Breakfast Archives - Live Simply https://livesimply.me/category/recipes/meal/breakfast-recipes/ Embracing the simplicity of natural living and real food Thu, 02 Nov 2023 20:37:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://livesimply.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/cropped-Live-Simply-Site-Icon-clear-96x96.png Breakfast Archives - Live Simply https://livesimply.me/category/recipes/meal/breakfast-recipes/ 32 32 Easiest Instant Pot Boiled Eggs (Hard or Soft) https://livesimply.me/instant-pot-hard-or-soft-boiled-eggs-the-easiest-fastest-best-way-to-make-eggs-meal-prep-option/ https://livesimply.me/instant-pot-hard-or-soft-boiled-eggs-the-easiest-fastest-best-way-to-make-eggs-meal-prep-option/#comments Sat, 03 Jun 2023 20:20:00 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=32585 Here’s my go-to, foolproof way to make the perfect hard boiled or soft boiled eggs every single time. The secret? Use the Instant Pot! The eggs cook in less than 5 minutes and are the perfect make-ahead breakfast protein. And the best part is you can use fresh eggs or older eggs, both peel perfectly,...

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Here’s my go-to, foolproof way to make the perfect hard boiled or soft boiled eggs every single time. The secret? Use the Instant Pot! The eggs cook in less than 5 minutes and are the perfect make-ahead breakfast protein. And the best part is you can use fresh eggs or older eggs, both peel perfectly, using this easy recipe.

Harboiled eggs on a plate

If you love this recipe, you’ll also love my favorite breakfast recipes: protein chocolate yogurt, high protein overnight oats, egg omelet cups, chocolate baked oatmeal, scrambled egg sandwich, perfect scrambled eggs, and freezer breakfast burritos

The Easiest & Best Way to Make Eggs For Breakfast


  • PERFECT EGGS EVERY TIME- No more hard-to-peel, chalky eggs. An electric pressure cooker is the fool-proof way to make perfect eggs. 
  • EASY TO PEEL – Pressure cooking the eggs makes them super easy to peel.
  • MAKE HARD OR SOFT EGGS – Whether you love a runny yolk or firm yolked, this method is all you need to make your ideal egg.
  • FAST & FUSS-FREE COOKING – Cooked in 5 minutes or less and no dirty dishes. 
  • MEAL PREP MADE EASY – The best & easiest way to prepare a breakfast protein for the week. Pair the eggs with overnight oats, banana toast, chocolate protein yogurt, or chocolate baked oats for a balanced breakfast.

What You’ll Need

  • Medium or Large Eggs: Cook as many eggs as will fit in your Instant Pot. Use any kind of egg, too: brown eggs, white eggs, blue eggs, or even duck eggs. For duck eggs, increase the cooking time 1-2 minutes to compensate for the large size.
  • 1 cup water: Liquid is always needed to properly pressure cook food. 
  • Instant Pot: Any size Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker of choice. 
  • Trivet Rack or Steamer Basket: A steamer basket or trivet is used to separate the eggs from the bottom of the Instant Pot liner.
  • Bowl of Ice Cubes & Cold Water: While the eggs cook, add cold water and ice to a bowl. The bowl should be large enough to hold the eggs. Immeadiately after the eggs are done cooking, perform a quick release and transfer the eggs to the bowl of ice water to stop the eggs from cooking any further.

Cooking Time Cheat Sheet

Before you cook the eggs, decide on your yolk preference: hard, soft, slightly jammy/slightly runny. This will determine the cook time. Use this cook time formula to make 1 egg or multiple eggs.

  • 5 Minutes Cook Time & Quick Pressure Release =  Perfect hard-boiled eggs with a firm and fully cooked yolk and firm egg whites. Perfect for egg salad. 
  • 4 Minutes Cook Time & Quick Pressure Release = Slightly soft, but firm yolk and firm egg whites. For those who don’t love a runny yolk, but also don’t love a super firm yolk.
  • 3 Minutes Cook Time & Quick Release = Perfect soft-boiled eggs with a soft and runny/jammy yolk. Personally, this is my favorite kind of egg!

Pro Tips For Making The Best Eggs

  • High Pressure & Quick Pressure Release: Always cook on high pressure and perform a quick release after the cooking time is up. This means as soon as the cooking time is over and the Instant Pot beeps, turn the steam valve on top of the lid from sealed to venting to release the pressure from the pot. Then, once you can open the lid, transfer to a cold water bath. 
  • Don’t Let the Eggs Sit: Allowing the eggs to sit in the pot, after cooking, will result in over-done eggs (chalky yolks and a green ring). 
  • Always Add Liquid: Always add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot before cooking, whether you want hard or soft boiled eggs, or cook 1 or multiple eggs. The Instant Pot requires liquid to properly work and pressure cook food. 

Video Tutorial for Making Perfect Instant Pot Eggs

Step By Step Cooking Instructions

  • Step 1: Place the steam basket or trivet rack on the bottom of the Instant Pot liner. 
  • Step 2: Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot liner. 
  • Step 3: Place as many eggs as desired on top of the steam basket or trivet rack. I find that 8 is the most I can fit on the trivet rack, which is why I recommended 8. You can cook as many or as few as desired. The water will not touch the eggs. 
  • Step 4: Secure the lid and set to Sealing. Set to Manual, High Pressure for the desired amount of time (see cooking time cheat sheet above). 
  • Step 5: While the eggs cook, prepare an ice bath. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add several ice cubes to the water.
  • Step 6: As soon as the cooking time is over, turn the steam valve on top of the lid to venting (this will perform a quick pressure release). The steam will immeadiately release from this valve and begin releasing pressure from the pot. Once steam no longer flows from the valve, open the lid and remove the eggs from the Instant Pot and place them in the ice bath. A large spoon or measuring cup works well, or a small sieve. 
  • Step 7: Allow the eggs to rest in the ice water bath for at least 5 minutes before enjoying or storing for later. 

Peel & Store: The easiest way to peel the eggs is to place the unpeeled eggs under running water, then peel as the water runs. Store the eggs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. 

How to Peel

​Peel the eggs immeadiately if you’re eating now, or if you prefer to store the eggs peeled in the fridge for a future meal. The easiest way to peel the eggs is to run the egg(s) under water, peeling as the water runs over the egg shell. Dry the peeled egg and enjoy or store in a meal-prep container for up to 7 days. 

Peeling hard boiled eggs in the sink after cooking.
Store the cooked eggs peeled or unpeeled in the fridge for up to 7 days.

The Best Way to Store Eggs for Meal Prep

  • The best method for storing the eggs is in an airtight container.
  • The eggs may be stored peeled or unpeeled. There isn’t a “right way.” Whatever you prefer; both methods work fine for storage.
  • ​Enjoy the eggs cold or reheat. 

How long can you store cooked eggs in the fridge?

  • Store hard-boiled eggs (a firm yolk), peeled or unpeeled, for up to 7 days in the fridge.
  • Store soft-boiled eggs (with a runny yolk), peeled or unpeeled, for up to 2-3 days in the fridge. 

How to Reheat

  • After storing in the fridge, cut peeled eggs in half, THEN microwave for just a few seconds (about 30 seconds).
  • DO NOT microwave the eggs in whole form as they will likely explode in the microwave.
  • Slicing the eggs in half is the key to successful reheating. 

How Many Eggs Can You Pressure Cook at One Time?

  • This is up to you and how many eggs you can fit in your Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker), in a single layer, at one time.
  • The cooking time and method doesn’t change, whether you cook 1 egg or 8+ eggs at one time.
Cooked eggs on a plate.

How to Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs 

  • Cook as many eggs as desired and will fit in your Instant Pot.
  • Pressure cook for 5 minutes
  • Prepare an ice water bath (water and ice cubes in a bowl) while the eggs pressure cook.
  • Once the cooking time is complete (the Instant Pot beeps), perform a quick release (turn the steam valve on top of the lid from sealed to venting), open the lid, and transfer the eggs to an ice water bath.
  • Let the eggs rest in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes before peeling, enjoying, or storing.  

How to Make Perfect Soft-Boiled Eggs

  • Cook as many eggs as desired and will fit in your Instant Pot.
  • Pressure cook for 3 minutes = jammy/runny yolk
  • Pressure cook for 4 minutes = cooked yolks but still slightly softer than fully hard-boiled
  • Prepare an ice water bath (water and ice cubes in a bowl) while the eggs pressure cook.
  • Once the cooking time is complete (the Instant Pot beeps), perform a quick release (turn the steam valve on top of the lid from sealed to venting), open the lid, and transfer the eggs to the ice water bath.
  • Let the eggs rest in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes before peeling, enjoying, or storing.  
Hardboiled eggs, peeled, in an airtight container.
The perfect make-ahead breakfast protein!

How to Use Cooked Eggs

  • Make-Ahead Breakfast Protein: Enjoy the eggs as-is, with salt and pepper. On the side, add an avocado, bacon, turkey sausage patties, chocolate protein yogurt, overnight oats, peanut butter and banana toast, or baked oatmeal.
  • Egg Salad: Mash up the eggs with mayo, chopped pickles, chopped fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped red onions, salt, pepper, and a touch of mustard. Then spoon onto bread, a tortilla, crackers, or a rice cake. 
  • Easter Eggs: Turn your hard-boiled eggs into classic Easter eggs. Use spices and fruits for dye
  • Deviled Eggs: Turn hard-boiled eggs into delicious deviled eggs for brunch, lunch, or a holiday gathering. 
  • Chopped Over Toast: Chop the cooked eggs and top on a slice of toast with mashed avocado. Trust me, it’s delicious! 

Find easy and healthy breakfast ideas, from the fluffy scrambled eggs to einkorn muffins and overnight oats, in my breakfast section of the blog.

Harboiled eggs on a plate
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Easiest Instant Pot Soft and Hard Boiled Eggs

How to make the best soft or hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot. This easy method takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish. The cooking time depends on your yolk preference. Cook just 1 egg or as many as will fit in your Instant Pot.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword instant pot boiled eggs, Instant Pot eggs, instant pot hard boiled eggs, instant pot soft boiled eggs, pressure cooker eggs
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings 8 eggs (cook as many eggs as desired)
Calories 62kcal
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $4

Equipment

  • 1 Instant Pot any size will work
  • 1 trivet rack or steamer basket (This should have come with your Instant Pot. You can also purchase a rack separately on Amazon.)
  • 1 large bowl to make an ice bath

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 8 eggs See note below

Ice Bath (Used After Pressure Cooking):

  • ice for an ice bath
  • cold water for an ice bath

Instructions

  • Place the steam basket or trivet rack on the bottom of the Instant Pot liner. 
  • Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot liner. 
  • Place as many eggs as desired on top of the trivet rack (or steamer basket). Cook as many or as few eggs as desired (see note below). The water will not touch the eggs. 
  • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the steam valve on top of the lid to Sealing.
  • Before you cook the eggs, decide on your yolk preference: hard, soft, slightly jammy/slightly runny. This will determine the cook time. Always have the Instant Pot set to high pressure with any of these times. Set the Instant Pot to your desired cook time…
    5 Minutes Pressure Cook =  Perfect hard-boiled eggs with a firm and fully cooked yolk and firm egg whites. Perfect for egg salad. 
    4 Minutes Pressure Cook = Slightly soft, but firm yolk and firm egg whites. For those who don't love a runny yolk, but also don't love a super firm yolk.
    3 Minutes Pressure Cook = Perfect soft-boiled eggs with a soft and runny/jammy yolk. Personally, this is my favorite kind of egg!
  • While the eggs cook, prepare an ice bath. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add several ice cubes to the water.
  • As soon as the cooking time is over, turn the steam valve on top of the lid to venting (this will perform a quick pressure release). The steam will immeadiately release from this valve and begin releasing pressure from the pot. Once steam no longer flows from the valve, open the lid and remove the eggs from the Instant Pot and place them in the ice bath. A large spoon or measuring cup works well, or a small sieve. 
  • Allow the eggs to rest in the ice water bath for at least 5 minutes before enjoying or storing for later. Store the eggs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week (for hard boiled eggs) or up to 2-3 days (for soft boiled eggs). 

How to Peel Eggs:

  • The easiest way to peel the eggs is to place the unpeeled eggs under running water, then peel as the water runs.

Video

Notes

Egg Amount: Use this method and the cooking times to make just 1 egg or as many eggs as will fit in your Instant Pot. I can generally fit about 8 eggs, in a single layer, in my 6-quart Instant Pot. This is why I suggest “8 eggs” in the recipe. The number of eggs is up to you. 
Eggs Cracking Troubleshooting: If your eggs crack or “explode” in the Instant Pot, it’s because they’re too cold. This usually occurs because the eggs are coming straight from the fridge. To fix this issue, place the eggs in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes before placing the eggs in the Instant Pot. Or, take your eggs out and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking in the Instant Pot. 
Want more easy egg recipes? Read: 15 Different Ways to Make Eggs (Easy & Healthy)

Nutrition

Calories: 62kcal | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 60mg | Vitamin A: 240IU | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 0.8mg
TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF HEALTHY MEALS

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Cinnamon Baked Oats No Banana (Easy Recipe) https://livesimply.me/cinnamon-baked-oats-no-banana-recipe/ https://livesimply.me/cinnamon-baked-oats-no-banana-recipe/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 16:03:20 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=98168 Baked Oatmeal is my favorite healthy breakfast: make-ahead friendly, whole family approved, and rich in macronutrients. This cinnamon baked oats recipe (made without bananas) comes together fast, with simple ingredients from the pantry. A great way to start your morning or enjoy as a healthy sweet treat or snack. Main Ingredients Needed To make the...

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Baked Oatmeal is my favorite healthy breakfast: make-ahead friendly, whole family approved, and rich in macronutrients. This cinnamon baked oats recipe (made without bananas) comes together fast, with simple ingredients from the pantry. A great way to start your morning or enjoy as a healthy sweet treat or snack.

Baked oatmeal in a pan.

A Baked Oatmeal Recipe The Whole Family Loves 

  • FAST & EASY This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes, with a quick 30 minute bake time. 
  • MEAL PREP FRIENDLY – Baked oatmeal is the best meal prep breakfast! Prep a baking dish of baked oats on the weekend and enjoy for breakfast all week.
  • PERFECT FOR BUSY MORNINGS – Store the sliced oatmeal in the fridge to grab and enjoy on busy mornings. No need to reheat. 
  • NUTRITIOUS BREAKFAST – Made with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is full of essential nutrients: protein, carbs, and healthy fats! 
  • DIFFERENT FLAVOR COMBINATIONS – There are many great options for customizing this recipe. Add chocolate chips, protein powder, skip the cinnamon, or add your favorite fresh or frozen fruit.
Oatmeal ingredients laid out on the counter.

Main Ingredients Needed

To make the simple recipe, you’ll need healthy ingredients found at any grocery store. And from this base recipe, you can customize the oatmeal mixture to create different flavors, from chocolate oats to fruity oatmeal.

  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats (I like sprouted oats for easier digestion)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (adds natural sweetness and flavoring)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk: whole milk, skim milk, or non-dairy milk: unsweetened almond milkcashew milk, oat milk, or coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons butter or virgin coconut oil, melted

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl for mixing the ingredients
  • 9-inch baking dish for baking the oatmeal

Can I Use Quick Oats or Steel Cut Oats?

I don’t recommend using quick cooking oats or steel-cut oats.

Old-fashioned rolled oats will give you the best results. Any brand will work.

Quick oats may be used to make overnight oats, like tropical overnight oats, protein overnight oats, or overnight oats with frozen fruit. And steel cut oats, which have a coarse texture, are best for making hot oatmeal. Just don’t use them for this recipe.

Oatmeal bars on parchment paper with strawberries and peanut butter on top.

Recipe Variation Ideas

  • Protein Oatmeal: Add a serving (or two) of protein powder (chocolate or vanilla) to the dry ingredients. I love this protein powderchocolate or vanilla.
  • Flax Egg: The eggs act as a binder, so instead of mushy oatmeal, you end up with oatmeal you can cut and lift from the pan. The best option for egg-free oatmeal is to make a flax egg. To do this, combine 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds + 5 tablespoons of warm water, let sit for 5 minutes. After letting the flax sit to gel, it should be whisked into the milk and other wet ingredients.
  • Fresh Fruit or Frozen Fruit: Add 1 cup of fresh berries or frozen berries, peaches, or 1/2 cup chopped bananas to the batter before spooning into the pan for baking.
  • Add Nuts: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dry ingredients. Or, use pepitas (pumpkin seeds).
  • Add Chocolate Chips: Mix 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter. Or, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips over the top of the oatmeal before baking.
  • Cake-Like Texture: For a cake-like texture, pulse the oat mixture (oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon) in a food processor, or high speed blender, until blended (resembling oat flour) and combine with the wet ingredients. Then bake. Add a few minutes to the baking time, if needed, until firm on top. This will result in more of a fluffy texture (like a cake). 
  • Oatmeal Cups: Instead of using a casserole dish, make oatmeal cups for a single serve recipe in a muffin tin. Also perfect for the kids’ lunchbox or snacking.

7 Different Ways To Flavor This Recipe

  • Apple Baked Oatmeal: Stir 1 cup chopped apples (no need to peel) into the batter.
  • Lemon & Blueberry Oatmeal: Add the zest (grated rind) from 1/2 a fresh lemon and 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter. Reduce the cinnamon or skip it.
  • Raspberry Oatmeal: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries.
  • Peach Oatmeal: Add 1 cup chopped peaches to the batter.
  • Carrot Cake Oatmeal: Add 1/2 cup shredded carrots, along with 1/4 cup raisins and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts to the batter.
  • Chocolate OatmealChocolate baked oats taste just like brownies, for breakfast! Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the batter and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chocolate chips over the top before baking.
  • Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter. Or, use 1/2 cup chopped ripe banana and 1/2 cup chocolate chips!

Step By Step Recipe Instructions With Photos 

All ingredients in a bowl.

Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a baking dish.

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

  • Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Add the wet ingredients (milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and sweetener of choice) to dry ingredients and stir to combine.
  • Finally, stir in the melted butter or coconut oil. You don’t want to stir the melted butter or coconut oil directly into the milk or you will have clumps-that’s why we’re adding it after the ingredients are mixed.
Baked oat mixture resting in the baking pan before cooking.

Step 2: Rest for 5 Minutes

Let the oatmeal rest for 5 minutes for the oats to absorb the liquids.

Baked oatmeal in a baking pan.

Step 3: Bake for 30-35 Minutes at 350F

  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is firm and edges are browned.
  • The baking time will depend on your pan. Clear glass, ceramic, and metal pans all bake at different rates. If the center isn’t firm and edges haven’t browned, continue baking until ready.
  • After removing from the oven, rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Baked oatmeal cut into bars with peanut butter and fruit.

Favorite Toppings

Breakfast Pairing Suggestions: Pair this easy baked oatmeal with eggs (like hardboiled eggs, fluffy scrambled eggs, or egg casserole), yogurt bowls, chocolate protein yogurt, bacon, or a favorite smoothie.

Baked oat bar in a bowl with yogurt.

How to Store, Freeze, Meal Prep, & Reheat

  • Fridge: Store leftover baked oatmeal whole, in the casserole dish covered with foil, plastic wrap, or a lid. Or, cut the oatmeal into squares and store in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cut bars in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months. Defrost on the counter or in the fridge, enjoy at room temperature or reheat in the microwave or oven.
  • Meal Prep: Make a pan on the weekend, cut into bars once cool, and store in the fridge or freezer for future breakfasts.
  • Serve Cold, at Room Temp, or Warm: The best part is you can serve this delicious breakfast cold from the fridge, at room temperature, or reheat in the oven (at 300F until warm enough), microwave (just a few seconds), or toaster oven.
Baked oat bars in a storage jar.

What Readers Say

“This was AMAZING!! My husband said it reminded him of something he would get at a bed and breakfast. We added apples and yogurt to ours.”

-STACI AMY

Find easy and healthy breakfast ideas, from the fluffy scrambled eggs to einkorn muffins and overnight oats, in my breakfast section of the blog.

If you love this easy breakfast recipe, also try my brownie baked chocolate oats, baked oatmeal with blueberries, high protein overnight oats, oatmeal cups, tropical overnight oats, and chocolate protein yogurt bowls.

Baked oatmeal cut into bars with peanut butter and fruit.
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Simple Cinnamon Baked Oats (No Banana)

This easy baked oatmeal recipe is perfect healthy breakfast casserole to meal prep now and enjoy all week. Change it up with different seasonal fruits or chocolate chips. Made with simple and wholesome pantry ingredients.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword Baked Oatmeal Cups, baked oatmeal with blueberries, healthy baked oatmeal cups
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8 servings (squares))
Calories 193kcal
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $8

Equipment

  • 9-inch baking pan for baking the oatmeal (the pan in the photo is slightly larger, which makes thinner bars)
  • large mixing bowl for mixing the dry ingredients
  • medium mixing bowl for mixing the wet ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (208g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional, enhances the flavor and natural sweetness, may also be decreased for less cinnamon flavor)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk of choice whole milk or a plant-based milk
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons butter or virgin coconut oil, melted

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9-inch square baking dish with extra butter or oil. (I use this avocado spray.)
  • Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. 
  • To the dry ingredients, add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and sweetener of choice (honey or maple syrup). Stir to combine.
  • Finally, stir in the melted coconut oil (or butter). You don’t want to stir the melted butter or coconut oil directly into the milk or you will have clumps-that’s why we’re adding it after the ingredients are mixed.
  • Let the oatmeal rest for 5 minutes for the oats to absorb the liquids.
  • Optional: If you'd like to add 1/2-1 cup of frozen or fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips, stir in your favorite mix-in now.
  • Pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top of the oatmeal with your spoon or the back of a measuring cup. The mixture should be compact in the baking dish.  
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is firm and edges are browned. The baking time will depend on the type of baking dish used: clear glass, ceramic, or metal.
  • Let rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. The longer the oatmeal rests, the more compact and less crumbly it will be. This makes it easier to slice and serve in bars.

How to Serve:

Notes

The amount of sweetener used will depend on your personal taste. For a sweeter oatmeal (although not overly sweet), I love 1/2 cup. If you want oatmeal that’s not sweet, 1/3 cup may work better for you. 

Fun Variations: 

  • Protein Oatmeal: Want to up the protein content? Add a serving (or two) of your favorite protein powder (chocolate or vanilla) to the dry ingredients. I love this protein powder: chocolate or vanilla.
  • Chocolate Baked Oatmeal: Instead of fruit, use cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
  • Apple Baked Oatmeal: Add 1 cup of chopped apples (no need to peel) to the batter before pour into the pan and baking.
  • Blueberry Oatmeal: Add 1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries to the batter. 
  • Raspberry Oatmeal: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries.
  • Peach Oatmeal: Add 1 cup of chopped peaches to the batter.
  • Carrot Cake Oatmeal: Add 1/2 cup shredded carrots, along with 1/4 cup raisins and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts to the batter.
  • Add Nuts: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dry ingredients. Or, use pepitas (pumpkin seeds).
  • Oatmeal Cups: Instead of using a casserole dish, make oatmeal cups for individual-size servings.

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 271mg | Potassium: 233mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 197IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg
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Brownie Chocolate Baked Oats (No Banana) https://livesimply.me/brownie-chocolate-baked-oats/ https://livesimply.me/brownie-chocolate-baked-oats/#comments Mon, 03 Apr 2023 20:19:13 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=97894 Chocolate baked oats taste like a brownie. But don’t be fooled, this is a healthy breakfast recipe made with simple ingredients. And it checks all the right boxes: quick to make, meal prep-friendly, nutrient-dense, and loved by the whole family.  Baked Chocolate Oatmeal That Tastes Like a Brownie I’m a sucker for anything chocolate. Naturally,...

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Chocolate baked oats taste like a brownie. But don’t be fooled, this is a healthy breakfast recipe made with simple ingredients. And it checks all the right boxes: quick to make, meal prep-friendly, nutrient-dense, and loved by the whole family. 

Baked chocolate oats in a pan, a gold spatula removing a slice.
A healthy and easy breakfast that tastes like a decadent brownie!

Baked Chocolate Oatmeal That Tastes Like a Brownie

I’m a sucker for anything chocolate. Naturally, I add chocolate to my breakfast meals. Chocolate protein yogurt and chocolate overnight oats are a couple of my “sweet treat” breakfast favorites.

Lately, I’ve been on a baked oatmeal kick. Why not add cocoa powder to my favorite baked oats to make a brownie-like breakfast. This recipe is a result of that curiosity and its so stinkin’ good.

What Readers Say:

Made it this morning. The only problem I have is that didn’t double the recipe knowing I should’ve . Soooo good! My kids want me to make it everyday lol.

KATE FROM INSTAGRAM
Ingredients needed to make baked chocolate oats.
Made with simple ingredients from the pantry.

Ingredients Needed to Make “Brownie” Baked Oats

This recipe uses simple ingredients from your pantry and fridge. The recipe is based on my baked oatmeal with blueberries recipe, but adds cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.

The cocoa also gives the oats a cake-like texture (without adding flour) so you can easily cut the oats into bars. Here’s what you need…

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (I prefer sprouted oats for easier digestion)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk of choice whole milk or plant-based milk (like almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, cashew milk)
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons butter or virgin coconut oil, melted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
  • cooking spray (like avocado oil spray to grease the baking pan)

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl for mixing the ingredients
  • 9-inch baking dish the baking pan in the photos is just slightly larger; just don’t go too large or you’ll end up with thin bars.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Egg Free: The eggs act as a binder, so instead of mushy oatmeal, you end up with oatmeal you can cut and lift from the pan. The best option for egg-free oatmeal is to make a flax egg. To do this, combine 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds + 5 tablespoons of warm water, let sit for 5 minutes. After letting the flax sit to gel, it should be whisked into the milk and other wet ingredients.
  • Dairy Free: Instead of dairy milk, use non-dairy milk. Use melted coconut oil instead of butter.
  • Gluten Free: Some oats are processed in a facility with other wheat products, so make sure you’re buying certified gluten-free oats when making this recipe. I like One Degree sprouted oats.
  • Cacao Powder: Instead of cocoa powder, some folks prefer cacao powder. For this recipe, use these ingredients interchangeably.
  • Protein Oatmeal: Want to up the protein content? Add a serving (or two) of your favorite chocolate protein powder to the dry ingredients. I love this chocolate whey protein powder.
  • Nuts: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dry ingredients. Or, use pepitas (pumpkin seeds).

Can I Use Quick Oats or Steel Cut Oats?

I don’t recommend using quick cooking oats or steel cut oats to make baked oatmeal.

Rolled oats will give you the best results. Quick oats may be used to make overnight oats, like tropical overnight oats, protein overnight oats, or overnight oats with frozen fruit. And steel cut oats, which have a coarse texture, are best for making hot oatmeal.

For this recipe, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats which you can find at any grocery store. Any brand will work.

How to Make This Recipe

You’ll find a printable option for this chocolate oats recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

First, preheat the oven to 350F.

Dry ingredients in a large glass bowl.
First, add all the dry ingredients to a large bowl.

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. 

Adding wet ingredients to the dry ingredients in a large glass bowl.
Next, add the wet ingredients to the same bowl.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

To the oat mixture, add milk, eggs, melted butter or coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sweetener of choice (honey or maple syrup). Whisk to combine all the ingredients.

Batter resting on the counter in a large glass bowl.
Let the oat mixture rest for 5 minutes before pouring into a greased baking dish.

Step 3: Rest The Batter for 5 Minutes

Let the oatmeal rest for 5 minutes on the counter. This rest period allows the oats to absorb the liquids.

Oatmeal mixture in a ceramic white baking dish sprinkled with chocolate chips.

Step 4: Pour Into Prepared Baking Pan & Add Chocolate Chips

Lightly grease a 9-inch baking pan with cooking oil spray or butter.

Pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan.

(Optional) Sprinkle the top of the oatmeal with 2 tablespoons chocolate chips. Use mini or regular-size chocolate chips.

Baked oatmeal cooked in a ceramic baking dish.
Bake until the center is firm, about 30 minutes. This time varies depending on baking dish used.

Step 5: Bake for 30 Minutes at 350F

Bake for 30 minutes at 350F, or until the center is firm. The baking time will depend on your pan. Clear glass, ceramic, and metal pans all bake at different rates. If the center isn’t firm, continue baking until ready.

After Baking: Rest the pan on the counter for at least 5 minutes before cutting and serving the baked oats. The longer the oatmeal rests and cools, the easier the oatmeal will be to cut into bars (less crumbly).

How to Serve

After baking, cut into 8 bars and serve warm or cold. It’s delicious either way! Enjoy a bar just like you would a brownie (without any toppings or pairings, or with ice cream for dessert), or add one of these sides for a healthy breakfast…

  • Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries on the side. Or add sliced bananas over the top
  • Nut Butter: Top with a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter. Or add a spoonful of tahini (ground sesame seeds, also used to make salad dressing and hummus)
  • Whipped Cream: Top slices with whipped cream (make homemade whipped cream, dairy or dairy-free)
  • Yogurt: Spoon yogurt into a bowl, top with an oatmeal bar and your favorite fruit. This is particularly delicious with coconut yogurt!
  • Eggs: Serve a delicious chocolate square with a side of your favorite eggs (my favorite ways to cook eggs) for a macro-friendly meal: protein, carbs, and healthy fats!
  • Smoothie: Add a protein or fruit smoothie on the side.
Slices of baked oatmeal removed from the pan and on two plates with berries.
Serve with fruit, eggs, yogurt, or on its own!

How to Store & Reheat

  • Cool Before Storing: Once fully cool, slice into 8 squares/bars and store in an airtight container.
  • Fridge: Place the bars in the fridge (in an airtight container) for up to 5-7 days.
  • Freezer: Store the bars in the freezer (in a freezer-safe container or bag) for up to 3 months. Store in a single layer so you can easily grab just one bar at a time. Defrost on the counter or in the fridge.
  • Serve Cold, at Room Temperature, or Warm: Serve this delicious breakfast cold from the fridge, at room temperature, or reheat in the oven (at 300F until warm enough), microwave (just a few seconds), or toaster oven.
A square of baked oatmeal plated with berries.
Cut into squares (makes 8 squares) and store in the fridge for an easy grab-n-go breakfast!

Meal Prep Pro Tips

  • Cook Once, Eat Twice: Bake the oats on Sunday for breakfast, cut into squares/bars, enjoy a few for breakfast, and store leftovers in the fridge for a later breakfast. Double the recipe for a large family and bake in a large baking pan so you have leftovers for later in the week.
  • Grab and Go: Store the oatmeal in slices/bars in the fridge for an easy grab-n-go breakfast, along with Instant Pot hardboiled eggsomelet cups, or chocolate protein yogurt. Divide the oatmeal squares and a prepared protein (like hardboiled eggs) into meal prep containers to make mornings even easier.
  • Lunchbox or Snack: Add a slice to the kids’ lunchbox or enjoy for an after-school snack. See more easy school lunch ideas and snack ideas!

These easy recipes are made with old-fashioned rolled oats and simple pantry ingredients.

Find easy and healthy breakfast ideas, from the fluffy scrambled eggs to einkorn muffins and overnight oats, in my breakfast section of the blog.

Baked chocolate oats in a pan, a gold spatula removing a slice.
Print

Brownie Chocolate Baked Oats (No Banana)

Chocolate baked oats taste like a brownie. But don't be fooled, this is a healthy breakfast recipe made with simple ingredients. Make the oatmeal in advance for a quick grab-n-go breakfast throughout the week. Enjoy warm or cold.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword baked chocolate oatmeal, baked chocolate oats, chocolate baked oatmeal, chocolate baked oats, chocolate baked oats no banana
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8 servings (squares)
Calories 200kcal
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $10

Equipment

  • 9-inch baking pan for baking the oatmeal (the pan in the photo is slightly larger, which makes thinner bars)
  • 1 large mixing bowl for mixing the dry ingredients

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9-inch square baking dish with extra butter or oil. (I use this avocado spray.)
  • Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  • To the oat mixture, add milk, eggs, melted butter or coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sweetener of choice (honey or maple syrup). Whisk to combine all the ingredients.
  • Let the oatmeal rest for 5 minutes on the counter. This rest period allows the oats to absorb the liquids.
  • Pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan.
  • (Optional) Sprinkle the top of the oatmeal with 2 tablespoons chocolate chips. Use mini or regular-size chocolate chips.
  • Bake for 30 minutes at 350F, or until the center is firm. The baking time will depend on your pan. Clear glass, ceramic, and metal pans all bake at different rates. If the center isn’t firm, continue baking until ready.

How to Serve:

Notes

The nutritional/macro breakdown (see below) is based on 1 square using butter and whole milk. This recipe makes 8 squares. 

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 272mg | Potassium: 273mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 196IU | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 1mg

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Tropical Overnight Oats With Coconut Milk https://livesimply.me/tropical-overnight-oats-with-coconut-milk/ https://livesimply.me/tropical-overnight-oats-with-coconut-milk/#comments Fri, 24 Mar 2023 02:55:54 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=97609 Overnight oats is my favorite meal-prep breakfast for busy mornings. This easy recipe, made with coconut milk and simple ingredients, is a tropical flavor combination based on my overnight oatmeal recipe. Prep a jar of oatmeal the night before and enjoy a nutrient-dense, ready-made breakfast the next morning. If you love this recipe, you’ll also...

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Overnight oats is my favorite meal-prep breakfast for busy mornings. This easy recipe, made with coconut milk and simple ingredients, is a tropical flavor combination based on my overnight oatmeal recipe.

Prep a jar of oatmeal the night before and enjoy a nutrient-dense, ready-made breakfast the next morning.

Overnight oats in glass jars topped with mango, pineapple, and banana.

If you love this recipe, you’ll also love high-protein overnight oatsovernight oats with frozen fruit, chocolate peanut butter overnight oatsovernight oats with yogurtbaked oatmeal cups, and baked oatmeal with blueberries.

What Kind of Coconut Milk Can You Use to Make Overnight Oats?

You’ll need 1 cup of liquid to make this recipe. The liquid of choice for coconut overnight oats is coconut milk.

There are 3 different types of milk you can use to make this recipe. All have great coconut flavor and give the oatmeal a creamy texture.

  • Full-Fat Coconut Milk From a Can: Thick and full of healthy fats, this is my favorite kind of coconut milk to stock in the pantry. When you open the can, you’ll find a thick layer of cream on top and coconut water on the bottom. Before opening, shake the can (or stir after opening). You’ll need to dilute the shaken milk with water for overnight oats: use 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk.
  • Light Coconut Milk From a Can: This option is much lighter than the full-fat version. If your coconut milk is very light and watery, you can get away with using 1 cup. If it’s on the thicker side (this will vary by brand), it’s best to dilute the milk with water (1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup coconut milk).
  • Coconut Milk Beverage From a Carton: This option is very light, like almond milk but with a coconut flavor. Use 1 cup of this milk option; no need to dilute with water.
Overnight oat ingredients: coconut milk (canned or in a carton), protein powder, chia seeds, tropical fruit, maple syrup, and shredded coconut.
Made with simple ingredients: oats, protein powder, maple syrup, shredded coconut, and coconut milk of choice.

Ingredients Needed

This recipe makes a single serving (1 jar). If you’d like to make oatmeal for multiple days or multiple people, double or triple this recipe. I love to make multiple jars on the weekend; the perfect grab-n-go breakfast during the week.

  • 2/3 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2-1 serving vanilla protein powder (a good source of protein and a great way to add extra protein to the oatmeal)
  • (optional) 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut (add a delicious coconut flavor and healthy fats)
  • 1 cup coconut milk from a carton or light coconut milk from a can OR 1/2 cup water + 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk from a can
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 cup mango or pineapple chunks (fresh fruit or frozen)

Optional Extras for Flavor (Choose one or multiple options)

  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest (grated from the rind of a lemon or orange)
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

What are the best kind of oats to use?

For this recipe, use old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats. You’ll find both options at any grocery store. Both options soften perfectly with the liquid, making a delicious oatmeal that you can enjoy cold, without cooking the oats.

Avoid using steel cut oats. Steel cut oats have a different texture and don’t work as well in this recipe.

Substitutions & Variations 

  • Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats: I make chocolate overnight oats often. Instead of vanilla protein powder, use chocolate protein powder for a tropical variation.
  • Seasonal Fruit: Instead of mango or pineapple, add fresh strawberries, fresh blueberries, or fresh raspberries. Or, chopped kiwi.
  • Frozen Berries: Instead of tropical fruit, like mango or pineapple, add frozen berries. You’ll need to reduce the liquid amount to 2/3 cup because frozen berries contain more water. Here’s how to make overnight oats with frozen fruit.
  • No Milk? Use Water Instead: If you don’t want to use milk, use 2/3 cup of water instead. Without the added milk, the protein powder will make creamy oatmeal.
  • Use a Different Milk: If you don’t want to use coconut milk, use your favorite milk instead: cashew milk, almond milk, or dairy milk. This is what I use in my go-to base recipe. You’ll still get the coconut flavor from the shredded coconut.
  • Add Nut Butter: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite nut or seed butter: almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter. Or, if you can’t tolerate nuts, use sunflower butter.
  • Add Ground Flax Seeds or Hemp Seeds: Mix in 1 tablespoon for extra fiber and healthy fats.

How to Make Coconut Milk Overnight Oats

This recipe requires prep in advance. Make the oats at least 4 hours before consuming, or up to 4 days in advance. A great healthy breakfast option (or snack) to keep prepped in the fridge.

Pouring rolled oats into a glass jar.
Add all the dry ingredients.

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to a meal-prep jar or small bowl: oats, chia seeds, shredded coconut (if using), protein powder, salt.

If you’re adding any extra dry ingredients (cinnamon, flax seeds, orange or lemon zest, etc.), now is the time to add one or a few of these ingredients.

Dry and liquid ingredients combined in glass jars.
First jar, in front, is made with canned full-fat coconut milk. The jar in the back is made with coconut milk beverage from a carton.

Step 2: Add Liquid Ingredients

If you’re using light canned coconut milk, or coconut milk beverage from a carton, add 1 cup to the oats.

If you’re using full-fat canned coconut milk, add 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup water to the oats.

Add vanilla extract, if using.

Give all the ingredients a good stir with a fork until well combined.

Step 3: Add Fruit

Top the oatmeal with your fruit of choice: mangoes or pineapple (fresh or frozen). Do not stir the fruit into the oatmeal. Let the fruit rest on top of the oatmeal.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Secure a lid on the jar or bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight (8 hours), before consuming. As the oats rest in the fridge, the mixture will thicken. The oats may be made up to 4 days in advance.

Before eating, stir the fruit into the oatmeal. Top with your favorite toppings, or enjoy as-is.

Overnight oats in glass jars topped with mango, pineapple, and banana.
The oats are ready to enjoy after sitting overnight. Store up to 4 days in the fridge.

Favorite Toppings

If you want to add anything extra, before enjoying, here are a few ideas for toppings that will add different flavors and additional nutrients to your oatmeal:

  • Plain Greek Yogurt or Coconut Milk Yogurt: Add a scoop of your favorite yogurt for extra protein, creaminess, and probiotics. Stir in the yogurt as you enjoy the oats.
  • Nut or Seed Butter: Add a scoop of peanut butter, sunflower butter, almond butter, or cashew butter. Or tahini (made from sesame seeds; also used to make salad dressing and hummus).
  • Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle with your favorite nuts or seeds, like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, etc.
  • Granola: Top with homemade granolahomemade grain-free granola, or a store-bought granola (like Purely Elizabeth brand).
  • Bananas: Slice up 1/2 or 1 whole banana and add the slices on top of the oatmeal.

How to Store This Make-Ahead Breakfast

The oats may be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

My favorite storage jars are Weck Jarsbeautiful and functional. Mason jars are also fantastic. The wide-mouth 8 or 16-ounce mason jar is the best option for overnight oats.

Overnight oats in glass jars topped with mango, pineapple, and banana.

More Favorite Oat Recipes

The best thing about oats is their versatility! Want another healthy breakfast idea using oats? You’ll also want to make my other easy overnight oats recipes and baked oatmeal recipes.

Find easy and healthy breakfast ideas, from the fluffy scrambled eggs to einkorn muffins and overnight oats, in my breakfast section of the blog.

Overnight oats in glass jars topped with mango, pineapple, and banana.
Print

Meal Prep Overnight Oats with Frozen Fruit

This easy overnight oats recipe is inspired by my go-to high protein recipe. Made with coconut milk and tropical fruit, it has a delicious, creamy flavor and texture. Make one or multiple jars for an easy make-ahead breakfast.
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword overnight oats with coconut milk, tropical overnight oats
Prep Time 2 minutes
Refrigerate 4 hours
Servings 1 jar/serving
Calories 872kcal
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $3

Equipment

Ingredients

Optional Extras for Flavor:

  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or cardamom
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest (grated from the rind of a lemon or orange)

Instructions

  • Add all the dry ingredients to a meal-prep jar or small bowl: oats, chia seeds, protein powder, salt. If you're adding cinnamon or cardamom, now is the time.
  • Add the milk to the oat mixture. If you're adding any extra liquid ingredients (maple syrup, honey, lemon or orange zest, vanilla extract, etc.), now is the time to add one or a few of these ingredients.
  • Stir all the ingredients together with a fork until well combined.
  • Spoon the fruit on top (mango or pineapple). Do not stir the fruit into the oats, just let the fruit rest on top.
  • Secure a lid on the jar or bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. As the oats rest in the fridge, the mixture will thicken.
  • The oats may be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Before eating the oatmeal, stir in the fruits and add any toppings (if desired). Enjoy!
  • Eat the oats cold, straight from the fridge, or warm for 1-2 minutes in the microwave or stove-top for warm oatmeal. You'll need to add 1-2 tablespoons of additional water or milk when reheating on the stove-top.

Notes

  • Type of Coconut Milk: If you’re using light canned coconut milk, or coconut milk beverage from a carton, add 1 cup to the oats. If you’re using full-fat canned coconut milk, add 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup water to the oats. Full-fat coconut milk is too thick for this recipe and needs to be diluted. 
  • Meal Prep: Make this recipe up for 4 days in advance. Store in the fridge. Before serving, add your favorite toppings.
  • Topping Ideas: Top the overnight oats with almond or peanut butter, tahini, honey or maple syrup, nuts, yogurt, granola, or coconut flakes. 
  • The nutritional value is calculated based on using a coconut milk beverage from the carton. 

Nutrition

Calories: 872kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 59g | Saturated Fat: 47g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 98mg | Potassium: 983mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 899IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 242mg | Iron: 11mg

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Meal Prep Overnight Oats With Frozen Fruit https://livesimply.me/overnight-oats-with-frozen-fruit/ https://livesimply.me/overnight-oats-with-frozen-fruit/#comments Wed, 22 Mar 2023 16:07:35 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=97457 A jar of overnight oats is one of my favorite make-ahead breakfasts for busy mornings. This easy overnight oats recipe, made with simple ingredients, is my go-to for using any frozen fruit, from mangoes and pineapple to berries. If you love this recipe, you’ll also love high-protein overnight oats, tropical overnight oats with coconut milk,...

The post Meal Prep Overnight Oats With Frozen Fruit appeared first on Live Simply.

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A jar of overnight oats is one of my favorite make-ahead breakfasts for busy mornings. This easy overnight oats recipe, made with simple ingredients, is my go-to for using any frozen fruit, from mangoes and pineapple to berries.

Overnight oats in  three jars with frozen fruit on top: mango, blueberries, and raspberries.
Use any frozen fruit to make this nutrient-dense breakfast or snack.

If you love this recipe, you’ll also love high-protein overnight oats, tropical overnight oats with coconut milk, chocolate peanut butter overnight oats, overnight oats with yogurt, baked oatmeal cups, and baked oatmeal with blueberries.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe


  • EASY MEAL PREP – Make multiple jars for an easy grab-n-go breakfast. A great way to enjoy a healthy breakfast during the busy week.
  • MACRO-FRIENDLY – Protein, carbs, fiber, and healthy fats; this recipe is the perfect combo of the macronutrients your body needs.
  • CREATE DIFFERENT FLAVORS – Customize this recipe with your favorite toppings and different frozen fruits. Change up the flavor by adding lemon or orange zest, pumpkin pie spice, or cinnamon.

The Secret to Making Overnight Oats with Frozen Fruit

The secret is to reduce the liquid (water or milk).

As frozen fruits defrost, they naturally add more water to the oat mixture. To adjust for this extra water content, I reduce the amount of water/milk in my recipe.

In my basic overnight oats recipe, I use 1 cup liquid, but in this recipe I’ve reduced that amount to 2/3 cup. This keeps the oats from being too watery. Instead, you end up with creamy and thick oats-just how they should be.

Ingredients to make overnight oats: rolled oats, maple syrup, protein powder, frozen fruit, chia seeds.
Simple ingredients: oats, chia seeds, water and/or milk, protein powder, frozen berries.

Ingredients Needed

  • 2/3 cup old-fashioned oats or quick oats (for best results do not use steel cut oats)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1/2-1 serving of your favorite protein powder (chocolate or vanilla)
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice + 1/3 cup water (or use 2/3 cup water or milk)
  • 1/2 cup favorite fruit (frozen): strawberries, blueberries, peaches, mango, pineapple, tropical fruits mix, mixed berries, etc.

Optional Extras for Flavor (Choose one or multiple options):

  • 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or cardamom
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest (rind of a lemon or orange finely grated)
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions & Variations 

  • Gluten Free: Oats are naturally gluten free. Use certified gluten-free oats, like Bob’s Red Mill brand or One Degree brand.
  • Plant-Based Milk or Dairy Milk: Use your favorite milk: coconut milkalmond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, whole milk, skim milk-whatever you love. I use 1/2 milk and 1/3 water, but you’re welcome to use all milk or all water instead.
  • No Milk? Use Water Instead: If you don’t want to use milk, use 2/3 cup of water instead. If you don’t use any milk, I recommend adding a full serving of protein powder to make creamy oatmeal.
  • Sweetener: Most protein powders contain some sweetener. If you want more sweetness, add maple syrup, honey, or stevia.
  • Add Banana: Add 1/4-1/2 of a banana (mashed) with the liquid ingredients. This will increase the creaminess and natural sweetness.
  • Add Nut Butter: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite nut or seed butter: almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter. Or, if you can’t tolerate nuts, sunflower butter or tahini (like you use to make salad dressing and hummus) are a delicious nut-free option.
  • Chocolate Oats: I make chocolate overnight oats with 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (or cacao powder) and 1-2 servings chocolate protein powder. Mix in 1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter–so good!!
  • Add Ground Flax Seeds or Hemp Seeds: Mix in 1 tablespoon for extra fiber and healthy fats.

How to Make Overnight Oats With Frozen Fruit

Rolled oats in jars.
Start with your dry ingredients: oats, chia seeds, protein powder, salt.

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to a meal-prep jar or small bowl: oats, chia seeds, protein powder, salt.

If you’re adding any extra dry ingredients (cinnamon, nutmeg, hemp seeds, flax seeds, cocoa powder, etc.), now is the time to add one or a few of these ingredients.

Pouring milk into the oats in glass jars.

Step 2: Add Liquid Ingredients

Add the milk and water to the oat mixture.

If you’re adding any extra liquid ingredients (like maple syrup, mashed banana, or vanilla extract) now is the time to add one or a few of these ingredients.

Stir all the ingredients together with a fork until well combined.

Frozen fruit on top of the overnight oats in jars.

Step 3: Add Frozen Fruit

Top the oatmeal with your frozen fruit of choice. Do not stir the frozen fruit into the oatmeal. Let the frozen fruit rest on top of the oatmeal.

Jars of overnight oats on the counter with a lid.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Secure a lid on the jar or bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight (8 hours), before consuming. As the oats rest in the fridge, the mixture will thicken.

Before eating, stir the fruit into the oatmeal. Top with your favorite toppings, or enjoy as-is.

Topping Ideas

If you want to add anything extra, before enjoying, here are a few ideas for what to add to the top of the oats.

  • Plain Greek Yogurt: Add a scoop of your favorite yogurt for extra protein, creaminess, and probiotics. Stir in the yogurt as you enjoy the oats.
  • Nut or Seed Butter: Add a scoop of peanut butter, sunflower butter, almond butter, or cashew butter. Or tahini.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle with your favorite nuts or seeds, like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, etc.
  • Granola: Top with homemade granola, homemade grain-free granola, or a store-bought granola (like Purely Elizabeth brand).

Do you eat overnight oats cold or warm?

  • Overnight oatmeal is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. There’s no need to cook the oats before enjoying. Before eating, stir the frozen fruit into the oatmeal and add toppings, if desired, or enjoy as is.
  • If you prefer warm oatmeal, remove the jar from the fridge and heat the oatmeal with the frozen fruit in the morning, on the stove-top for 2-5 minutes, until warm. If the oats become too thick, add more water/milk to the saucepan. Then add toppings, if desired.

How to Store

The oats may be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Three jars of overnight oats on the counter with frozen fruits on top: mango, raspberries, and blueberries.

My Favorite Jars for Overnight Oats

  • My favorite jars are Weck Jars: beautiful and functional.
  • Mason jars are also fantastic. The wide-mouth 8 or 16 ounce mason jar is the best option for overnight oats.

How to Freeze Seasonal Fruit

Use store-bought frozen fruit in this recipe, or freeze fresh seasonal fruits. This is a great way to save money on fruit when it’s in-season and on sale. I regularly freeze fresh strawberries, blueberries, and peaches in peak season.

More Favorite Oat Recipes

If you love easy breakfasts made with oats, you’ll also want to make…

Find easy and healthy breakfast ideas, from the fluffy scrambled eggs to einkorn muffins and overnight oats, in my breakfast section of the blog.

Overnight oats in three jars with frozen fruit on top: mango, blueberries, and raspberries.
Print

Meal Prep Overnight Oats with Frozen Fruit

An easy, nutrient-dense breakfast made with simple pantry ingredients and frozen fruits. Prep the oats up to 4 days in advance for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Overnight Oats with Frozen Fruit
Prep Time 2 minutes
Refrigerate 4 hours
Servings 1 jar/serving
Calories 419kcal
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $3

Equipment

Ingredients

Optional Extras for Flavor

  • 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice or cardamom
  • pinch nutmeg
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest or orange zest (grate the rind of a lemon or orange)

Instructions

  • Add all the dry ingredients to a meal-prep jar or small bowl: oats, chia seeds, protein powder, salt. If you're adding cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or nutmeg, now is the time.
  • Add the milk and water to the oat mixture. If you're adding any extra liquid ingredients (maple syrup, honey, lemon or orange zest, vanilla extract, etc.), now is the time to add one or a few of these ingredients.
  • Stir all the ingredients together with a fork until well combined.
  • Spoon your favorite frozen fruit on top (one fruit or a mix totaling 1/2 cup). Do not stir the fruit into the oats, just let the fruit rest on top.
  • Secure a lid on the jar or bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. As the oats rest in the fridge, the mixture will thicken and the fruits will defrost.
  • The oats may be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Before eating the oatmeal, stir in the frozen fruits and add any toppings (if desired). Enjoy!
  • Eat the oats cold, straight from the fridge, or warm in the microwave or stove-top for warm oatmeal.

Video

Notes

  • Water and Milk: You can use 100% water or 100% milk if desired (2/3 cup total).
  • Meal Prep: Make this recipe up for 4 days in advance. Store in the fridge. Before serving, add your favorite toppings.
  • Topping Ideas: Top the overnight oats with almond or peanut butter, tahini, honey or maple syrup, nuts, yogurt, granola, or coconut flakes. 
  • Warm Oats: The oats are meant to be enjoyed cold. You do not need to cook overnight oats. If you’d like hot oatmeal, warm the oatmeal mixture in the microwave or on the stove-top before enjoying. Add 1-2 tablespoons of extra water or milk for the stove-top.
  • The nutritional value doesn’t include optional ingredients, like maple syrup or toppings. Whole milk is calculated as the milk of choice. 

Nutrition

Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 582mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 253IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 317mg | Iron: 5mg
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How to Make Chai Concentrate (From Tea Bags) https://livesimply.me/how-to-make-chai-concentrate-from-tea-bags/ https://livesimply.me/how-to-make-chai-concentrate-from-tea-bags/#comments Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:51:12 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=97324 Here’s how to make chai concentrate using tea bags and pantry spices for the best homemade chai lattes. With this delicious masala chia concentrate, you can easily make a hot chai latte, iced chai, or dirty chai latte at home. If you love this recipe, you’ll also love my hot & delicious chai latte, iced...

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Here’s how to make chai concentrate using tea bags and pantry spices for the best homemade chai lattes. With this delicious masala chia concentrate, you can easily make a hot chai latte, iced chai, or dirty chai latte at home.

Chai concentrate in a glass jar on the counter with spices.
Homemade chai concentrate

If you love this recipe, you’ll also love my hot & delicious chai latte, iced chai latte, turmeric latte, homemade hot cocoa, and pumpkin spice latte.

What Readers Say:

“Best chai recipe I have come along! Thank you so much for creating and sharing it!”

-Fannie

We just spent two weeks in India (Delhi, Jaipur, Agra) and enjoyed A LOT of chai.

In India, masala chai is made with tea, sugar, warm spices, and milk and served in either small paper cups or terra cotta cups. This was the best part about India: endless chai on every corner!

Years ago, I created my famous homemade chai latte recipe.

I wanted to see how my American version (which is based on the Starbucks chai concentrate) compared to authentic Indian chai.

The verdict: My recipe is spot on in terms of spices and flavor. Chai, in India, is served sweet with a spicy side due to the spices which are boiled with a bit of water and milk and then strained.

In India, no chai syrup or pre-made mixes are used. That’s only an American local coffee shop or Starbucks chai latte thing. And let’s be honest, the mixes don’t always taste the best.

In the past, I’ve shared how to make an iced chai tea latte and my version of a hot Starbucks chai tea latte. Btw, chai means tea. So it’s just a “chai latte.”

Today, I’ll show you how to make the foundation for both an iced and hot chai latte: my homemade chai concentrate recipe.

Ingredients needed to make chai concentrate: tea bags and spices.
Ingredients needed to make the chai concentrate: tea bags, maple syrup, and spices.

Ingredients Needed

Equipment Needed

  • 1 medium saucepan for boiling the spices and tea
  • fine mesh sieve for straining the spices from the concentrate

Substitutions & Variations 


  • DIFFERENT SWEETENER – Instead of maple syrup, use honey, brown sugar, or cane sugar. Stevia may also be used. Traditional chai is served sweet, pairing perfectly with the warm spices, which is why I add a sweetener to this concentrate recipe.
  • WHOLE SPICES – If you have whole spices in your pantry, you’re welcome to use them (like cardamom seeds) instead of ground spices. You’ll need to double the amount since the ground spices are more potent.
  • FRESH GINGER – Instead of ground ginger, you’re welcome to use fresh ginger. I would use 1 inch of ginger, cut into smaller pieces.

How to Make Homemade Chai Concentrate

Step 1: Bring the water and spices to a boil.

In a small saucepan, bring the water and spices to a boil. Whisk the spices in the water. Once the water boils, turn off the heat and allow the spices to steep in the water for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes, turn the heat back on and add the black tea bags and maple syrup. Return to a slight boil (the goal is a hot liquid for steeping). Once boiling, turn off the heat. Steep the tea bags in the water and spices for 5 minutes.

Straining the spices from the concentrate.
Strain the spices from the concentrate.

Step 3: Strain the tea and spices

Remove the tea bags and strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer.

Chai concentrate in a glass jar on the counter.
The concentrate is ready to use! Store for up to 2 weeks or use immeadiately.

Step 4: Store the concentrate

Place the concentrate in a storage jar with a lid (I use a glass mason jar). The homemade concentrate, full of so much flavor, is ready to use or store for later! I’ll show you how to use this concentrate below.

Video Tutorial For Concentrate and Latte

How to Make a Hot Chai Latte With This Concentrate

To make a hot chai latte, you’ll need milk. Use any dairy milk (whole milk, skim milk, etc.) or a plant-based milk (almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or coconut milk).

With your milk and concentrate, here’s how to make a latte, step-by-step…

  • Step 1: In a small saucepan, bring milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon to a slight boil (the sides of the milk will begin to bubble), stirring often. Once the sides of the milk begin to bubble, remove the pan from heat.
  • Step 2: Using an immersion blender, blend the milk until it’s frothy. Alternatively, use a fork to vigorously whisk and froth the milk.
  • Step 3: Pour 1/2 cup chai concentrate into a mug. Slowly pour in the frothed milk. Sprinkle the top with an extra pinch of cinnamon, if desired.
  • Step 4: Serve warm.

How to Make an Iced Chai Latte With This Concentrate

To make an iced chai latte, you’ll need your choice of milk (plant-based or dairy) and ice cubes. The chai concentrate should be fully cooled (and chilled in the fridge).

With your milk, ice, and concentrate, here’s how to make an iced latte, step-by-step…

  • Step 1: Fill an 8-ounce drinking glass with ice cubes.
  • Step 2: Pour 1/2 cup of the chilled concentrate over the ice cubes. I recommend using a small strainer, positioned over the glass, to pour the chilled concentrate through the strainer and into the glass. As the concentrate chills, some of the spices (that weren’t filtered out when making the concentrate) and sweetener can clump together, so the strainer will catch this.
  • Step 3: Add 1/3 cup of cold milk of choice (dairy milk or dairy-free milk) to the concentrate: vanilla or plain almond milk, coconut milk, or whole milk, etc.
  • Serve cold.

How many lattes can you make this concentrate?

  • This recipe makes 2 cups of concentrate.
  • You’ll use 1/2 cup of homemade chai concentrate at a time to make a latte.
  • You can make up to 4 lattes with this 2 cups of concentrate.
  • The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if you want to make more lattes.

How to Store & Reheat 

  • Store the chai concentrate (once fully cool), in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • Reheat the chai concentrate in the microwave or a saucepan on the stove-top. Then warm the milk and make a hot latte. Or, use the cold concentrate to make an iced latte.
Chai concentrate in a glass jar on the counter with spices.
Print

How to Make Chai Concentrate Recipe

This from-scratch concentrate recipe is a chai lover's favorite: rich and warming chai flavor with the perfect touch of natural sweetness. Use this concentrate to make an iced or hot latte.
Course Drinks
Cuisine Indian
Keyword Chai Concentrate, Homemade Chai Concentrate, How to Make Chai Concentrate
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 chai lattes
Calories 32kcal
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $3

Equipment

  • 1 medium saucepan
  • fine mesh sieve for straining the spices from the chai concentrate

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, bring the water and spices to a boil. Whisk the spices in the water. Once the water reaches a boil, turn off the heat and allow the spices to steep in the water for 5 minutes.
  • After 5 minutes, turn the heat back on and add the black tea bags and maple syrup. Return to a slight boil (the goal is a hot liquid for steeping). Once boiling, turn off the heat. Steep the tea bags in the water and spices for 5 minutes.
  • Remove the tea bags and strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer. Reserve 1/2 cup of chai concentrate to make a latte right now. Store the remaining chai concentrate in a jar in the fridge up to 2 weeks.
  • Use this concentrate to make an iced chai latte or hot chai latte.

Video

Notes

Double or Triple the Concentrate Recipe: If you plan to make this latte part of your daily routine, or want to make iced chai lattes (and use more of the concentrate per glass), double or triple the chai concentrate recipe. Store the concentrate for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Use the concentrate to make this hot drink or an iced chai latte.
How to Reheat the Chai Concentrate: Reheat the chai concentrate in the microwave or a saucepan on the stove-top. Then warm the milk and combine 1/2 cup concentrate with milk of choice. 

Nutrition

Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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Scrambled Egg Sandwich Breakfast Recipe (7 Ways!) https://livesimply.me/scrambled-egg-sandwich-recipe/ https://livesimply.me/scrambled-egg-sandwich-recipe/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:05:32 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=96806 This scrambled egg sandwich recipe is the ulimtate healthy comfort food and my favorite breakfast meal. Make a sandwich in under 10 minutes, or prep multiple sandwiches in advance and freeze (or store in the fridge) for busy mornings when you need an easy breakfast, fast! If you love this recipe, you’ll also like these...

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This scrambled egg sandwich recipe is the ulimtate healthy comfort food and my favorite breakfast meal. Make a sandwich in under 10 minutes, or prep multiple sandwiches in advance and freeze (or store in the fridge) for busy mornings when you need an easy breakfast, fast!

Hands holding an assembled breakfast sandwich: scrambled eggs, cheese, arugula.
Healthy, easy, and frugal! This is my favorite breakfast.

If you love this recipe, you’ll also like these easy breakfast meals: make-ahead breakfast burritos, omelet cups, baked oatmeal with blueberries, chocolate protein yogurt, and protein overnight oats.


  • QUICK MEAL – Mornings are crazy enough, why complicate life with a fussy breakfast. You can easily make this sandwich in under 10 minutes and take it to go.
  • MEAL PREP – Make a sandwich the night before a busy morning. Or make multiple sandwiches at once and pop them in the fridge or freezer for an easy meal.
  • CHEAPER & HEALTHIER – It’s far cheaper to make your own meals, and healthier, too. Skip the Starbucks or Dunkin line, and make this sandwich instead.
  • FAMILY FAVORITE – Everyone loves this breakfast and it’s easy to customize based on everyone’s preference. Add cheese, meat, avocado, mayo–whatever you love!
Ingredients to make breakfast sandwiches on the counter: eggs, bread, leafy green, salt, pepper, cheese, and bread.
You only need 3 simple ingredients: eggs, bread, butter. From there, customize your sandwich.

Ingredients Needed to Make a Basic Scrambled Egg Sandwich

  • 1 tablespoon butter or ghee use vegan butter or grease a pan with oil for dairy-free
  • 2 large eggs per person, per sandwich
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 2 slices of bread per person, per sandwich: sourdough sandwich bread, Ezekiel english muffin, bagel, einkorn bread, hamburger bun, kaiser roll, whole wheat bread, white bread slices, or a brioche bun.

Optional Extras


  • 1 slice of cheese (or 1-2 tablespoons grated cheese), such as: cheddar cheese, gouda cheese, monterey jack
  • 1 tablespoon soft goat cheese
  • Cooked meat of choice: 1-2 slices bacon, 1-2 ounces ham, 1-2 slices canadian bacon, 1 sausage patty
  • 1-2 tomato slices
  • handful of baby arugula or spinach
  • 1 tablespoon sauce: cream cheese, pesto, or mayonnaise
  • 1/2 a small avocado: mash the avocado with salt and lemon juice or cut into slices
  • roasted red peppers
  • pickled red onions
  • dash of hot sauce (like sriracha)

Equipment Needed

  • 1 toaster for toasting the bread
  • 1 large or medium size skillet for cooking the eggs
  • 1 rubber spatula for cooking the eggs
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper if meal prepping the sandwiches
  • Food storage bag, like a gallon-size Ziploc bag, if meal prepping the sandwiches and storing in the fridge or freezer

7 Favorite Sandwich Variations

  • Eggs, Hot Sauce, Ham, Mayo: Drizzle eggs with a splash of hot sauce, then spread mayo on a slice of bread, top with ham and eggs. Add second slice of bread on top.
  • Eggs and Avocado: Add mashed or sliced avocado (sprinkled with salt) to a slice of bread, then top with eggs. Serve open-faced or add a second slice of bread on top.
  • Eggs, Cheese, and Ham or Bacon: Add eggs, a slice of cheese, and ham, bacon, or canadian bacon to your favorite bread.
  • Eggs, Pesto, Arugula, Tomato: Spread pesto on one slice of bread, add arugula leaves, a tomato slice, and eggs over the top. Leave open-faced, or add a second slice of bread.
  • Eggs, Goat Cheese, Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach: Spread a slice of bread with goat cheese, then baby spinach and few slices of roasted red pepper, and top with eggs. Leave open-faced, or add a second slice of bread.
  • Eggs, Cream Cheese, Bacon, Sriracha: Add cream cheese to a slice of bread, drizzle sriracha over the top, then bacon, and eggs. Top with a second slice of bread, or leave open-faced.
  • Eggs, Tomato, Arugula: Add arugula to a slice of bread, followed by a slice of tomato sprinkled with salt, and eggs on top. Leave open-faced, or top with a second slice of bread.

Use Sunny Side Up Eggs Instead: Sub out the scrambled eggs for a sunny side up egg (or two sunny side up eggs) with a runny yolk for a different variation. How to make the best sunny side up eggs.

How to Make Breakfast Sandwiches

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients as the sandwich comes together very quickly.

Two slices of toasted bread on a cutting board.
To start, toast your bread of choice.

Step 1: Toast the Bread

To start, toast your bread of choice in a toaster.

No toaster for the bread? No problem. Before cooking the eggs in the skillet, spritz the skillet with cooking oil (I use this avocado oil spray), then add the bread of choice and cook on both sides for 1-2 minutes until toasted. 

Step 2: Make the Best Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

  • Over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium-size frying pan.
  • In a small bowl, crack the eggs, add a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Vigorously whisk the eggs. Add the egg mixture to the melted butter and hot skillet, let set for a few seconds, then use a silicone or rubber spatula to bring the eggs up and over (see video below for how to cook flufy scrambled eggs).
  • Once the eggs are glossy, fluffy, and resemble soft curds, remove from heat.

Adding Cheese: If you want cheese on your sandwich, immeadiately add a slice of cheese or shredded cheese on top of the eggs, once finished cooking. The heat from the eggs will create the perfect melted cheese over the small curds of eggs.

Assembling an egg sandwich: eggs, cheese, arugula, tomato.
My favorite sandwich: eggs, slice of cheddar cheese, arugula, and tomato slice (sprinkled with salt).

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

  • Remove the bread from the toaster.
  • Add Toppings and Eggs: Place any desired toppings on one slice of the bread/bun: arugula, avocado, pickled onions, meat of choice, etc. Then place eggs on top.
  • Add Sauce: If you’re enjoying the sandwich right away and want to add any sauces, like mayo, pesto, etc. spoon and spread the sauce on the other slice of bread/bun. Place this slice of bread over the eggs.

How to Perfectly Cook Scrambled Eggs Video

Here’s how to make the best scrambled eggs.

Simple Tips for Meal Prep Success

The best egg sandwich to make for meal prep is: scrambled eggs, cooked meat (ham, bacon, sausage patty), and cheese. These toppings store the best in the fridge and freezer. Additional toppings desired should be added after reheating and before serving.

For busy mornings, I make a breakfast sandwich the night before, wrap in parchment paper or foil, and store in the fridge. The next morning, unwrap and reheat for a few seconds in the microwave.

You may also make multiple sandwiches on the weekend and store in the fridge or freezer for an easy breakfast all week.

  • Batch Cook Eggs: I’ve cooked up to 12 eggs at a time (for this breakfast burrito recipe). Just use enough butter and a large enough skillet. Or, cook up to 12 eggs at one time using the sheet pan cooking method. Then, spoon the eggs on the bread/buns of choice.
  • Best Bread for Meal Prep Sandwiches: A soft sandwich bread isn’t the best option for make-ahead egg sandwiches. I use english muffins. I love Ezekiel brand, which are healthy (easier to digest) and have great fiber. English muffins are heartier and will hold up to the eggs without getting soggy.
  • Wait to Add Cheese: Place a slice (or sprinkle) of cheese directly on the bread, then add the eggs on top. You don’t want the cheese to melt until you reheat the sandwich later on.
  • Cool Before Storing: Allow meal-prep sandwiches to cool (just a few minutes), then wrap each sandwich in parchment paper or foil. You don’t want the heat from the eggs to create condensation when wrapped.
Egg and cheese sandwich, ready to eat.
Enjoy immeadiately, or wrap up and enjoy tomorrow (or later in the week or month).

How to Store & Reheat

  • Store, wrapped, in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Store, wrapped, in the freezer for up to 1 month.
  • To reheat from the fridge, unwrap the sandwich and place in the microwave for a few seconds (30-60 seconds). If you want a warmer sandwich, flip over and heat for another 30-60 seconds. Add additional toppings desired: sauce, tomato, avocado, arugula, etc. And enjoy!
  • To reheat from frozen, it’s best to thaw a sandwich overnight in the fridge. Unwrap and microwave for 30-60 seconds. If you want a warmer sandwich, flip over and heat for another 30-60 seconds. Add additional toppings desired: sauce, tomato, avocado, arugula, etc. And enjoy!
  • Oven Method: Reheat at 350F on a sheet pan for about 10 minutes, until warmed through. Or use a toaster oven. An air fryer would also work, just reduce the cook time. After reheating, add any toppings and enjoy!

What to Serve With Egg Sandwiches

Serve the sandwiches alone, or pair with extra protein (like yogurt or cottage cheese) or a carb (like oatmeal, sweet potato hash, or fruit). Try these favorite sides…

Hands holding an assembled breakfast sandwich: scrambled eggs, cheese, arugula.
Print

Simple Scrambled Egg Sandwich

This scrambled egg sandwich recipe is my favorite breakfast meal. Make a sandwich in under 10 minutes, or prep multiple sandwiches in advance and freeze (or store in the fridge) for busy mornings when you need an easy breakfast, fast!
Course Breakfast, dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword egg and cheese sandwich, egg breakfast sandwich, scrambled egg sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 sandwich
Calories 361kcal
Author Kristin Marr

Equipment

  • 1 medium or large skillet for cooking the scrambled eggs
  • 1 rubber spatula for cooking the eggs
  • foil or parchment paper if making the sandwich(es) for meal prep
  • 1 toaster for toasting the bread of choice

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter or ghee use vegan butter or grease a pan with oil for dairy-free
  • 2 large eggs per person, per sandwich
  • 2 slices of bread per person, per sandwich, such as: sourdough sandwich bread, Ezekiel english muffin, bagel, hamburger bun, kaiser roll, whole wheat bread, white bread, or a brioche bun.
  • salt
  • pepper
  • optional extras cheese, meat, mayo, hot sauce-see notes below for all options

Instructions

  • To start, toast your bread of choice. While the breads toasts, make the scrambled eggs…
  • Over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium-size frying pan. In a small bowl, crack the eggs, add a pinch of salt and pepper. Vigorously whisk the eggs.
  • Add the egg mixture to the melted butter and hot skillet, let set for a few seconds, then use a silicone or rubber spatula to bring the eggs up and over (see the scrambled eggs technique here). Once the eggs are glossy and fluffy and resemble soft curds, remove from heat.
  • If you want cheese on your sandwich, immeadiately add a slice of cheese or shredded cheese on top of the eggs, once finished cooking. The heat from the eggs will create the perfect melted cheese over the small curds of eggs.
  • Remove the bread from the toaster.
  • Place any desired toppings on one slice of the bread/bun: arugula, avocado, pickled onions, meat of choice, etc. Then place eggs on top.
  • Add any sauces, like mayo, pesto, etc. Spoon and spread the sauce on the other slice of bread/bun. Place this slice of bread over the eggs.
  • Serve warm.

Make-Ahead Sandwiches:

  • The best egg sandwich to make for meal prep is: scrambled eggs, cooked meat (ham, bacon, sausage patty), and cheese. These toppings store the best in the fridge and freezer. Additional toppings desired should be added after reheating and before serving.
  • For busy mornings, I make a breakfast sandwich the night before, wrap in parchment paper or foil, and store in the fridge. The next morning, unwrap and reheat for a few seconds in the microwave. You may also make multiple sandwiches on the weekend and store in the fridge or freezer for an easy breakfast all week.
  • Store in the fridge, wrapped, for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave, unwrapped, for 30-60 seconds. Or in the oven, unwrapped, at 350F for 10 minutes. After reheating, add any sauces (mayo, pesto, etc.) and toppings (tomato slices, avocados, arugula, etc.)

Notes

Optional Extras (choose one extra to add, or mix and match multiple like a sauce, cheese, and meat): 
  • 1 slice of cheese (or 1-2 tablespoons grated cheese), such as: cheddar cheese, gouda cheese, monterey jack
  • 1 tablespoon soft goat cheese
  • Cooked meat of choice: 1-2 slices bacon, 1-2 ounces ham, 1-2 slices canadian bacon, 1 sausage patty
  • 1-2 tomato slices
  • handful of baby arugula or spinach
  • 1 tablespoon sauce: cream cheese, pesto, or mayonnaise
  • 1/2 a small avocado: mash the avocado with salt and lemon juice or cut into slices
  • roasted red peppers
  • pickled red onions
  • dash of hot sauce (like sriracha)

Nutrition

Calories: 361kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 357mg | Sodium: 453mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 826IU | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 3mg
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Simple Baked Oatmeal With Blueberries https://livesimply.me/baked-oatmeal-with-blueberries-make-ahead/ https://livesimply.me/baked-oatmeal-with-blueberries-make-ahead/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:37:00 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=32802 Say good-bye to mushy, bland oats. Instead, make this baked oatmeal recipe with simple, real ingredients and no refined sugar. Baked oatmeal with blueberries is the perfect healthy breakfast casserole to meal prep now and enjoy all week. Change it up with different seasonal fruits or chocolate chips. What is a Baked Oatmeal Recipe? Baked...

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Say good-bye to mushy, bland oats. Instead, make this baked oatmeal recipe with simple, real ingredients and no refined sugar. Baked oatmeal with blueberries is the perfect healthy breakfast casserole to meal prep now and enjoy all week. Change it up with different seasonal fruits or chocolate chips.

Baked oatmeal with blueberries in a baking dish.
An easy, make-ahead breakfast! Full of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

What you’ll love about this recipe


  • QUICK & EASY– Just mix, bake, and enjoy this breakfast for days to come.
  • MEAL PREP BREAKFAST – A great recipe to make on the weekend, slice up, and store in the fridge. I love easy breakfasts like this for a busy week.
  • SIMPLE PANTRY INGREDIENTS – Made with frugal, healthy ingredients, like wholesome oats. You probably have all the ingredients stocked in your pantry.
  • SKIP THE EGGS – I love eggs for breakfast, but sometimes even I need a change. Baked oatmeal is a nutrient-dense way to do that. Add protein powder for extra protein, or serve the baked oatmeal with greek yogurt or chocolate protein yogurt.
  • VERY VERSATILE RECIPE – Instead of blueberries, use apples. Or, make this healthy baked oatmeal with chocolate chips and bananas. So many ways to change up this hearty breakfast recipe.

What is a Baked Oatmeal Recipe?

Baked oatmeal is simply that: oats that are baked with liquid ingredients and a binder (like eggs) in a casserole dish. You can add fruit to baked oatmeal (like this recipe) or even make chocolate oats that taste like brownies!

The oats bind together while baking, so you can slice the oatmeal into bars. This is not a wet, mushy variation, like overnight oats or stove-top warm oats.

Ingredients Needed

  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats (I like sprouted oats for easier digestion)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (amount depends on taste)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk: whole milk, skim milk, almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons butter or virgin coconut oil, melted
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries or fresh blueberries (or try different fruits or chocolate chips)

Using Frozen Blueberries Tip: I love using frozen berries to make this recipe. Just like with frozen veggies, frozen fruit is picked in peak season, is full of nutrients, and lasts for months in the freezer! Make overnight oats with frozen blueberries, add to yogurt bowls, make smoothies, or in this baked oatmeal recipe.

Equipment Needed

Variations

  • Protein Oatmeal: Want to up the protein content? Add a serving (or two) of your favorite protein powder (chocolate or vanilla) to the dry ingredients. I love this protein powder: chocolate or vanilla.
  • Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal: Instead of fruit, use 1/2 cup chocolate chips instead. Or, use 1/2 cup chopped bananas and 1/2 cup chocolate chips!
  • Apple Baked Oatmeal: Instead of using blueberries, use 1 cup of chopped apples (no need to peel).
  • Lemon & Blueberry Oatmeal: Add the zest (grated rind) from 1/2 a fresh lemon to the wet ingredients. The combination of blueberries and lemon adds such a vibrant, fresh flavor. Reduce the cinnamon or skip it if using lemon zest.
  • Raspberry Oatmeal: Instead of blueberries, add 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries.
  • Peach Oatmeal: Add chopped peaches to the batter instead of the blueberries.
  • Carrot Cake Oatmeal: Add 1/2 cup shredded carrots, along with 1/4 cup raisins and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts to the batter.
  • Add Nuts: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dry ingredients. Or, use pepitas (pumpkin seeds).
  • Oatmeal Cups: Instead of using a casserole dish, make oatmeal cups for individual-size servings.

Substitutions

  • Dairy Free: If you need a dairy-free oatmeal, the type of milk you choose to use is important. Any plant-based milk will work. Instead of butter, use melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
  • Egg Free: The eggs act as a binder, so instead of mushy oatmeal, you end up with oatmeal you can cut and lift from the pan (like a bar). The best option for egg-free oatmeal is to make a “flax egg.” To do this, combine 2 tablespoons of ground flax + 5 tablespoons of warm water, let sit for 5 minutes. After letting the flax sit to gel, it should be whisked into the milk and other wet ingredients.
  • Gluten Free: Some oats are processed in a facility with other wheat products, so make sure you’re buying certified gluten-free oats when making this recipe. I like One Degree sprouted oats.

How to Make Baked Oatmeal, Step by Step

Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter or oil. 

Whisking rolled oats in a large bowl with the other dry ingredients.
Whisk the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. 

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients (Except Butter or Coconut Oil)

In a medium-size bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and sweetener of choice (honey or maple syrup). Do not add the butter or coconut oil yet.

Stirring the wet and dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, except don’t add the blueberries just yet. Then rest in the bowl for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir to combine. Finally, stir in the melted butter or coconut oil. You don’t want to stir the melted butter or coconut oil directly into the milk or you will have clumps-that’s why we’re adding it after the ingredients are mixed.

Step 4: Rest for 5 Minutes

Let the oatmeal rest for 5 minutes for the oats to absorb the liquids.

Step 5: Add Blueberries (or Other Fruit)

Gently fold the fresh or frozen blueberries into the oatmeal mixture and pour into the prepared baking pan. (I love to freeze fresh blueberries in peak season and use them to make this recipe.)

Tip: Smooth out the top of the oatmeal with your spoon or the back of a measuring cup. This will help the oatmeal “bind together” as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake for 30-35 Minutes at 350F

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is firm and edges are browned. The baking time will depend on your pan. Clear glass, ceramic, and metal pans all bake at different rates. If the center isn’t firm and edges haven’t browned, continue baking until ready.

After removing from the oven, rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Tip: The longer the oatmeal rests, the more compact and less crumbly it will be. This makes it easier to slice and serve in bars.

How to Store & Reheat

  • Fridge: Store the leftover baked oatmeal whole, in the casserole dish covered with foil, plastic wrap, or a lid. Or, cut the oatmeal into squares and store in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.
  • Freezer: Or freeze the oatmeal bars in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months. Defrost on the counter or in the fridge, enjoy at room temperature or reheat.
  • Serve Cold, at Room Temp, or Warm: The best part is you can serve this delicious breakfast cold from the fridge, at room temperature, or reheat in the oven (at 300F until warm enough), microwave (just a few seconds), or toaster oven.
Baked oatmeal in a bowl with yogurt.
I love to slice up the oatmeal and serve it over plain greek yogurt with honey.

What Goes Well With Oatmeal? Serving Ideas

Or serve with…

Or add a homemade drink on the side

Meal Prep Tip

What Readers Say

“This recipe is PERFECT! What a nice alternative to mushy, boring oatmeal!”

TRINA
Baked oatmeal in a bowl with yogurt.
Print

Healthy Baked Oatmeal with Blueberries

Baked oatmeal with blueberries is the perfect healthy breakfast casserole to meal prep now and enjoy all week. Change it up with different seasonal fruits or chocolate chips.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword Baked Oatmeal Cups, baked oatmeal with blueberries, healthy baked oatmeal cups
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8 servings (squares))
Calories 272kcal
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $10

Equipment

  • 9-inch baking pan for baking the oatmeal (the pan in the photo is slightly larger, which makes thinner bars)
  • large mixing bowl for mixing the dry ingredients
  • medium mixing bowl for mixing the wet ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (208g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon depending on taste (1 1/2 teaspoons is my favorite amount)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk of choice whole milk or a plant-based milk
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons butter or virgin coconut oil, melted
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries or fresh blueberries (or try a different mix-in, see notes below)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9-inch square baking dish with extra butter or oil. (I use this avocado spray.)
  • Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. 
  • In a medium-size bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and sweetener of choice (honey or maple syrup). 
  • Add the wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir to combine. Finally, stir in the melted coconut oil (or butter). You don’t want to stir the melted butter or coconut oil directly into the milk or you will have clumps-that’s why we’re adding it after the ingredients are mixed.
  • Let the oatmeal rest for 5 minutes for the oats to absorb the liquids.
  • Gently fold in the blueberries and pour into the prepared baking pan. Smooth out the top of the oatmeal with your spoon or the back of a measuring cup. The mixture should be compact in the baking dish.  
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is firm and edges are browned. The baking time will depend on the type of baking dish used: clear glass, ceramic, or metal.
  • Let rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. The longer the oatmeal rests, the more compact and less crumbly it will be. This makes it easier to slice and serve in bars.

How to Serve:

Notes

The amount of sweetener used will depend on your personal taste. For a sweeter oatmeal (although not overly sweet), I love 1/2 cup. If you want oatmeal that’s not sweet, 1/3 cup may work better for you. 
Variations: 
  • Protein Oatmeal: Want to up the protein content? Add a serving (or two) of your favorite protein powder (chocolate or vanilla) to the dry ingredients. I love this protein powder: chocolate or vanilla.
  • Chocolate Baked Oatmeal: Instead of fruit, use cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
  • Apple Baked Oatmeal: Instead of using blueberries, use 1 cup of chopped apples (no need to peel) instead.
  • Lemon & Blueberry Oatmeal: Add the zest (grated rind) from 1/2 a fresh lemon to the wet ingredients. The combination of blueberries and lemon adds such a vibrant, fresh flavor. Reduce the cinnamon or skip it if using lemon zest.
  • Raspberry Oatmeal: Instead of blueberries, add 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries.
  • Peach Oatmeal: Add chopped peaches to the batter instead of the blueberries.
  • Carrot Cake Oatmeal: Add 1/2 cup shredded carrots, along with 1/4 cup raisins and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts to the wet mixture.
  • Add Nuts: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dry ingredients. Or, use pepitas (pumpkin seeds).
  • Oatmeal Cups: Instead of using a casserole dish, make oatmeal cups for individual-size servings.

Nutrition

Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 367mg | Potassium: 335mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 275IU | Vitamin C: 2.4mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 1.6mg

FAQs

First, allow the oat mixture to rest for 5 minutes after mixing the dry and wet ingredients and before baking. This allows the oats to soak up some of the liquid ingredients. Next, the baking time will depend on the pan used. Some pans may take longer to bake than others. The best judge for when the oats are ready is a firm center with a golden crust on top.

Healthy and nutrient-dense! Oatmeal is a whole grain compromised of all the macronutrients the body needs for fuel: carbs, fats, and protein (and fiber). Pair the oats with a protein-rich side, like eggs or greek yogurt, and you have one of the best breakfasts you can eat! I prefer sprouted oats, as they’re easier to digest.

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Baked Oatmeal Cups (9 Ways) https://livesimply.me/portable-baked-oatmeal-cups/ https://livesimply.me/portable-baked-oatmeal-cups/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2023 02:08:00 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=27672 Healthy baked oatmeal cups are the easiest way to make a hearty breakfast for the week ahead! They’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense and one of my favorite oatmeal recipes, along with high protein overnight oats, tropical overnight oats with coconut milk, and baked oatmeal. Ingredients Needed To make these oat cups, you’ll need wholesome ingredients that you’ll find...

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Healthy baked oatmeal cups are the easiest way to make a hearty breakfast for the week ahead! They’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense and one of my favorite oatmeal recipes, along with high protein overnight oats, tropical overnight oats with coconut milk, and baked oatmeal.

Baked oatmeal cups on a cutting board and in a lunchbox.
A quick, nutrient-dense, on-the-go breakfast or snack.

What you’ll love about this recipe


  • HEALTHY BREAKFAST OR SNACK RECIPE – Make a batch of these “muffins” on the weekend and enjoy them all week. The perfect way to meal prep for busy mornings or afternoons.
  • EGG FREE Made with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe is egg free, dairy free, and gluten free (use certified gluten-free oats).
  • FAMILY FAVORITE – The whole family loves this great recipe, including picky eaters.
  • NUTRIENT-DENSE Oats are one of the best sources of both carbs and fiber (macronutrients that we all need). Add extra protein with protein powder or serve with meal prep hardboiled eggs, omelet cups, chocolate protein yogurt, or scrambled eggs.
  • FREEZER FRIENDLY – Make a batch of oatmeal cups and freeze for an easy school lunch, snack, or breakfast option. The perfect solution for busy families.
  • ONE RECIPE, MULTIPLE FLAVORS With one recipe, you can make 9 different flavors by changing up the mix-in ingredients. Add chocolate chips, shredded coconut, nuts, or frozen or fresh fruit.
Ingredients in a large bowl.
Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients Needed

To make these oat cups, you’ll need wholesome ingredients that you’ll find at any grocery store. You probably already have all the ingredients already stocked in your pantry.

  • 3 cups old fashioned oats (I like sprouted oats for easier digestion)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup milk of choice: whole milk, unsweetened plain almond milk, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, unsweetened coconut milk, oat milk, cashew milk, etc.
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce 
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1 cup add-ins: chocolate chips, fresh berries, frozen blueberries, shredded coconut, nuts, etc. (Use 1 mix-in, or combine a 2-3 options to total 1 cup)

Add Protein: Add 1 serving of your favorite vanilla or chocolate protein powder with the dry ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons of extra milk to the batter. This will add 21 grams of extra protein, divided between the 12 cups. I love this protein powder chocolate or vanilla.

Equipment Needed

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Instead of cinnamon, use pumpkin pie spice. Delicious in the fall season when you want a pumpkin-spiced baked good and a pumpkin spice latte.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Instead of applesauce, use pumpkin puree.
  • Mashed Bananas: Instead of applesauce, use ripe mashed bananas.

9 Unique Baked Oatmeal Cup Flavors

The best part about this recipe is you can customize the mix-ins to create different flavors. Here are a few of my favorite mix-ins combinations to add during step 3 (when you combine the dry and wet ingredients).


FLAVOR COMBOS

  • 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark chocolate chips)
  • 2 Tablespoons peanut butter + 3/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes + 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes + 1/2 cup chopped dried mango
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans + 1/2 cup chopped fresh apples
  • 1 cup chopped nuts or seeds: pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup dried fruit: apples, mangoes, cranberries
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries or frozen blueberries (avoid watery berries like strawberries or raspberries)

How to Make, Step By Step Instructions 

First, preheat the oven to 375F. Grease (I like avocado oil spray) or line a 12-cavity muffin pan with muffin liners.

Oatmeal cup ingredients: oats, mix-ins, and muffin liners.
Add the dry ingredients to a large bowl.

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the dry ingredients: old-fashioned oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. 

Pouring we ingredients into the bowl with the oat mixture.
Combine the wet ingredients, then add to the oat mixture.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, applesauce, honey, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. 

Step 3: Combine ALL Ingredients & Add Mix-Ins

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Fold in up to 1 cup of mix-ins of choice (see “9 Unique Flavors” below for ideas).

Spooning oatmeal cup batter into a muffin pan.
Spoon the oatmeal into a muffin pan and bake.

Step 4: Bake for 20-25 Minutes

Divide the oatmeal mixture evenly among the muffin pan. I use an ice cream scooper and gently press the mixture down in the muffin cups with my fingers. 

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the centers are firm to the touch. 

Step 5: Remove from Oven & Cool for 15 Minutes

Let the pan cool, preferably on a wire rack, for at least 15 minutes. The oatmeal cups will firm up as they cool and shouldn’t be removed from the pan too quickly. This will prevent the oat cups from crumbling when warm.

Enjoy the oat cups as-is or top with your favorite peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower butter before enjoying for healthy fats. I also love adding a few banana slices on top. Delicious!

Oatmeal cups on a cutting board.

How to Store & Reheat 

This is the perfect make-ahead breakfast as the oatmeal cups.

  • In the Fridge: Store the oatmeal cups in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 7 days.
  • In the Freezer: Store the oatmeal cups in a freezer-safe ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
  • To enjoy from the fridge, remove and eat. No need to reheat. If you want a warmer breakfast, reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
  • To enjoy from the freezer, defrost in the fridge overnight or on the counter.

What to Serve With Healthy Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Cups

Pair the oatmeal cups with a protein for a macro-friendly breakfast (carbs, fiber, protein, and healthy fats). Here are a few pairings that work well with this recipe.

Or add a homemade drink on the side

Oatmeal cups in a bowl, after baking.

What Readers Say

“Love this recipe. It’s great when the hubby wants to bring oatmeal to work. I freeze them. He puts them in his bag frozen and by the time he’s ready to eat at work they have defrosted. Sometimes he warms them in the microwave. I add protein powder. It gives the oatmeal muffins extra protein.”

Marixi

If you love easy baked oatmeal cups, you’ll also love these oat recipes: high protein overnight oats, chocolate peanut butter oats, baked oatmeal with blueberries, overnight oats with frozen fruit, oatmeal pancakes, banana-oat breakfast cookies, and almond-oat pancakes.

Oatmeal cups in a bowl, after baking.
Print

Baked Oatmeal Cups (Basic Recipe & 9 Variations)

Healthy baked oatmeal cups are the easiest way to make a hearty breakfast for the week ahead! They’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense and one of my favorite oatmeal recipes, along with high protein overnight oats, chocolate peanut butter oats, and baked oatmeal.
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Baked Oatmeal Cups, healthy baked oatmeal cups
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 12 oatmeal cups
Calories 153kcal
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $10

Equipment

  • 1 12-cavity muffin pan for baking the oat cups
  • 12 muffin liners or cooking spray to grease or line the muffin pan
  • 1 large bowl for mixing the dry ingredients
  • 1 medium bowl for mixing the wet ingredients

Ingredients

Basic Oatmeal Cups Recipe:

  • 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats (260g)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup milk of choice (200g) whole milk, almond milk, coconut milk, etc.
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (212g)
  • 1/3 cup honey (100g)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil melted (44g before melting)
  • 1 cup add-ins (see note below for options)

9 Variation Ideas. Add up to 1 cup total of your favorite mix-ins to create different variations. 9 Favorite Options:

  • 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark chocolate chips)
  • 1 cup chopped nuts or seeds such as: pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup dried fruit such as: apples, mangoes, cranberries
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes + 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes + 1/2 cup chopped dried mango
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans + 1/2 cup chopped fresh apples
  • 2 Tablespoons peanut butter + 3/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375F. Grease (I like avocado oil spray) or line a 12-cavity muffin pan with muffin liners.
  • In a large mixing bowl, stir together the dry ingredients: oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. 
  • In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, applesauce, honey, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. 
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Now, fold in up to 1 cup of mix-ins of choice (see favorite options above).
  • Divide the oatmeal mixture evenly among the muffin cups. I use an ice cream scooper and gently press the mixture down in the muffin cup with my fingers. 
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the centers are firm to the touch. 
  • Let the pan cool, preferably on a wire rack, for at least 15 minutes. The oatmeal cups will firm up as they cool and shouldn’t be removed from the pan too quickly.
  • Enjoy the oat cups as-is or top with your favorite peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower butter before enjoying for healthy fats. I also love adding a few banana slices on top. Delicious!

Notes

The nutritional information doesn’t include mix-ins; just the basic recipe.
Extra Protein Tip: Add 1 serving of your favorite vanilla or chocolate protein powder with the dry ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons of extra milk to the batter. This will add 21 grams of extra protein, divided between the 12 cups. I love this protein powder chocolate or vanilla.

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 148mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1mg
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High Protein Overnight Oats Without Yogurt https://livesimply.me/high-protein-overnight-oats-without-yogurt/ https://livesimply.me/high-protein-overnight-oats-without-yogurt/#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2023 02:06:47 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=95930 Prepped in under 2 minutes, protein overnight oats without yogurt is the easiest no-cook recipe. With a creamy texture and healthy ingredients that fuel your body with essential macronutrients (healthy fats, protein, and carbs), this recipe is worth waking up for! If you love this recipe, you’ll also love overnight oats with frozen fruit, chocolate peanut butter...

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Prepped in under 2 minutes, protein overnight oats without yogurt is the easiest no-cook recipe. With a creamy texture and healthy ingredients that fuel your body with essential macronutrients (healthy fats, protein, and carbs), this recipe is worth waking up for!

Spooning overnight oats from a glass bowl, with strawberries on top.
This thick and creamy oatmeal can be prepped up to 4 days in advance. Serve it cold or warm.

If you love this recipe, you’ll also love overnight oats with frozen fruitchocolate peanut butter overnight oats, tropical overnight oats with coconut milk,  overnight oats with yogurtbaked oatmeal cups, and baked oatmeal with blueberries.

What Readers Say

“I love this recipe. I make a big batch of oats on the weekend. Easy and healthy for busy mornings. Adding lemon zest for extra flavor is the best idea.”

STACIE

I’ve been tracking macros and seen incredible success with weight loss (fat loss) and muscle growth. At the moment, my daily target protein goal is 136 grams and 200 grams net carbs. Getting at least 30 grams of protein at breakfast is essential.

I’m obsessed with eggs for breakfast. But sometimes I need a break from eggs. Overnight oats are the perfect no-cook breakfast alternative.

For more of my favorite overnight oat recipes, check out protein chocolate peanut butter oats, overnight oats with frozen fruit, tropical overnight oats, and overnight oats with yogurt. Or, for a high-protein breakfast without oats, chocolate yogurt.

What you’ll love about this recipe


  • MAKE-AHEAD BREAKFAST – Make several jars on Sunday night for the entire week. Easy meal prep! Not only do oats make a quick breakfast, they’re also a great snack.
  • GREAT FOR BUSY MORNINGS – Prep a jar of oats the night before, or several jars on Sunday night. In the morning, grab the oats and a couple of hardboiled eggs or omelet cups. A fast, easy, nutrient-dense breakfast that will keep you full for hours.
  • HEALTHY BREAKFAST – With dietary fiber, carbs, protein, and healthy fats, this breakfast is everything you need to feel good all morning.
  • MADE WITH SIMPLE INGREDIENTS – Just basic ingredients that are always stocked in my real-food pantry.

How to make high protein overnight oats without yogurt?

Greek yogurt is added to overnight oats for 3 reasons:

  • protein
  • creamy texture
  • thicken the oatmeal

Instead of using yogurt, add your favorite protein powder and chia seeds. Not only does the protein powder make the best overnight oats, it also boosts the protein (20+ grams).

Chia seeds increase the creamy texture and thicken the oatmeal.

Overnight Oat ingredients on the kitchen counter: oats, almond milk, two glass jars.
You only need a few ingredients: rolled oats, milk of choice, protein powder, salt, and chia seeds.

Ingredients Needed

With this basic overnight oatmeal recipe, make your own custom variations or enjoy the basic oats.

Optional Ingredients for Flavor (choose one or multiple):

  • 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey for sweetness
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for a warm, sweet flavor
  • pinch of nutmeg add a warm, sweet flavor
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest or lemon zest grated orange or lemon rind; adds the best flavor–fresh, fruity, and citrusy!
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract for a subtle vanilla flavor

Here are even more ways to add extra flavor or customize your oatmeal…

More Variations & Mix-In Ideas

  • Plant-Based Milk or Dairy Milk: Use coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, whole milk, skim milk-whatever you love. I use 1/2 milk, 1/2 water, but you’re welcome to use all milk instead.
  • No Milk? Use Water: If you don’t want to use milk, use 1 cup of water instead.
  • Add Sweetener: Most protein powders contain some sweetener. If you want more sweetness, add maple syrup, honey, stevia, or coconut sugar.
  • Add Banana: Add 1/4-1/2 of a banana (mashed). This will increase the creaminess and natural sweetness.
  • Add Nut Butter: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite nut or seed butter: almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter. Or, if you can’t tolerate nuts, sunflower butter is a delicious nut-free option.
  • Chocolate Oats: I make chocolate overnight oats with 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (or cacao powder) and 1-2 servings chocolate protein powder. Mix in 1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter–so good!!
  • Add Dried Fruits: Add 2 tablespoons of dried fruit: chopped apples, mangoes, figs, raisins, or cranberries. The fruits will soften as the oat mixture soaks in the fridge.
  • Add Frozen Fruit: If you want to use frozen fruit in your oatmeal, you’ll need to decrease the liquid. Follow this overnight oats with frozen fruit recipe.
  • Add Ground Flax Seeds or Hemp Seeds: Mix in 1 tablespoon for extra fiber and healthy fats.

What are the best kind of oats to use?

For this recipe, use old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats. You’ll find both options at any grocery store. Both options soften perfectly with the liquid, making a delicious oatmeal that you can enjoy cold, without cooking the oats.

Avoid using steel cut oats. Steel cut oats have a different texture and don’t work as well in this recipe.

How to Make This Simple Overnight Oats Recipe

Gather your ingredients and let’s make this easy overnight oats recipe.

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to a meal-prep jar or small bowl: oats, chia seeds, protein powder, salt.

If you’re adding any extra dry ingredients (cinnamon, nutmeg, hemp seeds, flax seeds, cocoa powder, dried fruits), now is the time to add one or a few of these ingredients.

Step 2: Add Liquid Ingredients

Add the milk and water to the oat mixture.

If you’re adding any extra liquid ingredients (maple syrup, honey, lemon or orange zest, mashed bananas, vanilla extract, nut/seed butter), now is the time to add one or a few of these ingredients.

Stir all the ingredients together with a fork until well combined.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight

Secure a lid on the jar or bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight (8 hours), before consuming. As the oats rest in the fridge, the mixture will thicken.

Ready to eat oats topped with strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

Step 4: Add Toppings

The oats may be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Before eating the oatmeal, whether that’s the next day or a few days later, add toppings.

Eat the oats cold, straight from the fridge, or warm in the microwave or stove-top.

Topping Ideas for Overnight Oats

This is the fun part. Enjoy the oats as-is (without any toppings) or add your favorite toppings.

8 TASTY TOPPINGS

  • Fresh Berries or Frozen Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, or raspberries.
  • Fresh or Frozen Fruit: Pitted cherries, mango chunks, apple slices, banana slices, peach slices, orange slices, kiwi slices, or pineapple chunks.
  • Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle coconut flakes over the top of the oats.
  • Nuts or Seeds: Chopped pecans, walnuts, slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, crushed macadamia nuts, or pumpkin seeds. Or homemade nutty granola.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle maple syrup or honey over the top.
  • Nut Butter or Tahini: Drizzle almond or peanut butter, tahini, or sunflower butter over the top. Tahini and honey is my favorite topping-sweet, nutty, and salty!
  • Lemon or Orange Zest: I love to add zest directly to the oats before refrigerating, but you can also add zest as a garnish. Grate orange or lemon rind (“zest”) over the top.
  • Greek Yogurt: Add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt for even more protein. Or, for a dairy-free option, use a vegan yogurt.

My Favorite Jars for Overnight Oats

  • My favorite jars are Weck Jarsbeautiful and functional.
  • Mason jars are also fantastic. The wide-mouth 8 or 16 ounce mason jar is the best option for overnight oats.
Zesting a lemon rind into the overnight oats.
Add your own flavor customizations with cinnamon, vanilla, or lemon zest. Or, make the basic recipe and just add toppings before enjoying.

How to Make a Big Batch of Meal Prep Overnight Oats

There are two ways to make a big batch of oats (multiple jars for the week ahead):

  • Double, triple, or quadruple this recipe in a large bowl, then spoon the prepared oats into meal-prep jars and refrigerate.
  • If you’re tracking macros, the easiest way to make a large batch (so you can be precise with tracking) is to make multiple individual jars at one time: spoon the dry ingredients into each jar, add liquid ingredients, then mix. I use this program’s app to track macros.
Placing the jars of oatmeal in the fridge.
Store the oats in the fridge for up to 4 days! The perfect meal prep breakfast or snack.

How to Store

Store the oats in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 4 days.

Best Tips for Success

  • Wait At Least 4 Hours Before Eating: You need to let the oats rest for at least 4 hours before enjoying. This will ensure the best results!
  • Use Rolled Oats: Rolled oats will give you the best texture. Quick oats are too mushy and steel cut oats (alone) are too chewy. My favorite brand is One Degree Sprouted Oats, which are easier to digest since they’re sprouted.
  • Don’t Skip the Chia Seeds: The chia seeds create a thick, creamy texture. If you don’t have chia seeds, use flax seeds instead.
  • Hot Oatmeal: If you want to eat this recipe hot, warm the oats in the microwave or on the stove-top. If using the stove-top, add 1-2 tablespoons of additional milk/water to keep the oats from drying out.
  • On-the-go Lunch or Snack: Spoon the oats into a thermos and take them to work or school. Here’s how to keep food cold in a lunchbox.
Overnight oats on the counter with berries on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, overnight oats are meant to be enjoyed cold and raw. If you want warm oatmeal, warm the oats in the microwave or on the stove-top. Add 1-2 tablespoons of additional milk/water to keep the oats from drying out. Or make this hot oatmeal recipe.

Yes. There’s no need to cook or warm the oats before enjoying. That’s the beauty of overnight oatmeal: eat the oats cold, straight from the fridge.

My favorite protein powder brands: whey protein from Tera’s Whey and dairy-free protein powder from Faster Way. For vegan overnight oats, use a plant-based protein powder.

Yes, you can. However, the oats won’t be as creamy and won’t have much protein. If you skip the protein powder, add protein on the side, like an egg dish, yogurt bowl, or chocolate protein yogurt.

Yes, but you can’t use 100% steel cut oats. You NEED rolled oats to get the right texture. Add up to 2 tablespoons of steel cut oats along with the rolled oats. You may also need to add 1-2 tablespoons of additional water or milk.

Chia seeds make the oats creamy. If you must replace the chia seeds, use ground flax seeds.

Yes, oatmeal is a healthy food with health benefits. Oats are predominately Carbohydrates. Carbs are the body’s preferred fuel source and are essential for thyroid and hormone health. Oats are also high in fiber. Pairing oats with protein, either by adding protein powder or enjoying protein on the side (meat, eggs, yogurt, etc.) is the best.

Spooning overnight oats from a glass bowl, with strawberries on top.
Print

Protein Overnight Oats Without Yogurt

Prepped in under 2 minutes, protein overnight oats without yogurt is the easiest no-cook recipe. With a creamy texture and healthy ingredients that fuel your body with essential macronutrients (healthy fats, protein, and carbs), this recipe is worth waking up for!
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword High Protein Overnight Oats, Overnight Oats Without Yogurt, Protein Overnight Oats
Prep Time 2 minutes
Refrigerate 4 hours
Servings 1 jar/serving
Calories 456kcal
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $3

Equipment

Ingredients

Optional Extra Flavor Enhancements:

  • 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest (grate the rind of a lemon or orange)

Instructions

  • Add all the dry ingredients to a meal-prep jar or small bowl: oats, chia seeds, protein powder, salt. If you're adding cinnamon or nutmeg, now is the time.
  • Add the milk and water to the oat mixture. If you're adding any extra liquid ingredients (maple syrup, honey, lemon or orange zest, vanilla extract, etc.), now is the time to add one or a few of these ingredients.
  • Stir all the ingredients together with a fork until well combined.
  • Secure a lid on the jar or bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. As the oats rest in the fridge, the mixture will thicken.
  • The oats may be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Before eating the oatmeal, whether that's the next day or a few days later, add toppings and enjoy!
  • Eat the oats cold, straight from the fridge, or warm in the microwave or stove-top for warm oats.

Video

Notes

  • Thick Oats: I don’t like super thick oatmeal, so I use 1 cup total liquid to 2/3 cup oats. If you want a super thick oatmeal (no liquid left in the morning), use 2/3 cup liquid. Adding protein powder also thickens the oatmeal mixture.
  • Meal Prep: Make this recipe up for 4 days in advance. Store in the fridge. Before serving, add your favorite toppings.
  • Topping Ideas: Top the overnight oats with fresh or frozen berries, mangoes, pineapple, apples, peaches, pitted cherries, kiwi slices, banana slices, almond or peanut butter, tahini, honey or maple syrup, nuts, or coconut flakes. 
  • Warm Oats: The oats are meant to be enjoyed cold. If you’d like warm oats, heat the mixture in the microwave or on the stove-top before enjoying. Add 1-2 tablespoons of extra water or milk for the stove-top.
  • Add Frozen Fruit: If you want to use frozen fruit in your oatmeal, you’ll need to decrease the liquid. Follow this overnight oats with frozen fruit recipe.
  • Using Coconut Milk: If you use canned coconut milk, which is very thick, you’ll need to follow this coconut milk recipe. Use 1/2 cup coconut milk + 1/2 cup water.
  • The nutritional value doesn’t include optional ingredients, like maple syrup or toppings. Whole milk is calculated as the milk of choice. 

Nutrition

Calories: 456kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 102mg | Potassium: 517mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 284IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 355mg | Iron: 5mg
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Homemade Chocolate Yogurt Recipe (like pudding!) https://livesimply.me/homemade-chocolate-yogurt-protein-greek-yogurt/ https://livesimply.me/homemade-chocolate-yogurt-protein-greek-yogurt/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2023 01:13:58 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=95697 Chocolate lovers, this recipe is for you! This homemade chocolate yogurt recipe will satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full. With 28 grams of protein, this make-ahead friendly recipe is the perfect way to fuel your body for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or dessert. It’s easy to make with just two ingredients. What...

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Chocolate lovers, this recipe is for you! This homemade chocolate yogurt recipe will satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full. With 28 grams of protein, this make-ahead friendly recipe is the perfect way to fuel your body for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or dessert. It’s easy to make with just two ingredients.

Chocolate yogurt in a bowl with strawberries in the background.
This protein-rich yogurt tastes like chocolate mousse (without the sugar).

What Readers Say

“I tried this today!! With Greek yogurt, plain collagen, cacao powder, added peanut butter and a tiny bit of raw honey. So good!!!! “

Debbie

What you’ll love about this recipe


  • HIGH PROTEIN: I aim to get 130 grams of protein into my daily diet. Greek yogurt is high in protein with 16-18 grams per serving. By adding a scoop of chocolate protein powder, this recipe ends up having 28 grams of protein and deep chocolate flavor!
  • EASY TO CUSTOMIZE: The original recipe is super easy to customize. If you don’t have protein powder, use cocoa powder (not high in protein, but will give you a rich chocolate flavor). Want a sweeter yogurt? Add maple syrup, honey, or stevia. Add different toppings like berries, bananas, granola, or peanut butter.
  • TASTES LIKE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE: This recipe is fluffy and tastes like a my favorite dessert, chocolate mousse (without all the work or sugar).
  • EASY MAKE-AHEAD BREAKFAST: I’m a big fan of making breakfast in advance, like omelet cups, hardboiled eggs, chocolate overnight oats, or oven bacon. Make multiple jars of this recipe and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Breakfast has never been so easy and quick!
  • FAMILY FAVORITE: The kids, in particular, are obsessed with this yogurt. They also love this yogurt fruit dip. Both recipes are perfect for a school breakfast, lunch, or snack. Here’s how to pack cold food for school.
Ingredients to make chocolate yogurt on the counter: yogurt, protein powder, fruit, cinnamon, cocoa powder.
All you need is yogurt and chocolate protein powder (or use cocoa powder).

Ingredients Needed

Main Ingredients:

Optional Extra Flavorings:

  • 1/2-1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (for additional chocolate flavor)
  • 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (or 1/4 teaspoon liquid stevia)
  • pinch of cinnamon (enhances the chocolate flavor)
  • pinch of salt (enhances the dark chocolate flavor)
  • splash of vanilla extract

Optional Yogurt Toppings:

What Kind of Yogurt? For best results, use plain greek yogurt: whole-milk greek yogurt, nonfat milk yogurt, or 2% fat yogurt. Greek yogurt is thick since the whey has been removed. It’s the perfect texture for this recipe.

Equipment Needed

  • 1 medium or small bowl for mixing and eating the yogurt
  • Storage jars (I love Weck Jars or Mason Jars) if you want to prep individual jars for a food prep breakfast or snack

Substitutions and Variations

  • Dairy-Free Yogurt: This recipe is naturally gluten free, grain free, and and low carb. It can be made dairy-free as well. Use a thick, plant-based yogurt. The best plant-based greek yogurt brands: Kitehill (almond milk yogurt), So Delicious (coconut milk yogurt), Two Good (coconut milk yogurt), and Forager (coconut milk and cashew milk yogurt). Here’s a great listing of the best dairy-free greek yogurt brands.
  • Make Chocolate Yogurt Bark: A great treat for a hot day. Make the chocolate yogurt (I recommend doubling this recipe), line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Pour the yogurt over the top of the parchment paper. Use a rubber spatula to spread the yogurt about 1/2 inch thick. Top the yogurt with berries (sliced strawberries, halved raspberries), sliced almonds, drizzle with peanut butter, or chocolate chips. Freeze for about 2 hours until firm. Remove from the freezer and use a sharp knife to cut into pieces. Store in an airtight container (or bag) in the freezer.
  • Use Cocoa Powder Instead of Protein Powder: If you don’t want to use protein powder, use 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder. You’ll definitely need a sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or stevia) since the cocoa powder will have a bitter flavor. Protein powder is slightly sweetened (my favorite brands use stevia) and don’t require extra sweetener.

For a rich chocolate yogurt that tastes like a dark chocolate pudding, I like this combination: 2/3 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 serving chocolate protein powder, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon maple syrup. This combo tastes even better the next day, so it’s great to make ahead for breakfast.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Yogurt and Protein Powder

Spoon the yogurt into a bowl. Add 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder. If you’re going to add extra flavorings (cocoa powder, sweetener, vanilla, etc.) do that now.

Use a spoon to combine the ingredients. Aggressively mix the ingredients with your spoon until all the powder is incorporated into the yogurt and the yogurt mixture appears fluffy and has a creamy texture (about 15-30 seconds).

Adding toppings to the yogurt bowl: peanut butter, berries, and granola.
Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Step 2: Add Toppings

The yogurt is ready to enjoy. Top the yogurt with your favorite toppings: banana slices, frozen or fresh berries, peanut butter, granola, shredded coconut, etc.

Need topping ideas? Check out 17 healthy yogurt bowl toppings.

Make-Ahead Meal Prep Storage Instructions

If you’d like to make multiple yogurt bowls for a make-ahead breakfast, snack, or lunch, spoon the yogurt mixture into individual airtight containers (I love Weck Jars or Mason Jars). Secure the lids. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Before enjoying, add your favorite toppings.

Chocolate Overnight Oats is another favorite make-ahead breakfast using protein powder.

Chocolate yogurt in a Weck jar with a lid.
A great make-ahead breakfast option! Spoon into individual jars and store in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can; however, the texture won’t be the same. Greek yogurt is thick and provides a mousse-like texture. If you want to use regular whole milk yogurt, go for it. Just don’t expect the same results. You can make your own yogurt using a yogurt culture and slow cooker (or Instant Pot yogurt). And here’s how to turn that yogurt into Greek yogurt.

Any kind of greek yogurt works. I like nonfat greek yogurt since I count macronutrients and prefer to enjoy fat in other ways (like adding peanut butter). Kirkland brand from Costco or Stonyfield are my favorite. Whole milk greek yogurt and 2% greek yogurt also work. It’s up to you and your preference.

Sure. Most of the options at the store contain added sugars and artificial flavors. I buy a large tub of plain yogurt each week for my family (much cheaper than individual serving cups) and always have chocolate protein powder in the pantry (for smoothies or this chocolate overnight oats recipe). It makes sense from a budget and ingredient perspective to make my own chocolate yogurt. Plus, most of the store-bought options don’t have 28 grams of protein! <–I can’t name one.

Use 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder instead. You’ll need to add a sweetener of choice since the cocoa powder will have a bitter taste. I think this delicious yogurt tastes best with chocolate protein powder.

Chocolate yogurt bowl with toppings.

5 MORE DELICIOUS

Yogurt Recipes

Chocolate yogurt in a bowl with strawberries in the background.
Print

Homemade Chocolate Yogurt (Protein Greek Yogurt)

This homemade chocolate yogurt recipe will satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full. With 28 grams of protein, it's made with just two main ingredients: Greek yogurt and chocolate protein powder. Serve this yogurt with your favorite toppings.
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate greek yogurt, Chocolate Yogurt, Homemade Chocolate Yogurt
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 yogurt bowl (single serving)
Calories 140kcal
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $3

Equipment

  • 1 small or medium bowl for mixing and eating the yogurt

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (170 grams): nonfat, whole milk, or 2%
  • 1/2 serving chocolate protein powder see notes below for favorite brands

Extra Optional Ingredients (choose one, multiple, or none)

  • 1/2-1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder for extra chocolate flavor
  • 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey or 1/4 teaspoon liquid stevia
  • pinch cinnamon (enhances the chocolate flavor)
  • pinch salt (enhances the chocolate flavor)
  • splash pure vanilla extract

Topping Ideas (choose one, multiple, or none)

Instructions

  • Spoon the yogurt into a bowl. Add 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder. If you're going add extra flavorings (cocoa powder, sweetener, vanilla, etc.) do that now. (See my favorite combo of ingredients in the notes below.) Use a spoon to combine the ingredients. Aggressively mix the ingredients with your spoon until all the powder is incorporated into the yogurt and the mixture appears fluffy and has a creamy texture (about 15-30 seconds).
  • The yogurt is ready to enjoy. Top the yogurt with your favorite toppings: banana slices, frozen or fresh berries, peanut butter, granola (grain-free granola or oat granola), shredded coconut, etc.

Make-Ahead Food Prep Instructions

  • If you'd like to make multiple yogurt bowls for a make-ahead breakfast, snack, or lunch, spoon the mixture into individual airtight containers (I love Weck Jars or Mason Jars). Secure the lids. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Before enjoying, add your favorite toppings.

Video

Notes

For a rich chocolate yogurt that tastes like a dark chocolate pudding, I like this combination: 2/3 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 serving chocolate protein powder, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon maple syrup. This combo tastes even better the next day, so it’s great to make ahead for breakfast.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 116mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Calcium: 268mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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What to Serve With Breakfast Casserole? (21 Sides) https://livesimply.me/what-to-serve-with-breakfast-casserole/ https://livesimply.me/what-to-serve-with-breakfast-casserole/#respond Mon, 05 Dec 2022 02:02:25 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=94599 “What to serve with breakfast casserole?” That’s the question, whether you’re making the casserole for a quick weekday breakfast, special gathering, or Christmas morning. Here are 16 of my favorite side dishes to pair with any breakfast casserole. There are many different ways to make the perfect breakfast casserole. Here are 5 of the best...

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“What to serve with breakfast casserole?” That’s the question, whether you’re making the casserole for a quick weekday breakfast, special gathering, or Christmas morning. Here are 16 of my favorite side dishes to pair with any breakfast casserole.

Breakfast casserole served with bread and grapefruit.
Serve your favorite breakfast casserole with one of these easy side dishes.

There are many different ways to make the perfect breakfast casserole. Here are 5 of the best breakfast casserole recipes that are made with simple ingredients found at any grocery store.


  • Classic Egg Breakfast Casserole: Made with eggs, cheese, and pork sausage (breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or plain sausage) and cooked in a baking dish. It may be prepped as an overnight breakfast casserole for the holiday season or a baby shower, then baked the next morning. And it’s one of my favorite make-ahead recipes for a quick weekday breakfast.
  • Egg Strata: This savory casserole is made in a skillet. Combine eggs, stale bread, cheese, bacon, and broccoli, then bake in the oven. Perfect for Christmas brunch, special occasions, or a meal prep option for a quick weekday breakfast.
  • Bacon and Vegetable Frittata: This easy recipe is made in a skillet, starting on the stove-top and then baked off in the oven. Made with veggies, bacon, cheese, and eggs. My favorite easy breakfast casserole recipe to make over the weekend and enjoy throughout the week for a quick and easy meal prep breakfast.
  • French Toast Casserole: Made with bread, cream, maple syrup, and delicious spices. The best options for side dishes include: fruit, yogurt, crispy bacon (pork or turkey bacon), or scrambled eggs.
  • Omelet Cups or Mini Quiche: A breakfast casserole served up in individual portions. Made with your favorite veggies, cheese, and eggs, then baked in individual muffin cups, so you end up with mini casseroles. One of my favorite ways to prep a breakfast in advance or a fun option for holiday breakfasts or special gatherings.

21 Best Side Dishes for a Breakfast Casserole

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

1. Yogurt Bowls or Parfaits

Serve a nutrient-dense yogurt bowl as a side dish: yogurt, granola, fruit, and other toppings. Make the yogurt bowls into fancy parfaits by adding fruit to the bottom of small mason jars or wine glasses, add yogurt on top, and spoon homemade granola on top (just before serving).

2. Toast

This is a great way to serve a side dish with minimal effort. Top the toast with butter, jam, mashed avocado, or make peanut butter and banana toast.

Lettuce, goat cheese, and peach salad.
Make a green salad and add a homemade dressing on the side.

3. Green Salads with Homemade Dressing

If you’re serving the casserole for brunch, a green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or ranch dressing is a great side option. Or make a romaine and kale Caesar salad or peach, arugula, and goat cheese salad.

Prosciutto salad with melons on a blue serving platter.
A cold, refreshing salad that pairs perfectly with any breakfast casserole: melon and prosciutto mixed with a sweet vinaigrette.

4. Melon Prosciutto Salad 

This melon prosciutto salad is perfect for a special occasion and pairs perfectly with an egg casserole (like a frittata or sausage and egg casserole) or a French Toast Casserole.

Yogurt dip in a glass jar with apple slices and strawberries.
Adding a yogurt dip on the side is a fun way to serve a variety of fruit with a casserole.

5. Yogurt Dip

Cut up a variety of fruit: berries, melon, apples and display the fruits on a tray. Add this yogurt dip to the center of the fruit.

You can make the yogurt dip up to 3 days in advance, so this is a great recipe for parties or special occasions. This is also a big hit with kids and great for snacking or the lunchbox.

Fruit salad in a bowl.
Serve one fruit or mix a variety of fruits to make a fruit salad.

6. Fresh Fruit

Add your favorite fresh fruit on the side of any casserole. This works great for busy mornings (grab a handful of berries with a make-ahead egg casserole), a weekend breakfast, or special occasion.

7. Fruit Salad

Instead of serving one single fruit, combine a variety of different fruits in a bowl: apples, berries, kiwi, pineapple, melons. Add chopped mint leaves for extra decoration and delicious flavor.

Pouring glaze over homemade cinnamon rolls.
Homemade cinnamon rolls are a treat to serve with a casserole for the holidays or special occasions.

8. Cinnamon Rolls

I love making einkorn cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning and pairing the buns with this sausage and egg casserole or frittata.

Flaky biscuit on a plate.
Homemade biscuits pair perfectly with egg casseroles.

9. Biscuits

There’s nothing like homemade fluffy biscuits (I make einkorn biscuits) paired with scrambled eggs, an egg and cheese omelette, egg casserole, or frittata. Add butter and drizzle with honey…perfection!

10. Croissants

Croissants pair perfectly with any egg casserole dish. Pick up your favorite croissants from the store or a bakery and serve plain, or with butter, jam, or honey.

Grapes, crackers, salami, and goat cheese on a platter.
Assemble cured meats, cheese, fruits and/or veg on a platter for an easy side for a special brunch or gathering.

11. Meat and/or Cheese Board

For a special gathering, serve an assortment of cheese or cured meats: salami, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, gouda, manchego, along with some fruit (or veggie sticks). Here’s how to build an epic charcuterie board.

Homemade muffins on a flue and white platter.
Muffins work for a special gathering or a make-ahead breakfast side.

12. Muffins

Homemade muffins pair perfectly with an egg casserole. A few of my favorites: almond flour banana muffinseinkorn muffins, banana-maple einkorn muffins, or pumpkin einkorn muffins.

Make a batch of muffins for a gathering, or on the weekend for a quick breakfast during the week (along with a slice of make-ahead egg casserole or omelet cups).

Blueberry scones on a cutting board with drizzle glaze on top.
Scones + egg casserole = a match made in heaven!

13. Scones

A great bread option to pair with any egg casserole. I love to make scones with einkorn flour (which is easier to digest and higher in protein than modern wheat). Try my Einkorn Pumpkin Scones or Einkorn Blueberry Scones.

Pumpkin bread on a cutting board with two slices off to the side with butter on top.
Quick breads like pumpkin or banana bread are a great make-ahead breakfast casserole side.

14. Quick Bread

Make your favorite quick bread, like almond flour banana bread, orange-cranberry einkorn bread, or almond flour pumpkin bread. Slice it up and serve alongside any egg breakfast casserole. Or, make the bread on the weekend and serve slices with a casserole for a quick weekday breakfast.

15. Bagels and Cream Cheese

No cooking required with this side dish and a great way to make a hearty breakfast for a crowd: serve your favorite egg casserole alongside bagels and cream cheese. Add fruit on the side for a complete meal.

Homemade pancakes layered on a cutting board.
There’s nothing like homemade pancakes on the side of an egg casserole.

16. Pancakes

Homemade pancakes and eggs always go together. Serve your favorite egg casserole with a side of homemade pancakes.

And yes, this even works for a busy morning. Make the pancakes over the weekend and store in the fridge. Simply reheat and you have an amazing breakfast even on the busiest of days.

I love sheet pan einkorn pancakesalmond-oat pancakes, or traditional einkorn pancakes.

A homemade waffles cut with a fork on a plate with berries and maple syrup on top.
Homemade waffles with your favorite toppings are a delicious side to pair with any egg casserole.

17. Waffles

Waffles go perfectly with any egg dish! You can make the waffles in advance, then pop in the toaster on busy mornings to pair with a make-ahead casserole, like this sausage and egg casserole, frittata, or omelet cups. I love to make einkorn waffles or almond flour waffles.

Sweet potato hash in a skillet being spooned out.
Potato hash is a delicious way to add a veggie-packed side.

18. Potato Hash

This sweet potato hash is perfect to pair with any casserole. And just like many of the recipes on this list, it may be prepared in advance and reheated throughout the week for a quick side dish.

Cooked bacon on parchment paper.
If you want to add more protein, serve bacon or sausage on the side.

19. Bacon or Sausage

Many egg casserole dishes already include a breakfast meat like pork or turkey sausage, or bacon. But if you’d like to add extra protein on the side, why not cook up some oven-baked bacon, sausage patties or links, or add cold (sliced) ham on the side? For sausages, I love the Bilinski brand chicken sausages (delicious and easy to prepare).

For busy mornings, cook the bacon or sausage on advance, store in the fridge, and reheat in the microwave or on the stove-top. Then serve with a make-ahead casserole or omelet cups.

Scrambled eggs on a plate.
If you’re making a bread-based casserole, add eggs for a protein-packed side.

20. Eggs

If you’re making a French Toast Casserole, why not add protein on the side with eggs? Fluffy scrambled eggs, an egg and cheese omelette, hard or soft boiled eggs, or sunny side up eggs are perfect to pair with a bread-based dish.

21. Coffee Cake

A delicious sweet treat for a holiday gathering or special occasion that pairs perfectly with a casserole. I make this einkorn coffee cake every Christmas.

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