I cannot even tell you how sick I am of hot oatmeal. It doesn’t matter how many spices I add or what nuts, raisins and fruit I add on top: I’m over it. It reminds me of Winter. Now that it’s springtime, it’s time to shake up breakfast! Let me introduce you to my new favorite: Bircher Muesli!
I was first introduced to this creamy overnight oat concoction when my family was living in Hong Kong, and I have ordered it at any restaurant serving it ever since. But for some odd reason, I never tried making it myself…until last week.
I’m in love.
The wonderful thing about this simple, healthy breakfast is that you can easily tailor it to your taste or mood or what you have on hand! Any combination of nuts, dried and/or fresh fruit would be marvelous!
The only mix-in that I feel is mandatory is the grated Granny Smith Apple. It’s been in every variation that I have ever ordered. I’ve written my personal favorite combination below. The coconut, toasted pecans and raisins have the perfect hint of sweetness and crunch to counterbalance the tart, creamy oatmeal mixture!
If you want to cut calories (Hello, bathing suit!) then feel free to use skim milk and fat free yogurt, but I think there is a HUGE taste difference, and for me, personally, I prefer the flavor and satiety given by low fat milk and yogurt.
This Bircher Müesli sticks to the ribs and keeps me full for hours without the superfluous warmth of hot, cooked oats! Summer here we come!
And not to toot my own horn, but this is waaaay better than any bircher muesli I’ve ever had in a restaurant! Just sayin’…
If you’re a nerd, like me, and you want to know about the invention of this fabulous Swiss breakfast, then I suggest you hang out with my friend, Wikipedia. 🙂
Breakfast doesn't get much easier than Bircher Müesli! The original overnight oats are fast, healthy, filling and shockingly tasty!
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)
- 2 cups 2 % Organic Milk
- Juice from 1 medium lemon
- Zest from ½ lemon (to taste*)
- 1 large granny smith apple, pealed and grated
- 1 cup 2% Greek yogurt (I only ever use Fage)
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon honey (more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup Golden Raisins
- ¼ cup shredded coconut (I used lightly sweetened because it’s what I had on hand)
- ¼ cup toasted pecans, chopped
- Raspberries/ strawberries /blueberries / blackberries (okay, any berries)
Instructions
- The night before, mix oats, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and apple in a large, sealable container. Let sit over night, covered in the refrigerator.
- Right before serving mix yogurt, honey, raisins, and cinnamon into the oat mixture. Top with pecans and fresh fruit!
- Wasn’t that obscenely easy?
Notes:
*Lemon Zest: I use the zest from a whole lemon but I think most people would find it overpowering. Be sure to only use the dark yellow portion of the zest especially in this recipe where it will be raw.
Mango would also be super yummy for a tropical twist.
CALORIES: The calorie count is based on the oats, milk, lemon, apple, and yogurt. All other add-ins would be additional. The way I make it, it is approximately 425 calories.
I actually make up a full batch (4 servings) through step 1 and then use it over several days. I also may or may not use more raisins and coconut. Bad, Lindsey! Tastes so good!
i love muesli! must try!!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted…WaterWipes Giveaway
It’s so easy! It will make your new-mommy self super happy! With a little talent, I think you could actually assemble it with baby William in your arms! 😉
I SO need to shake up my breakfasts…and your muesli will certainly do 🙂
Liz recently posted…Smoked Salmon Waffles #FrenchFridayswithDorie #SkinnyTip
Breakfast ruts are the worst! I hope you try it! I just ate some…and it was phemom.
OMG I’m so making this for breakfast. Maybe for tomorrow! I can’t stand hot oatmeal – I’ve only made one variation I can actually eat but I’m tired of it. Cold sounds so good and all the flavors in this – perfect. Pinned!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Apple Slab Pie
Thanks, Dorothy! It’s so good, I have to try and stop myself from eating it for lunch too! I hope you do try it! ohmgeee so easy – more time for you to come up with yummy, sinful treats!
I don’t normally like oatmeal but I adore muesli. This looks so good!
Monet recently posted…Honey Wheat Soft Pretzels
Thanks, Monet!
I’m so with you – I ate hot oatmeal almost every day all winter and I am so done with it for a long while now. I’ve been enjoying homemade granola most mornings, but this muesli looks fantastic and I will have to try it soon! The apple-coconut-pecan combo sounds super yummy, and fresh berries make just about anything even better!
Kristine @ Kristine’s Kitchen recently posted…Strawberry Oat Crumb Bars
I’ve never made homemade granola but I should definitely try that for a good summer change up! I try to avoid the pre-made stuff because it can pack a lot of calories!
This is German favorite breakfast. I always made this for breakfast. I eat it with sliced banana. 🙂 yummy.
Amallia @DesireToEat recently posted…Peas Coriander Soup
Sliced banana would be delicious! I had nectarines on top this morning!
I don’t think I’ve ever had Muesli before. You’re making me want to try it right now!
[email protected] recently posted…Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits with Chocolate Gravy
You should! It’s a great breakfast!
I will definitely try this for breakfast. Thanks for this great idea.
Ella-HomeCookingAdventure recently posted…Broccoli and Prosciutto Pasta
Thanks, Ella! I hope you do!
hey, so you don’t cook the oats? omg, this looks amazing
Nope! No cooking involved!! It’s so easy and delicious!
I can’t wait to try this! I’m wondering, is there any reason not to mix the yogurt in at night along with the milk? What about the other ingredients?
You know what…I have no idea! You could certainly try it out! I would be curious to hear the result.
I tried Bircher muesli for the first time this morning, and it was wonderful. The flavor is reminiscent of a beloved crumb cake from my childhood, the texture is perfect (I absolutely DESPISE the texture and mouth-feel of cooked oatmeal). It was creamy, crunchy, chewy, flavorful, satisfying perfection in a bowl, and I’m so excited that I have leftovers for tomorrow! Thanks for an awesome recipe, and for helping me break out of the breakfast rut.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Lisa! I agree about the texture 100%! The best part is that you can make in larger batches for a few days!