Kefir Overnight Oats are a delicious and nutritious breakfast that you can make a few days in advance. Creamy chilled overnight oats packed with gut healthy kefir and a variety of different topping options. Just a couple of minutes prep time too!
About kefir overnight oats
You might be thinking that chilled oats sounds a bit weird, like cold porridge, but it isn't like that at all. If you haven't tried overnight oats before, then you are missing out.
More like a creamy dessert, it's a great breakfast to make in advance to save you time in the morning and it's so easy to load with nutritious ingredients. These Kefir Overnight Oats are packed full of gut healthy ingredients and as easy as mixing it all together and storing in the fridge overnight.
Perfect for a refreshing summer breakfast, or when you have a busy morning and you want something to eat on the go.
If you are looking for more breakfasts that you can make ahead of time, then why not try our freezer friendly Breakfast Burrito, easy No Bake Granola Bars, simpleLow Sugar Granola or our creamy Yogurt Chia Pudding?
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Ingredients and substitutions
- Oats - We used rolled Scottish oats. Don't use jumbo oats, as these take longer to soften.
- Kefir - We used plain kefir. If you wanted to add some extra flavour to these kefir overnight oats, then you can use a flavoured one like tropical or strawberry, but this does add sugar. You will find kefir in the yogurt section of the supermarket, or sometimes in the International foods chilled section.
- Milk - Any milk will work here.
- Honey - You don't have to use this, but we like the added sweetness. You can use another liquid sweetener like maple syrup.
- Chia seeds - an easy way to give this breakfast a protein boost and the texture is really nice too, as the seeds expand in the milk.
- Ground nuts and seeds - Also another way to add protein and make it more of a filling breakfast. Any ground nuts and seeds blend will work.
- Raspberries - We used frozen raspberries as they add a nice added texture and makes it feel a bit more like a frozen dessert. Fresh raspberries work too.
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
How to make kefir overnight oats - Step by step
- Step one: In a large bowl, add the oats, chia seeds and nut/seed mix. Mix everything together.
- Step two: Add the milk, kefir and honey.
- Step three: Mix well to combine everything.
- Step four: Pour into serving glasses and top with the raspberries and more chia seeds.
What is kefir?
Kefir (pronounced “kuh-feer”) is a fermented milk drink that originates from Russia and Eastern Europe. It is thicker than milk and thinner than yogurt, which is why it is so good to make overnight oats with kefir.
It is sometimes referred to as sour milk, which I can understand because of the unique flavour, but it isn't sour in a bad way. It is more tangy than sour.
As well as being deliciously creamy, kefir has so many health benefits. Because it is fermented, it contains lots of probiotics which are great for gut health and digestive problems. It is also a complete source of protein.
Variations
Toppings - There are so many options when it comes to toppings. Pretty much any fruit goes, we love berries but stone fruits like peaches work too. For a tropical twist, some caramelised pineapple is SO good. For some added crunch, why not add some granola on top?
Nuts - This recipe is so easy to adapt with different add-ins. For some extra texture, instead of using ground nuts and seeds, you can add whole or crushed. You can also add some nut butter - why not try our Homemade Peanut Butter or Almond Butter?
Chocolate - Everyone loves chocolate for breakfast, right? You can stir some cocoa or cacao powder in with the oats for a chocolaty twist. If you want a mocha version, add a small shot of cooled espresso in replace of some of the milk.
Extra tips
- Make sure you give the kefir overnight oats a good stir before adding the toppings and serving.
- Leave the oats in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. They will still be edible if you leave them for less time, but they won't be as creamy.
- Add some warming spices like ground cinnamon or ginger for extra flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whilst it doesn't have to be overnight, you do have to give these a few hours for the oats to soften in the milk and kefir and for them to get really creamy. They are just called overnight oats, because it's great for making at night before bed and breakfast is ready for you in the morning. They do need at least 4 hours in the fridge though.
These will keep in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them great for making in batch. Portion it out into individual mason jars with lids and keep in the fridge for easy breakfasts over the week.
More oat recipes
If you’ve tried this kefir oats recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Kefir Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 80 g (1 cups) Rolled oats
- 2 tablespoon Chia seeds
- 2 tablespoon Ground nuts/seeds mix
- 200 g (0.75 cups) Kefir
- 200 ml (0.75 cups) Semi-skimmed milk
- 2 tablespoon Honey
- 100 g (0.75 cups) Raspberries - frozen
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add 80 g Rolled oats, 2 tablespoon Chia seeds and 2 tablespoon Ground nuts/seeds mix. Mix everything together.
- Add 200 ml Semi-skimmed milk, 200 g Kefir and 2 tablespoon Honey.
- Mix well to combine everything.
- Pour into serving glasses and top with 100 g Raspberries and more chia seeds.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure you give the kefir overnight oats a good stir before adding the toppings and serving.
- Leave the oats in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. They will still be edible if you leave them for less time, but they won't be as creamy.
- Add some warming spices like ground cinnamon or ginger for extra flavour.
- To ensure this recipe is definitely gluten free, use oats that are certified gluten free.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Hilary Beresford says
Really delicious and easy to make. Needed an oats recipe to bring down cholesterol but don’t like porridge in the summer so this is perfect especially using healthy kefir as well. Thank you
dana says
This is a great recipe. So many healthy things happening here; great gut health recipe! And it tastes great, too!
Katherine says
This kefir bircher was such a tasty treat this morning for breakfast. So glad I saw it on Pinterest and gave it a go!
Dina and Bruce says
Made this last night and having for breakfast! I used fresh raspberries. So good!
Toni says
This is really an amazing way to start the day! Such a great recipe! Thank you!
Suja md says
One of my favorites! These looks absolutely great! can't wait to try!
Kate says
Such a great idea to make overnight oats with healthy kefir!
Suja md says
Wow! this is my new favorite recipe!
Rosemary says
Love this recipe. We are avid fans of Kefir and always have a bottle or two at home. I love the idea of making it with oats. Genius. This will certainly solve our problem of a fast and healthy breakfast.
Beth says
What a great way to start the day! It's like super healthy dessert for breakfast.
Tara says
Oh yum! These overnight oats are such a fantastic make ahead breakfast. I love the minimal prep too.