4 Easy and Yummy Yogurt Bowls + Instant Granola Recipe

Written by Sara Spangler

I am a firm believer that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and also that yogurt is one of the best breakfast foods. Why? It’s got protein and probiotics and can be topped with all sorts of yummy fruits, fiber-filled seeds, nuts, and granola to give you energy as you start your day. It is also incredibly delicious and fun if you’re doing it right. There are so many ways to vary your yogurt and experiment with different flavors, so it truly never gets old. Yogurt has been my daily breakfast for almost a year now, and trust me when I say I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it.

Don’t believe me? Here are four simple, yet tasty yogurt bowl recipes you can try, along with my tried-and-true 10-minute granola recipe. Maybe you’ll become as passionate about yogurt as I am! (It's unlikely, though—I may be difficult to beat.)

Image Credit: Sara Spanger

1. Yogurt Bowl with Pomegranate and Blueberries

Let’s start with the basics. This bowl comes together in minutes and is both sweet and tart from the pomegranate seeds. The chia seeds add a nice subtle texture, along with antioxidants and fiber. The creamy yogurt pairs beautifully with the fresh fruit, and its colorful presentation makes it even more delightful.

Ingredients:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp chia seeds

A handful of pomegranate seeds and blueberries

Mix yogurt, honey, and chia seeds. Top with fruit and enjoy!

2. Mango and Strawberry Yogurt Bowl

Another quite simple recipe, this bowl combines flavors in a unique yet highly satisfying way, as the sweetness of the fruit pairs nicely with the spice of the cinnamon. Pumpkin seeds add a slight nutty flavor, along with an added source of fiber and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

1 tbsp maple syrup

½ tsp cinnamon

Sliced strawberries and mango

Pumpkin seeds 

Mix yogurt, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Top with sliced strawberries and mangos, and sprinkle raw pumpkin seeds on top.

3. Tropical Yogurt Bowl

Want something to remind you of summer in these cold months? Again, simple and quick, this bowl makes me think of lying on the beach in the middle of July. A great source of fiber from the fruits and chia seeds, along with protein and probiotics, this bowl is good for both the body and the soul.

Ingredients:½ cup plain Greek yogurt

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp chia seeds

Fresh pineapple and kiwi

Toasted coconut

Mix yogurt, honey, and chia seeds. Top with sliced pineapple, kiwi, and toasted coconut.

4. Chocolate Peanut Butter Yogurt Bowl with Chocolate Shell

Ready to step it up? This chocolate peanut butter bowl makes breakfast feel like dessert! Sweet honey and cocoa powder truly revolutionize plain yogurt, and the chocolate shell really seals the deal. The thick layer of hard chocolate on top offers an incredibly satisfying textural experience combined with the creaminess of the banana and peanut butter underneath.

Ingredients:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp cocoa powder

¼ tsp salt

Sliced banana

Peanut butter

2 tbsp chocolate chips

1 tbsp coconut oil (or butter)

Mix yogurt, honey, cocoa powder, and salt. Top with sliced banana and as much peanut butter as your heart desires! In a microwave, melt together dark chocolate and coconut oil in 30-second increments until fully melted and smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture evenly over the top, and allow it to sit in the freezer for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Instant Stovetop Granola

You can add the granola of your choice to any of the above. Or you can make your own.  I’ve been using this stovetop granola recipe for a few years now, and it has become one of my go-tos. It’s sweet, crunchy, and just the right addition to any yogurt bowl. To customize, try adding nuts, seeds, or spices of your choice.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp coconut oil/butter

1 tbsp honey/maple syrup

¼ cup dried oats

1 tbsp ground flaxseeds

Pinch of cinnamon and salt

In a bowl, mix together dried oats, flaxseeds, and spices. Then, in a small nonstick pan over low heat, melt coconut oil/butter and mix in honey/maple syrup. Add in the dry oat mixture and stir until coated. Toast for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and spread granola on a plate, making sure it doesn’t clump. Put in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, and you’re done!

Thumbnail Credit:

https://unsplash.com/photos/a-jar-of-yogurt-with-strawberries-on-a-cutting-board-0zLDlLBFSvU