Greek Yogurt With Honey: The Simple Bowl, Done Right
Greek yogurt with honey is one of the oldest and simplest dishes there is: thick, tangy strained yogurt with a ribbon of honey on top. In Greece it is served as a dessert, often with walnuts; in America it has become a go-to breakfast. Because there are only two main ingredients, small choices make a big difference. This guide covers the yogurt, the honey, how much to use and eight combinations worth trying.
Choosing the yogurt
Greek yogurt is strained to remove much of the whey, so it is thicker and higher in protein than regular yogurt. Plain whole-milk Greek yogurt gives the creamiest, least sour result and the classic Greek taste; 2 percent is a good middle ground; nonfat is tangier and slightly chalky. Flavored yogurts already contain added sugar, so plain is best when you plan to add honey.
Skyr, labneh and other strained yogurts work just as well. Labneh is even thicker and saltier and is lovely with honey and pistachios.
How much honey
A teaspoon or two is usually enough for a bowl. A teaspoon of honey has about 6 grams of sugar; a single-serve cup of flavored yogurt often has 10 to 20 grams of added sugar, so a plain yogurt with a measured drizzle is typically less sweet than the flavored kind. See how much honey per day for more on sugar limits.
Drizzle the honey on top rather than stirring it in, so every spoonful gets a slightly different balance of tang and sweetness.
8 topping combinations
Mix textures: something crunchy, something fresh, and the honey.
| Bowl | Toppings | Best honey |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Greek | Toasted walnuts | Wildflower or thyme-style |
| Berry | Blueberries, raspberries, granola | Blueberry blossom |
| Orchard | Sliced pear or apple, cinnamon, pecans | Pure Raw |
| Citrus | Orange segments, pistachios, mint | Orange blossom |
| Fig | Fresh or dried figs, almonds, sesame | Buckwheat (a little) |
| Tropical | Mango, coconut flakes, lime zest | Clover |
| Breakfast crunch | Honey granola, banana | Wildflower |
| Savory | Olive oil, cucumber, za'atar, pinch of salt, tiny drizzle | Clover |
Which honey to use
Since the honey is not cooked, its aroma comes through fully, so this is the best place to taste a good raw honey. Wildflower and Blueberry Blossom are layered and fruity. Orange Blossom is bright. A thick, crystallized honey sits on top of yogurt in a lovely way rather than sinking in, so do not worry if your jar has set.
Make-ahead ideas
For grab-and-go breakfasts, layer yogurt in jars and keep toppings separate so they stay crisp. Yogurt keeps for several days in the fridge; add honey and granola in the morning. For a frozen treat, spread honey-sweetened yogurt on a lined tray, scatter with berries and nuts, freeze and break into yogurt bark. It is also a good base for honey ice cream fans who want something quicker.
Greek yogurt with honey as dessert
In Greek tavernas, yiaourti me meli is often brought to the table after a meal: a bowl of thick yogurt, a pool of honey and a scatter of walnuts. Served this way it is less sweet than most desserts and very satisfying. For a fancier version, warm the honey slightly with orange zest and cinnamon before pouring it over.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Greek yogurt with honey healthy?
- Plain Greek yogurt is high in protein, and a small drizzle of honey adds sweetness. Keep the honey to a teaspoon or two to limit added sugar.
- What is the best yogurt for honey?
- Plain whole-milk or 2 percent Greek yogurt. It is thick, creamy and unsweetened, so the honey's flavor stands out.
- Should I mix the honey in or drizzle it?
- Drizzle it on top. Each spoonful then has a different balance of tang and sweetness, which tastes more interesting.
- Can I eat Greek yogurt with honey at night?
- Yes. It is a common light evening snack or dessert. Keep portions modest if you are watching sugar.
Al Safa Honey is a food producer, not a medical provider. Nothing here is medical advice. Never give honey of any kind to a baby under 12 months old.
