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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Kefir Overnight Oats

    Published: Jan 4, 2023 by Ashlee Welter · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 3 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These kefir overnight oats are healthy and delicious! With only a few simple ingredients, you will have a healthy breakfast prepped in no time!

    kefir-overnight-oats

    Overnight oats with kefir are one of my absolute favorite on-the-go breakfasts. As a Registered Dietitian, I love the many health benefits that kefir has. It is a rich source of probiotics and protein, which makes this a nutritious breakfast. It is also a great source of calcium and contains Vitamin A.

    These oats are the perfect meal prep option. Make them the night before and eat them the next morning, or meal prep them as a breakfast option for several mornings in a row.

    After you’re done making these oats, check out these cinnamon roll overnight oats or these carrot cake overnight oats!

    Jump to:
    • Why use Kefir in Overnight Oats?
    • Ingredients
    • How to make this recipe
    • Topping Ideas
    • Breakfast Meal Prep
    • Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Related Recipes
    • Kefir Overnight Oats

    Why use Kefir in Overnight Oats?

    When making overnight oats it can be tricky to get the perfect balance of oatmeal and liquid. Not to mention, when you add yogurt, it can also affect the texture. Using kefir in overnight oats is ideal because it is thicker than milk, yet not as thick as yogurt, which helps create the perfect texture.

    Kefir is a fermented dairy product that has a tangy flavor similar to yogurt. Kefir is rich in probiotics; it contains around 30 different strains.

    Probiotics are a type of “good bacteria” which can positively affect gut health. Often, individuals with gut issues are encouraged to take a probiotic (always check with your doctor first!) There is still ongoing research about how Kefir affects gut health!

    Kefir contains 11 grams of protein per serving. This is an easy way to add protein to your overnight oats! For a low-sugar option, be sure to use plain kefir.

    Ingredients

    ingredients for overnight oats with kefir

    Kefir: use any flavor of Kefir. I like to use plain or vanilla kefir and then add different types of fruit for flavor. You can either use store-bought kefir or make your own kefir!

    Oatmeal: this works best with old-fashioned oatmeal. The cut of the oatmeal helps absorb the liquid without becoming too soggy. Use gluten-free oatmeal if appropriate.

    Fruit: any type of fruit can be used! Some favorites are diced strawberries, diced mangos, mashed bananas or blueberries.

    How to make this recipe

    To make this recipe, you’re simply going to combine the oats, kefir, and honey in a bowl and mix. The ratio of oats to kefir is very important; too much liquid will make it soupy, while a lack of liquid makes it too thick. I’ve found for best results you need to do 1 cup kefir with ½ cup oatmeal.

    how to make kefir overnight oats

    After the oats and kefir are mixed, add in your toppings. I recommend adding up to a total of ½ cup of fruit; feel free to add any combination! If using plain kefir, consider adding 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for some extra sweetness.

    how to make kefir overnight oats

    Refrigerate the oats overnight and mix well before serving. Serve hot or cold.

    Topping Ideas

    The overnight oats with kefir are so versatile! You can add almost any combination of toppings. Here are some of my favorites:

    Fruit: chopped strawberries, blueberries, mangos, or bananas work great! Either fresh or frozen is fine.

    Crunch: add walnuts, pecans, granola or chocolate chips.

    Sweetener: you may need a sweetener if using plain kefir and feel the fruit doesn’t add enough sweetness. Some of my favorites are maple syrup, honey, and agave nectar.

    Chia Seeds: these can be used, however, they will thicken the oats and may require more liquid. I’d recommend adding to the top right before serving.

    kefir-overnight-oats

    Breakfast Meal Prep

    This is a perfect meal prep or batch-cooking recipe! Double or triple the recipe based on the number of servings you want to make. I’ve found that I can make these about 3 days in advance, however any longer than that and the oats don’t hold well.

    Once you make the recipe, divide it evenly amongst containers. Use a container with a lid, such as a mason jar or blender bottle. Store in the refrigerator.

    Expert Tips

    The oats need at least 5 hours to refrigerate. This allows the oatmeal to fully absorb the liquid and become soft.

    Use any flavor of kefir for variety. Popular flavors are vanilla, strawberry or blueberry. Use plain kefir for a low-sugar option.

    The oatmeal can be served hot or warm. To serve warm, place in a microwave container and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.

    overnight oats with kefir

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I buy Kefir?

    Kefir can be purchased in most major grocery stores. It is sold in the refrigerated section near the milk and yogurt. Some stores that have a special “health food section” may keep it in the refrigerated area of this.

    Is this recipe gluten-free?

    To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free version of oatmeal, such as Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free oatmeal. The kefir is gluten-free. Verify that any add in’s are gluten-free as well!

    What can I do with leftover oatmeal?

    Store leftover oatmeal in an air-tight container at room temperature. You can also use oatmeal in the 3-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies or these peanut butter oatmeal balls.

    Related Recipes

    • Chocolate Bliss Balls
    • Turmeric Oatmeal
    • Air Fryer French Toast
    • Zucchini Banana Muffins
    kefir-overnight-oats

    Kefir Overnight Oats

    Ashlee Welter - Pinch of Wellness
    Kefir overnight oats are a healthy and delicious breakfast recipe! This dish is an easy way to get in a serving of Kefir, which is a healthy source of calcium and probiotics!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1
    Calories 360 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup kefir plain
    • ½ cup oatmeal
    • 1 tbsp maple syrup

    Add ins

    • ½ cup blueberries
    • ½ cup strawberries

    Instructions
     

    • Add the oatmeal, kefir and maple syrup to a jar with a lid. Mix well until combined.
    • Add the fruit on top. Place lid on jar and refridgerate overnight.
    • Mix well before serving. Serve hot or cold.

    Notes

    Options for add-ins:
    • Fruit (add up to ½ cup): raspberries, blueberries, diced strawberries, diced mango, mashed bananas
    • Crunchy options (add up to ¼ cup): chopped walnuts, pecans, granola or chocolate chips
    • Sweetener: add in 1tbsp increments: honey, maple syrup or agave nectarine
    The oats need at least 5 hours to refrigerate. If meal prepping, they will hold for about 3 days in the refrigerator. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 133mg | Potassium: 376mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 1393IU | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 353mg | Iron: 2mg
    Keyword easy, easy breakfast, Gluten free, Healthy
    Tried this recipe?Mention @pinchofwellness or tag #pinchofwellness!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ayla

      January 07, 2023 at 9:20 am

      5 stars
      Turned out great!!!

      Reply
    2. Calvin

      January 09, 2023 at 8:49 pm

      5 stars
      I used blueberry kefir and added extra cinnamon and nutmeg. Delicious!

      Reply
    3. Joannie

      January 22, 2023 at 2:39 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this- I tried it w blueberry kefir. Great idea. Feeling healthy already.

      Reply

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    ashlee welter pinch of wellness

    Hi, I'm Ashlee! I'm a Registered Dietitian with over 10 years of experience in nutrition, cooking, and health! I am an expert in developing gluten free and healthy recipes!

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