What To Know
- Layer the oats, milk or water, and yogurt in a jar.
- When you’re short on time, grab a jar and enjoy a healthy and satisfying breakfast or snack.
- Add oats, milk, yogurt, and sweetener to a jar and refrigerate overnight for a creamy and delicious pudding.
Start your day with a nutritious and hassle-free breakfast with make ahead oatmeal jars. These convenient and customizable jars allow you to prepare your oatmeal in advance, saving you precious time on busy mornings.
Benefits of Make Ahead Oatmeal Jars
- Time-saving: Prepare your oatmeal the night before and simply grab and go in the morning.
- Healthy and nutritious: Oatmeal is a whole grain rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients and flavors to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Versatile: Enjoy oatmeal jars for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack.
How to Make Make Ahead Oatmeal Jars
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk or water
- 1/4 cup yogurt or cottage cheese
- Optional: sweetener, spices, fruit, nuts, or seeds
Instructions:
1. Layer the oats, milk or water, and yogurt in a jar.
2. Add any desired sweetener, spices, fruit, nuts, or seeds.
3. Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate overnight or for up to 3 days.
4. In the morning, remove the jar from the fridge and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or enjoy it cold.
Tips for Perfect Make Ahead Oatmeal Jars
- Use a wide-mouth jar: This makes it easier to layer the ingredients and stir the oatmeal.
- Experiment with liquids: Milk, water, or a combination of both can be used.
- Adjust the sweetness: Add sweetener to taste, such as honey, maple syrup, or fruit.
- Add spices for flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice can enhance the taste.
- Incorporate fruit and nuts: Berries, bananas, apples, or nuts provide extra nutrition and texture.
Variations on Make Ahead Oatmeal Jars
- Protein-packed oatmeal: Add protein powder, chia seeds, or hemp hearts to increase protein content.
- Fruit and yogurt oatmeal: Layer yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit for a sweet and refreshing breakfast.
- Savory oatmeal: Combine oats with vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, for a hearty and savory meal.
- Overnight chia seed oatmeal: Replace oats with chia seeds for a pudding-like consistency.
Storing Make Ahead Oatmeal Jars
- Refrigerator: Refrigerate oatmeal jars for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze oatmeal jars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before consuming.
Meal Prep with Make Ahead Oatmeal Jars
Meal prepping with make ahead oatmeal jars is a breeze. Simply prepare multiple jars on the weekend and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. When you’re short on time, grab a jar and enjoy a healthy and satisfying breakfast or snack.
Beyond Breakfast: Creative Uses for Oatmeal Jars
While oatmeal jars are primarily known for breakfast, they can also be used for other purposes:
- Overnight oats pudding: Add oats, milk, yogurt, and sweetener to a jar and refrigerate overnight for a creamy and delicious pudding.
- Snack jars: Layer oats with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and spices for a portable and nutritious snack.
- Meal replacement shakes: Blend oatmeal, milk, fruit, and protein powder for a quick and filling meal replacement.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: How long do make ahead oatmeal jars last in the refrigerator?
A: Up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze make ahead oatmeal jars?
A: Yes, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before consuming.
Q: What are some healthy toppings for make ahead oatmeal jars?
A: Berries, bananas, nuts, seeds, yogurt, and cinnamon.
