We have all heard it. “Breakfast is the important meal of the day.” Is this true? Well, I would argue it’s pretty important! Eating within 60 minutes of waking helps fuel your body for the day ahead, provides energy to your physical body and brain and eating enough earlier in the day helps preventing overeating later in the day. True story!

Tired of your usual breakfast? Need something easy but healthy so you can grab and go? Overnight Oat Jars for the win! I like to make several of these at a time for Mr. Husband and I. It takes about 10 minutes to assemble these individual jars and they can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. They are perfectly balanced all in 1 little mason jar. Healthy fat, complex carbs and protein. Plenty of antioxidants, fiber and vitamins/minerals to start your day off strong!  Kids can certainly enjoy these as well. They may have fun putting them together too.

Let’s be honest, I often eat breakfast in the car while schlepping my kids to school. I need all the grab and go breakfasts I can get! Can you relate? 😉

This recipe is more of a “guideline” than anything. You can experiment with different ingredients to make it your own (spices, milks, fruits, nuts). I make these slightly different each time and they never fail!

Ingredients

  • 4 (or more) mason jars with lids (pint size or slightly smaller)
  • Grains/Seeds: Rolled oats (not quick-cook), Chia seeds
  • Milk: Almond, Soy, Cow’s, Hemp, Oat, etc.
  • Yogurt: Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
  • Nuts: Almonds, Cashews, Pecans, Walnuts
  • Fruit: Berries (fresh or frozen), chopped apples, pears, peaches or bananas
  • Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup
  • Other toppings: Shredded coconut, hemp hearts, cinnamon, cloves, nut butters

Directions

  1. Fill each jar with ½ cup rolled oats and approximately 1 tsp of chia seeds. Stir together.
  2. Cover the oats/chia with milk of your choice right up to the line.
  3. Add a generous dollop of Greek yogurt and a layer of fruit.
  4. Cover with lid and place in the fridge overnight.
  5. In the morning, add a sprinkle of nuts, drizzle of honey and any other toppings you like. Enjoy!

Tips:

  • I like to mix in some cinnamon with the oats before adding the milk.
  • You can certainly add the nuts and sweetener to the jar before closing the lid for overnight. That does make it even quicker for the morning.
  • The sweetener is totally optional of course!
  • A few of my fave combos are:
    • Apple Pie Oats: oats, chia, milk, applesauce, cinnamon, Greek yogurt and honey with almond butter on top.
    • Peach Ginger Pie Oats: oats, chia, milk, ginger, sliced peaches, Greek yogurt and honey.
    • Monkey Oats: oats, chia, milk, Greek yogurt, ½ mashed banana and peanut butter on top.