Blueberry Almond Overnight Oats

Blueberry Almond Overnight Oats

This recipe provides a delicious, healthy, and convenient breakfast that you can prepare the night before. The combination of blueberries and almonds offers a wonderful balance of sweetness, tang, and crunch.

Yields: 1 serving Prep time: 5 minutes Chill time: At least 4 hours, or overnight

Ingredients:

• Rolled Oats: 1/2 cup (old-fashioned oats are best for texture, avoid instant oats)
• Milk: 3/4 cup (dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk all work well)
• Greek Yogurt (optional, for creaminess): 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt. If you don’t use yogurt, increase milk to 1 cup total.
• Blueberries: 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, they will thaw overnight and release their color into the oats). Plus extra for topping.
• Chia Seeds: 1 tablespoon (for thickening and added nutrients)
• Sweetener: 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar, or to taste (adjust based on the sweetness of your blueberries and yogurt)
• Vanilla Extract (optional): 1/4 teaspoon
• Almonds: 1-2 tablespoons sliced or slivered almonds, plus extra for topping.

Equipment:

• A jar or container with a lid (a pint-sized Mason jar works perfectly)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small spoon or whisk for mixing

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In your jar or container, add the rolled oats and chia seeds.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, Greek yogurt (if using), sweetener, and vanilla extract (if using).
3. Add Blueberries: Gently add 1/2 cup of blueberries to the mixture. If using fresh, you can lightly mash a few against the side of the jar to help release their color and flavor. If using frozen, simply add them in.
4. Mix Well: Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the chia seeds are dispersed. Make sure there are no clumps of dry oats at the bottom.
5. Add Almonds (Optional): If you want the almonds to soften slightly overnight, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of sliced almonds now. For maximum crunch, reserve all almonds for topping just before serving.
6. Cover and Chill: Place the lid on your container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften, creating a creamy texture.
7. Serve: In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If they are too thick, you can add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
8. Garnish: Top with additional fresh blueberries and sliced almonds just before serving. You can also add a drizzle of extra maple syrup or honey if desired.

Tips & Variations:

• For a “Cheesecake” Feel: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a small amount of dairy-free cream cheese alternative to the mix before chilling for a richer, tangier flavor reminiscent of blueberry cheesecake.
• Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder when mixing for an extra protein kick. You might need to add a bit more milk if the mixture becomes too thick.
• Different Fruits: Experiment with other berries like raspberries or mixed berries.
• Nut Butter: Stir in a tablespoon of almond butter or cashew butter for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny amount of nutmeg can add warmth and depth of flavor.
• Meal Prep: You can prepare a few jars at once for quick breakfasts throughout the week. They typically last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.