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    Home » All Recipes » Breakfast

    Kefir Overnight Oats

    Published: Oct 14, 2023 by Katie Roux

    Jump to Recipe How-To-Photos Watch the Video

    These kefir overnight oats are thick, creamy and super easy to make (well which overnight oats recipe isn't really?). The basic recipe consists of only 3 simple ingredients: rolled oats, chia seeds and kefir!

    Kefir overnight oats in a jar topped with fresh figs, blueberries and red currant.

    Overnight oats have been a game changer for me when it comes to busy mornings (my favorite ones are these Overnight Oats made with Water or Frozen Fruit Overnight Oats).

    I love that you can make them ahead of time. Prepare a few jars on Sunday night, and voila! You've got a week's worth of breakfasts that require zero morning fuss.

    Paired with a creamy cup of Peanut Butter Coffee or this Cocoa Powder Hot Chocolate, these kefir overnight oats make a great breakfast that's ready in no time.

    Jump to:
    • Kefir in overnight oats?
    • Ingredients & substitution notes
    • Step-by-step: How to make kefir overnight oats
    • Katie's expert tips
    • Frequently asked questions
    • More overnight oat recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Kefir in overnight oats?

    Yes, please!  Making overnight oats with kefir is not just about the probiotics, it's also about that texture game.

    Kefir is thicker than regular milk but not as thick as yogurt. Even though you can make creamy Overnight Oats without Yogurt, you'll need something else to create that thick and velvety texture. That's when kefir comes into play! 

    Ingredients & substitution notes

    All ingredients needed to make this recipe.
    • Rolled oats: I used large flaked oats which are my favorite type of oats to use in overnight oat recipes. 
    • Chia seeds: They help to create the perfect texture by absorbing liquid and expanding. This will result in a delightful pudding-like consistency in your overnight oats.
    • Kefir: I used plain kefir without an sweeteners added. I opted for store-bought kefir and you can usually find kefir in larger grocery stores. 
    • Sweetener: The sweetener is used to counteract the slightly tart taste of the kefir. I like using pure maple syrup just because I love the taste it adds. Feel free to use any sweetener of choice such as raw honey or agave syrup. 

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Step-by-step: How to make kefir overnight oats

    All ingredients for the overnight oats mixed together in a glass jar.

    Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to a mason jar and whisk until well combined. Let sit for 10 minutes, then stir again.

    Glass jar with overnight oats sealed with a lid.

    Step 2: Close with a lid and put in the fridge overnight (or for at least 3 hours).

    Katie's expert tips

    • Plain Kefir: I recommend using plain, unsweetened and unflavored kefir. That way you can sweeten to personal taste.
    • Stir twice: It's my go-to trick when making overnight oats! This will ensure that the chia seeds are well mixed with the oats.
    • Meal prep: I recommend preparing a big batch and store them in the fridge to save time in the morning.
    • Chill Factor: Optimal texture is achieved by letting your overnight oats chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours- preferably overnight.
    • Seal the Deal: I recommend using airtight containers or mason jars to seal in freshness and prevent any unwanted fridge odors from infiltrating your kefir oats.
    • Play with Ratios: Experiment with liquid-to-oats ratios to find your preferred texture. If they are too thick for your liking the next morning, simply add a splash of kefir or milk of your choice. 
    • Toppings: I highly recommend adding toppings to add layers of flavor and texture.
    Kefir overnight oats in a jar topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is kefir?

    Kefir is a fermented dairy beverage. This fermentation gives it its slightly tangy taste -imagine a yogurt-like creaminess but with a gentle zing. You can also easily make whole milk kefir at home with the help of kefir grains and cow's milk.

    Can I also use water kefir in this recipe?

    Water kefir is not the same as regular milk kefir and I don't recommend it for making overnight oats.

    Can I make this dairy-free?

    Yes, there are also kefir drinks made from almond milk or coconut milk and they can be used if you don't consume any dairy products. 

    More overnight oat recipes

    • Overnight oats with Coconut Milk
    • Protein Overnight Oats without Protein Powder
    • Almond Milk Overnight Oats
    • High Protein Overnight Oats

    📖 Recipe

    Kefir overnight oats in a jar topped with fresh figs, blueberries and red currant.

    Kefir Overnight Oats

    Author: Katie Roux
    Using kefir instead of milk to make overnight oats will result in a thick and creamy, slightly tart oatmeal. Super easy to make and ready in no time!
    If you love this recipe as much as we do, click on the 5-stars below!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Refrigerate: 3 hours hours
    Total Time: 3 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: International
    Servings: 1
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup (40 g) rolled oats
    • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
    • 1 cup (160 g) plain, unsweetened kefir
    • 1-2 tablespoon (1 tablespoon) maple syrup
    • tiny pinch of salt (optional)
    You can find detailed step-by step-photos above the recipe card.

    Instructions

    • Combine all the ingredients in a jar or airtight container.
      ½ cup rolled oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 cup plain, unsweetened kefir, 1-2 tablespoon maple syrup, tiny pinch of salt (optional)
    • Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Let sit for 10 minutes, then stir again.
    • Seal the jar or container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
    • In the morning, give the oats a good stir. You might notice a thicker, pudding-like consistency- feel free to add more kefir or milk of choice for a thinner consistency. 
    • Top your oats with your favorite toppings (I love fresh berries, nuts and a little honey)

    Video

    Notes

    • Consistency: If the oats are too thick for your liking the next morning, simply add a splash of kefir or milk of your choice. 
    • Storage: They will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
    • Topping ideas: My favorite toppings are fresh fruits such as, my breakfast fruit salad, nuts, this homemade caramel sauce, roasted almond butter, peanut butter or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
    • Gluten-free: opt for certified gluten-free oats to make this a gluten-free recipe.
    • Nutritional values calculated without toppings.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1. | Calories: 416kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 498IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 419mg | Iron: 3mg
    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates.
    Tried this recipe?Leave a rating and comment telling us how you liked it! Or tag @wholefoodsoulfood__kitchen on Instagram so we can admire your creations!

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