you when you wake up.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein from Greek yogurt and fiber from oats, it’s a balanced breakfast that will keep you full all morning. Each serving is loaded with nutrients but uses all natural ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Overnight oats are the ultimate meal-prep breakfast. Prepare a few jars on Sunday, and you’ll have a grab-and-go breakfast ready for busy weekdays. (They stay fresh for days in the fridge!)
- Customizable & Versatile: You can easily switch up the flavors and toppings. Add fruits, nuts, spices, or other mix-ins to create endless varieties – so you’ll never get bored with breakfast.
- Kid-Friendly & Delicious: The creamy, slightly sweet taste and fun jar presentation make these oats appealing even to kids. It tastes like a treat, but it’s actually good for you!
Ingredients for Greek Yogurt Overnight Oats with Honey
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this healthy overnight oats recipe. (This recipe yields 1 serving; scale up as needed.)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats – The best oats for overnight oats, providing a hearty texture. (Do not use instant oats, which can get mushy, or steel-cut oats, which won’t soften enough.)
- 1/2 cup milk – Any milk works (dairy or non-dairy). Use your favorite: regular cow’s milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, etc. for the soaking liquid.
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt – Plain Greek yogurt makes the oats ultra creamy and adds protein. You can use 2% or nonfat Greek yogurt. (For extra creaminess, you could increase this to 1/3 or 1/2 cup and slightly reduce the milk.)
- 1 tablespoon honey – To naturally sweeten the oats. Adjust to taste: use 2 teaspoons for a lighter sweetness or up to 2 tablespoons if you prefer it sweeter. (You can substitute pure maple syrup or agave nectar if desired.)
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional) – Adds fiber, omega-3s, and helps thicken the oats to a pudding-like consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) – For flavor. Skip if using vanilla flavored yogurt.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) – A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and flavor to the oats.
- Pinch of salt (optional) – Enhances the overall flavor and sweetness. Just a tiny pinch will do.
- Toppings of choice (for serving) – Optional but highly recommended! Fresh berries, sliced banana, chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts), a sprinkle of granola, an extra drizzle of honey, or a dash of cinnamon on top. Toppings add texture and flavor to your overnight oats.
(Note: If making multiple servings, just multiply the ingredients accordingly and use separate jars or one large container to soak.)
How to Make Overnight Oats with Yogurt
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to make the overnight oats. It’s truly foolproof: mix, chill, and enjoy!
- Combine Ingredients: In a mason jar (16-ounce size works great) or any container with a lid, add the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, honey, and any optional add-ins like chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt.
- Stir (or Shake) to Mix: Stir everything together with a spoon until well combined. Make sure the oats are fully submerged in the liquid. Tip: If using a jar with a tight lid, you can close the lid and shake the jar vigorously to mix the ingredients instead of stirring.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the jar or container with its lid (or plastic wrap) and place it in the refrigerator. Let the oats soak for at least 6 hours, but ideally overnight (8 hours or up to 24 hours). During this time, the oats will soften and absorb the liquid, and the mixture will thicken to a creamy, pudding-like oatmeal.
- Stir and Adjust (Next Morning): In the morning, take your jar out of the fridge. Give the overnight oats a good stir to make sure the yogurt and oats are well integrated. If you find the oats have become too thick (sometimes the chia and oats absorb a lot of liquid), simply add a splash more milk and stir to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- Add Toppings and Enjoy: Top your overnight oats with your favorite toppings. Some classic combos: add a handful of fresh berries and a few chopped almonds, or slice up half a banana and sprinkle some walnuts and an extra drizzle of honey on top. Enjoy your Greek yogurt overnight oats cold, straight from the jar with a spoon! (If you prefer it warm, see the FAQ on heating overnight oats.)
That’s it! You’ve got a creamy, delicious breakfast ready to go. Grab the jar and spoon and dig in, or take it on the run for a commute-friendly meal. These oats are perfect for busy mornings when you don’t have time to cook.
Tips and Variations
Make this recipe work for any diet or flavor preference. Here are some tips, tricks, and variations to try:
- Make it Dairy-Free/Vegan: Easily adapt this recipe for dairy-free or vegan diets. Simply use a plant-based yogurt (such as coconut or almond yogurt) in place of Greek yogurt and a non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.). Also swap the honey for a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave. You’ll still get a creamy, delicious result without any dairy.
- Switch Up the Sweetener: Honey adds a lovely floral sweetness, but you can use other natural sweeteners. Try pure maple syrup for a richer flavor, or even a zero-calorie sweetener if you need a sugar-free option. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Flavor Variations: One of the best parts of overnight oats is how customizable they are. You can mix in different flavors to keep things interesting:
- Fruity: Stir in a handful of fresh or frozen berries, diced peaches, or pineapple chunks before refrigerating for a fruity infusion. (Berries hold up well overnight. If using bananas, add them in the morning to avoid browning.)
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the base mixture and use peanut butter as a mix-in or topping for a decadent, dessert-like oats. You can also add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter to any oats for extra richness and protein.
- Spiced: Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (already in our base recipe) or try other spices like pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of ground ginger for a warm, spiced flavor. For “carrot cake” oats, add 2 tablespoons of shredded carrot, a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, and top with raisins and walnuts.
- Vanilla Almond: Use vanilla Greek yogurt, add a few drops of almond extract, and top with sliced almonds and an extra drizzle of honey.
- Add Protein: For an even bigger protein boost, you can add a scoop of protein powder (vanilla or unflavored) to the oat mixture. Another option is to simply increase the Greek yogurt to 1/2 cup. This will make the oats thicker and pack in more protein – great for post-workout mornings.
- Consistency Adjustments: Everyone likes their oats a bit different. If you prefer a thinner oatmeal, use a little extra milk in the mixture. For thicker oats, use slightly less milk or add an extra teaspoon of chia seeds. Remember you can always adjust consistency in the morning by stirring in more liquid if needed.
- Meal Prep Multiple Servings: Overnight oats are fantastic for meal prep. Feel free to double, triple, or quadruple the recipe. You can mix everything in one large bowl and then portion into individual jars, or just mix directly in separate jars. They will keep in the fridge for several days (see FAQ below), so you can make a batch for the whole week in one go.
- Jar Options: Mason jars are popular (they’re leak-proof and portable), but any container with a lid will work. Use whatever you have – food storage containers, bowls covered with wrap, etc. If using plastic containers, the process is the same. Just be sure it’s sealed to prevent drying out.
With these variations, you can enjoy overnight oats often and never have the exact same flavor twice. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins and toppings – this recipe is very forgiving!
FAQ: Overnight Oats with Greek Yogurt
### How long can overnight oats with yogurt stay in the fridge?
Overnight oats are an ideal make-ahead meal because they stay fresh for several days. Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, these Greek yogurt overnight oats will last about 4 to 5 days. For best texture and flavor, you’ll likely enjoy them most within the first 2-3 days, but they are perfectly safe to eat for up to five days (some people even keep them for a full week). If you’re prepping a big batch, consider making enough for 4–5 days at a time. (Tip: If you add fruit like bananas, note that those might soften or discolor after a couple of days, so you may want to add banana slices just before serving.) You can also freeze overnight oats for longer storage (up to 2-3 months), but the texture might change slightly – refrigerating is best for short-term meal prep.
### What type of oats are best for overnight oats?
It’s best to use old-fashioned rolled oats for overnight oats. Rolled oats soak up the liquid and become tender while still retaining a pleasant, slightly chewy texture. Quick oats (instant oats) will absorb liquid much faster and can become too mushy and paste-like after soaking overnight. Steel-cut oats are not recommended for the standard overnight oats method because they are very hard and need a much longer soaking time (or pre-cooking) to soften; if you only have steel-cut oats, you’d need to soak them for at least 24-48 hours or cook them briefly first (there are specific overnight steel-cut oats recipes for this). For the creamiest, best texture, stick with rolled oats. (If you need gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats.)
### Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can use regular yogurt, but the results will be a bit different. Greek yogurt is strained, so it’s thicker and higher in protein than regular yogurt. If you substitute with plain regular yogurt, the overnight oats will be looser in consistency (not as thick and creamy) and lower in protein. To compensate, you might reduce the milk slightly (since regular yogurt has more liquid) or add a touch more oats or chia. The flavor will still be good, but Greek yogurt is recommended for the best texture and nutritional boost. Alternatively, you can also use Skyr (Icelandic yogurt) which is similar to Greek yogurt, or coconut yogurt for a non-dairy option. The key is to use an unsweetened yogurt so you can control the sweetness with honey or other sweeteners.
### Can I make this recipe completely dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely. To make dairy-free vegan overnight oats, use a plant-based yogurt (such as almond milk yogurt, coconut yogurt, or soy yogurt) in place of Greek yogurt, and use a non-dairy milk of your choice (like almond, oat, or soy milk). Also, swap the honey with a vegan sweetener like pure maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the recipe remains the same. The oats will still thicken nicely and taste delicious. In fact, many people make overnight oats with no dairy at all – it’s very flexible. The Greek yogurt just adds extra protein and creaminess, but you can get somewhat similar results with a thick vegan yogurt or simply omit the yogurt and use slightly more milk (though it will be less creamy).
### Do I eat overnight oats cold or can I heat them up?
Overnight oats are typically eaten chilled, straight from the fridge, which is what makes them so convenient and refreshing (especially in warm weather). They have a creamy, pudding-like texture when cold. However, if you prefer a warm breakfast, you can heat your overnight oats. To serve warm, transfer the soaked oats to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 1 minute (or until warmed to your liking), stirring halfway. You may need to add an extra splash of milk when heating to prevent it from getting too thick. You can also warm them gently in a saucepan on the stovetop. Keep in mind that heating will eliminate the “overnight” no-cook convenience, but it’s an option if you crave something warm. Many people enjoy overnight oats cold, but it’s all about personal preference – both ways are tasty!
### What are the best toppings or mix-ins for these overnight oats?
You can top your Greek yogurt overnight oats with almost anything you enjoy in oatmeal! Popular choices include fresh fruit (such as berries, chopped apples, bananas, or mango), dried fruit (raisins, cranberries), nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, etc.), nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter), and extra spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. A spoonful of granola on top can add a nice crunch if you’re eating the oats right away. If you want to add mix-ins before refrigerating (for example, blueberries or chia seeds), that’s fine too – sturdier fruits like berries hold up well overnight. Softer fruits like bananas or crunchy ingredients like nuts are usually best added right before serving to maintain their texture. Feel free to get creative with flavor combinations (think strawberry almond, banana peanut butter, apple cinnamon with a bit of apple and cinnamon mixed in, etc.). This recipe is a great base for experimentation.
### Can I make multiple servings at once?
Yes – this recipe is perfect for meal prep. To make multiple servings, you have two options:
- Individual Jars: Assemble each serving in its own jar or container. Just line up jars and put 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup yogurt, etc. into each one. Stir or shake them, cover, and refrigerate. This way each portion is ready to grab and go.
- One Big Batch: Alternatively, mix all the ingredients in one large bowl (for example, for 4 servings use 2 cups oats, 2 cups milk, 1 cup yogurt, 4 Tbsp honey, etc.). Once combined, you can either keep it in the large container and scoop out servings daily, or portion it into individual containers after mixing.
Both methods work well. If stored properly in the fridge, the prepared overnight oats will last about 5 days, so you can make a whole workweek’s worth of breakfasts in one prep session. It’s a huge time-saver. Remember, if you add fruit to the batch, some fruits might not last as long – you can always add fresh fruit on serving day instead.
Hopefully these tips answer any questions! Overnight oats are very adaptable, so don’t be afraid to tailor the recipe to what you have on hand and what flavors you love.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
(Approximate values for one serving, not including extra toppings): Calories: ~300 kcal Carbohydrates: ~45 g Protein: ~13 g Fat: ~6 g Fiber: ~5 g Sugar: ~20 g.
These Greek yogurt overnight oats are a well-balanced meal in a jar. You get healthy complex carbs and fiber from the oats (and chia seeds), a great protein boost from the Greek yogurt (and milk), and natural sweetness from the honey. The exact nutrition will vary depending on the type of milk, yogurt (full-fat vs nonfat), and the amount of honey or other mix-ins you use. If you add fruits or nuts, you’ll also be adding extra vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Overall, it’s a nutrient-dense breakfast option that will keep you energized.
Easy Greek Yogurt Overnight Oats with Honey – Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (any dairy or non-dairy)
- 4 cups Greek yogurt (plain)
- 1 tablespoon honey (to naturally sweeten the oats)
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional, for variation)
- Additional toppings: peanut butter, fruits, nuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, honey, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Divide the mixture into individual jars or containers.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
- In the morning, stir the oats and add your favorite toppings like fruits, nuts, or peanut butter.
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