Overnight Oatmeal and Topping Bar Recipe

Ready. Set. Go. The holiday season is upon us! Luckily, I’ve got a plan to keep you energized. Start your day with Overnight Oatmeal. And, if you’re catering to a crowd, or a family with different ideas about what they like, create a prep station and topping bar that will minimize the mess. You’re welcome.

Overnight Oatmeal Basics

Start with whole oats, not the quick cooking kind. And, in case you are wondering, steel cut oats are just a little too hearty for this process.

Add the oats to a glass container with a tight fitting lid, like a mason jar. Pint-sized jars allow plenty of room for toppings! Next add the desired amount of liquid, such as milk, almond milk or even water. The general rule is equal amounts of liquid and oats. If you like your oatmeal creamy, then add a tablespoon or so more. If thick and chewy is your style, then stir in a little less liquid.

Now, the fun part! Customize your overnight oatmeal by stirring in some goodies, such as

• Chia seeds (these nicely soak up some of the liquid too!)
• Flax seed
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Maple syrup, honey or other sweetener
• Peanut butter or nut butters

Allow the oatmeal to sit at least two hours or up to 3 days in the refrigerator. That’s right, you can make this healthy breakfast days ahead of time. (No excuses not to eat breakfast!)

Come breakfast time, pull out fresh and dried fruit, nuts, granola and chocolate chips to top off the oatmeal.Storing the ingredients in containers that you can easily set out on the counter makes this whole process a breeze.

This Condiment Caddy is perfect for dried fruit, nuts and seeds. The bowls with lidscome in all different sizes and are perfect for fresh fruit, granola and oatmeal. Mornings are sure to be easy and pretty this holiday season!

overnight oatmeal

Overnight Oatmeal and a DIY prep and topping bar is the answer to out-of-town guests, different wake-up times, stress-free mornings and staying healthy at the holidays!

ingredients:

• 3/4 cup whole oats
• 3/4 cup milk of any kind or water
Optional Overnight Ingredients
• 1 Tablespoon per serving Flax seed
• 1 Tablespoon per serving Chia seeds
• 1/8 teaspoon per serving Cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon per serving Vanilla extract
• 1 Tablespoon per serving Honey
• 1 Tablespoon per serving Maple syrup
• Sugar or other sweetener to taste
• Up to 1/4 cup per serving Nut butters
Optional Serving Day Toppings
• Fresh Fruit
• Dried Fruit
• Chopped Nuts
• Chocolate Chips
• Coconut
• Granola

directions:

1. Combine oats, liquid and desired overnight ingredients in a glass container with a tight lid.
2. Refrigerate jar overnight or up to 3 days.
3. If desired, warm oatmeal.
4. When ready to enjoy, top with desired Serving Day Toppings.

*note Add approx. 1 Tablespoon more liquid for creamy oatmeal and less liquid for thicker oatmeal