Overnight oats with yogurt is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. It takes 5 minutes, no cooking, and in the morning it's just… ready. That alone makes it worth it on busy days. I usually make this when I know mornings will be chaotic, or when I just don't feel like thinking about breakfast at all.
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Overnight Oats with Yogurt
It's simple, but still feels like a proper meal - creamy, a little sweet, and filling enough to keep you going. If you've ever had overnight oats that turned out too watery or just kind of bland, this version fixes that.
Julia's Why-You'll-Love-It List
♥ This one is simple, but balanced. You get creaminess from the yogurt, soft oats that aren't mushy, and just enough sweetness to bring it together. The chia seeds help it set so it's not runny.
- creamy but still light
- sets well, not too thick or too loose
- yogurt adds a slight tang so it doesn't taste flat
My note: I've tried using less yogurt, and it looked fine but tasted a bit dull. That creaminess really matters.
If you want something richer, my overnight oats with strawberries and Nutella is a more dessert-style version.
Ingredients
- Old fashioned oats - Best texture. Don't use quick oats unless you want it softer.
- Milk - Any kind works. Dairy is creamier, plant milk is lighter.
- Greek yogurt - Adds protein and thickness. Regular yogurt works but will be thinner. This is by far the best Greek yogurt I've ever tried, flavor + texture wise.
- Honey or maple syrup - adjust to taste.
- Chia seeds - Helps thicken naturally. Don't skip if you want that classic texture
- Vanilla + cinnamon - Small but important for flavor. If you can find good quality vanilla extract, it really makes a difference.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make Yogurt Overnight Oats
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, honey, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add milk and stir until fully combined.
- Stir in oats, salt, cinnamon, and chia seeds.
- Mix until everything is evenly combined. Pour into jars and seal.
- Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
- Serve with berries, chia jam, or nut butter.
Texture tip: It should look slightly loose before chilling - it thickens a lot overnight.
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Buy Now → Don't Make These Mistakes
- Using too much milk - it won't set and turns watery.
- Not mixing well - chia seeds clump and stay gritty.
- Expecting it thick right away - it needs time to soak and thicken.
- Over-sweetening before chilling - flavors get stronger overnight.
- Skipping the salt - small, but it makes a big difference in flavor.
What I Like To Serve It With
- Fresh fruit bowls
- Smoothies
- Hard boiled eggs for extra protein
- Whipped coffee or iced latte
Storing Leftovers
- To Store. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To Make Ahead. Perfect for meal prep. Make 2-3 jars at once.
Bonus: Upgrade Variations
- Add peanut butter + chocolate chips.
- Lighter option: Use low-fat yogurt and almond milk.
- Café-style version: Top with granola + fresh berries.
- Add ¼ cup mashed banana for natural sweetness.
More Breakfast Recipes
Before You Head Out
If you gave this recipe a try, I'd be so thankful if you could leave a ★★★★★ rating and review below. It helps other readers, supports my work, and means the world to me. Thank you for being part of The Yummy Bowl family. Happy cooking! ❤️
Recipe Card
Overnight Oats with Yogurt
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the base: In a bowl mix yogurt, honey and vanilla until smooth.
- Add liquid: Stir in milk until combined.1 ½ cup milk
- Add oats: Mix in oats, salt, cinnamon and chia seeds until uniform.
- Transfer: Pour into 2 x 8 oz mason jars, or one 16 oz mason jars and secure the lids.
- Chill: Refrigerate overnight or at least 4-6 hours.
- Serve: Top with berries, chia jam or nut butter.
- Enjoyed this recipe? Leave a quick 5-star rating and review to let me know!
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Use the right ratio - too much milk makes it runny, too little makes it too thick.
- Don't skip chilling time - this is what gives it that creamy, set texture.
- Stir well before chilling - this prevents chia clumps and uneven texture.
- This recipe makes 2 x 8 oz mason jars (perfect single servings) or 1 x 16 oz jar, which works well if you want to divide it over a couple of days or just prefer a larger portion.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
FAQs
Yes. Add them before chilling or on top before serving.
Yes. They're high in fiber and can be high protein with yogurt.
Add more chia seeds or reduce milk slightly.
Yes, but it will be less creamy.
No. They soften overnight.
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Julia
my favorite make-ahead breakfast idea i eat ALL THE TIME