There’s no better way to start the day than with the nutritious combo of oatmeal and milk.
Making oatmeal with milk adds 13 essential nutrients to your bowl, including protein, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.
Add in your favorite fruit and honey and you’ve got a top-notch, one-dish meal to enjoy at home or on the go.
You’ve also got the start of recipes for freshly-baked muffins, high-protein waffles, or a great meal-replacement smoothie. Oatmeal is a versatile grain that pairs deliciously with dairy.
If you’d like more of a cookie, try this recipe for Maple Spiced Snack Bars.
Despite the name, these oats don’t have to sit overnight. Prepare them at least one hour ahead and they are ready to enjoy. Bonus: Keep reading to see how this basic recipe can be used in many different ways!
Blueberry Overnight Oats
- 1 cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 1 cup whole, low-fat, or skim milk
- ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds or chia seeds, optional (These not only add protein but make for a thicker texture as well.)
Combine ingredients in a glass or plastic refrigerator container. Stir well. Refrigerator overnight. Heat in the microwave or enjoy as they are.
Make the mix a muffin by stirring into the oat mixture above 1 ¼ cups of self-rising flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, a pinch of salt, and ½ cup melted butter. Pour into lined muffin tins. Bake in a preheated 425-degree oven for 5 mins, then reduce heat to 350 and bake for 15 minutes more.
Turn your overnight oats into oats and a smoothie! Simply pour the jar of ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Add more blueberries to taste and enjoy!
Make your smoothie a high protein waffle by adding in 1 egg and a scoop of protein powder. Cook according to the waffle iron directions. Enjoy as is or cool and spread peanut butter between two waffles for an extraordinary PB&J sandwich.
Heidi Billotto, a Charlotte-based culinary expert, writes about food, restaurants, and food-centric travel for regional magazines, newspapers, blogs & websites. In addition, Heidi conducts private in-home or office cooking classes for corporate team building & social gatherings. Follow her culinary adventures at HeidiBillottoFood.com.