These have become a big thing over the past few years and with good reason. They are healthy, can be made in advance and portable (depending on what container you use) – that’s a winning breakfast combination in my book.
You can find a zillion recipes online but I think it’s best to start basic, appreciating how fantastic just a few ingredients can be, and then work up to what becomes your go-to overnight oats recipe. This is especially good for families – you can make the “basic” recipe and then split into multiple containers for each person to customize on their own.
To be clear, this is not science – add in what you like, leave out what you don’t and enjoy the simplicity of this recipe. It truly couldn’t be easier!
Here’s what to do the night before you want to eat the oats (2 servings):
- Mix together 1 cup oats, 2 cups of your favorite milk, 2 tsp cinnamon, a dash of vanilla and 2 tbsp chia seeds (omit if you have an issue with chia seed texture)
- Add in the toppings of your choice and chill (covered) for at least 4 hours before eating
Topping/Mix-In Options:
- Mashed or sliced banana
- Halved green grapes
- Raisins
- Chocolate chips
- Sliced figs
- Chopped dates
- Mango or pineapple chunks
- Shredded coconut
- Grated carrot/zucchini
- Chopped nuts
- Grated apple
- Berries
- Chia Jam
- Nut Butter
- Greek yogurt
- Pumpkin puree
- Cacao powder
- Protein powder
- Ground flaxseed
Here are some of my favorite combinations the options are endless!
- Grated carrot (or zucchini) + raisins
- Pineapple + shredded coconut
- Chia jam and nut butter (PBnJ!)
- Pumpkin + chocolate chips (my sister’s favorite)
- Grated apple + raisins
- Cacao powder + nut butter
- Mashed banana + walnuts
You’ll notice I don’t have any non-fruit sugar on the list. Feel free to add maple syrup or honey if you want it sweeter – BUT, I think you’ll see that after a night of flavor infusion, you don’t need any sweeteners as the oatmeal will be so flavorful on its own.
The options are ENDLESS – let me know some of your favorite ombinations, what a great way to start the day. Yummmm!
CHH
hungryhungryhoban 