Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful and energizing breakfast jars:
- 1/2 cup Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats): These provide a chewy texture and are packed with fiber, keeping you full longer. Do not use instant oats, as they can become too mushy.
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds: These tiny powerhouses thicken the mixture and add omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
- 1/2 cup Milk (any kind): Dairy milk (whole, 2%, skim), almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work wonderfully. Choose your favorite!
- 1/2 cup Plain Yogurt (Greek or regular): Greek yogurt offers more protein and a thicker consistency, while regular plain yogurt is also a great choice.
- 1–2 teaspoons Sweetener (optional): Maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or even a few drops of stevia can be used to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional): Adds a lovely warm flavor.
- Pinch of Salt (optional): Enhances the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup Mixed Berries (fresh or frozen): Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries – use your favorite or a mix. If using frozen, they’ll thaw overnight and release delicious juices.
- 1–2 tablespoons Nuts or Seeds for Topping (optional): Sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds add a delightful crunch.
- Other Toppings (optional): Shredded coconut, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dollop of nut butter, or a few chocolate chips for a treat.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to assemble your Oat and Yogurt Breakfast Jars:
- Choose Your Jar: Select a glass jar or container with a lid, approximately 16 ounces (2 cups) in capacity. A mason jar works perfectly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the jar, add the rolled oats and chia seeds. If using, add the pinch of salt. Stir them together briefly to distribute.
- Add Wet Ingredients (except yogurt and toppings): Pour in the milk, your chosen sweetener (if using), and vanilla extract (if using). Stir everything thoroughly until the oats and chia seeds are well-coated with the liquid.
- Layer or Mix in Yogurt: You have two options here:
- Layered: Gently spoon the plain yogurt on top of the oat mixture. This creates distinct layers that look appealing.
- Mixed: Add the yogurt directly to the oat and milk mixture and stir until everything is well combined for a creamier, more uniform texture.
- Add Fruits: If using fresh berries, you can add them now on top of the yogurt (if layering) or mixed in. If using frozen berries, adding them now will allow them to thaw and release their juices into the mixture overnight, which many people enjoy. Alternatively, you can add fresh fruit just before serving.
- Seal and Chill: Secure the lid on the jar. Place the jar in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid, soften, and thicken.
- Add Toppings and Serve: In the morning, remove the jar from the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir if you like. Add your desired toppings, such as nuts, seeds, extra fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of nut butter. Enjoy chilled directly from the jar!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450