Meal Prep Overnight Oats

Friends who prepare meals – You exist, and I am aware that you are far better organized than I am. I’m trying to get back on the food preparation bandwagon and am seeking for ideas. You already know how much I like a good dinner prep, but I need to up my breakfast and lunch prep game. Seeing prepared meals neatly arranged in mason jars also brings me great joy.

The kids are hit or miss with these (some days they enjoy them, some days they don’t), but I prefer the texture to regular oatmeal (rolled oats cooked in boiling water).

Overnight oats in mason jars on a white table.
Additionally, cold overnight oats are ideal, making them perfect for upcoming warmer days. Making them is as simple as 1, 2, and 3.

Fill jars with dry ingredients in step one.
Although there are countless ways to customize these, I nearly always add rolled oats, almond butter, and chia seeds to my overnight oats.

POUR LIQUID OVER TOP in step two.
Any liquid will do, although I often use some kind of milk. See the choices below.

putting milk in a mason jar with overnight oats
STEP 3: ADD FRUIT TO FINISH AND REFRIGERATE
If desired, top with fruit. While fresh fruit is ideal, I often just use a frozen berry mixture (they defrost by the time I eat these). As soon as the jars are sealed, place them in the refrigerator. Place in the fridge for up to 5 days, or at least 12 hours.

COMPOSITION OF OVERNIGHT OATS
Nut Butter: At the bottom of the jar, there is a foundation of nut butter that is a pleasant surprise. Use your preferred typeface. In our home, almond butter is a perennial favorite.
Chia Seeds: Completely optional, these seeds absorb liquid to form a layer that is creamy and somewhat crunchy.
Oats that have been rolled or are considered “old-fashioned” should be purchased. Oats prepared quickly or instantly will become overly soft.
Liquid – Milk of any kind, including skim, 2 percent, almond, and coconut, gives them a creamy feel.
Berries and honey are optional toppings, but I really enjoy the color and taste they offer. Berries that are frozen work well and thaw when you consume them.

In only a few minutes, you can prepare this nutritious, filling breakfast for the whole week. Add nut butters, fresh or dried fruit, or any other preferred toppings to make it your own.

5 tablespoons of almond butter, 5 teaspoons of chia seeds (optional)
Old-Fashioned or Rolled Oats, 2 1/2 cups
Milk, 2 1/2 cups (use any type of milk you like – skim, 2 percent , almond, coconut, etc.)
frozen berries, 10 oz (any type or a mix)
Honey (optional)
Instructions
Set five Mason jars aside (I use 8 oz but they are packed all the way to the top as in the photos; 16 oz will give you more room to stir and add toppings; or use any other similar-sized container).

Add 1 tablespoon of almond butter, 1 teaspoon of chia seeds, and 12 cup of oats to each container.

Pour milk on top gradually to give the oats time to fill in the gaps. (Note: Ensure that the milk is barely covering the oats. The amount provided may not be exactly what you need.)
Frozen fruit and honey (if desired) can be sprinkled on top of the oatmeal.
Place the jars in the refrigerator after adding lids. Place in the refrigerator for up to five nights.
Just take the oats out of the fridge when you’re ready to consume them. It is recommended to serve these cold.
Notes

Chia seeds are optional, but they absorb the liquid and offer a wonderful layer of textural contrast and seedy crunch.
Get rolled or “old-fashioned” oats if possible. Instant or quick cook oats will become too soft if kept in liquid for an extended period of time.
Make sure to get rolled oats that are gluten-free if you require them to be gluten-free (not all are).