If you’re anything like me you’re constantly searching for new breakfast ideas because you know that it’s the most important meal of the day (yes, it is, even if some of us skip it – we really shouldn’t). And deciding what to eat day after day after day? Sigh. It can be so boring. But I’ve got the answer for you. It’s overnight oats.
You’ve probably heard of them. Maybe even looked at them quickly and decided that they were too much work. Or maybe you’re skeptical about how they taste. But you should try them anyway. Because you might be surprised.
I definitely was.
And? Bonus? My daughter loves them, too.
How To Make Overnight Oats:
Start with rolled oats. Grab a 1/2 c and toss them into a mason or canning jar or some other clean and lidded jar.
Cover the oats with 1/3 c of milk. I prefer unsweetened almond milk, because the sweetness will come later and that gives me some leeway with the calories.
Add 1/2 c of Greek yogurt. I use vanilla. And if you don’t like Greek yogurt you can give it a try with regular yogurt. Plain works fine because you’re adding a lot to it. It’s a complete preference thing. You could skip the yogurt, but I like how it pulls everything together.
Top that off with a drizzle of honey. Be generous. Or don’t. It’s good stuff, though.
Sprinkle in some flax seed. Or chia. Or protein powder, if you’re a fan. I’ve also used peanut butter powder, like the kind you’d toss into smoothies. It’s really good. You can opt to add any nut butter to the oats, as well.
Last step? Add the fruit of your choice. I’ve made it with strawberries, you can slice about 4-5 and put those in. Or cover the top of the jar with blueberries. I don’t eat bananas but they also work well and don’t get too soggy. I’ve also made some with diced and peeled (personal preference) apple. They turned out amazing. The apples softened just enough and it kind of tasted like apple pie – but healthier. And less syrupy.
Lastly, if you’re interested, sprinkle some cinnamon on top before you finish up. You could also add more honey at this point, if you prefer your oatmeal sweet.
Be sure to leave yourself enough room.
Most recipes will tell you that you can shake it up once you put the lid on. And you can, but I prefer to give it a quick mix to make sure that the consistency throughout is the same.
Put it in your fridge and you’re good to go.
Overnight oats additional layers or mix-ins:
raisins (golden raisins taste especially amazing)
dried fruits
preserves
cocoa powder
walnuts
almonds
maple syrup
Honestly, I think whatever you put in regular oatmeal you could add to your overnight oats.
So – give it a try and let me know what you think. I hope it helps make breakfast easier for you!
Andrea Bates
Andrea is a native New Yorker living in NC who has become quite accustomed to wearing flip flops year-round. A licensed clinical social worker, she spends her free time volunteering for a number of organizations supporting women (more specifically, mothers) in need of a reminder that they are not alone. Andrea blogs at Good Girl Gone Redneck, where she writes from the heart, sharing the ins and outs of parenting, family and relationships. She also devours books and regularly features her honest reviews, ensuring that her readers are intrigued and ready for more.
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Valerie
Friday 19th of August 2016
Sounds will a good recipe, Andrea. Perhaps I'll give it a try. BTW, you and my husband are kindred spirits: he doesn't eat bananas, either. In fact, he despises them, calls them evil, and laughs maniacally when he sees a banana peel squashed in the road. In his words, "the only good banana is a dead banana." I, on the other hand, love 'em. IJS. :-)
Lynne
Friday 19th of August 2016
I've been tempted to try overnight oats...maybe I will finally try this!