What exactly are overnight oats? These are a no-cook method of making oatmeal. Instead of cooking your oats on the stove, you mix rolled oats with liquid and other mix-ins, and let it rest in your fridge overnight.

Popularly made in nice sturdy mason jars, it’s a quick healthy breakfast or snack option for you and the kids. I sometimes make 5 to 7 jars a weekend so I can grab these anytime for rest of the week.What’s great about this is you can substitute the ingredients to whatever you feel like to amp up the nutrients or create the flavors you want. I literally could not stop making yummy noises when I first tried this and neither would you!

*makes 2 jars

INGREDIENTS

Mix-ins:
¼ cup berries
(choose one or mix strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries)

Base:
1/3 cup yogurt (Greek or plain regular yogurt)
3/4 cup rolled oats
2/3 cup unsweetened milk of your choice
1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax seeds
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

DIRECTIONS

Whisk all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. You can choose to add berries whole or chop them up for better blending of flavors. Spoon into a jar with a nice secure lid. Cover and let rest in your fridge for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.

Versions:
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats.
• Vegan: Use plant-based or nut milks, plant-based yogurt, and maple syrup or plant sweeteners like stevia
• Sugar-Free: Drop the sweetener and add 1/2 mashed overripe banana.

Healthy breakfast items like this one don't need to be expensive nor have too much fanfare. The point is make it for your family, your loved ones and yourself with stuff you already have in your pantry or freezer so you all can get up to a filling hearty and healthy breakfast option! Enjoy!