Hellobee

I’m always on the lookout for new ideas for make-ahead breakfasts to add to my lineup of baked oatmeal and freezer egg-based recipes. With warmer weather we’re looking for a replacement for our homemade frozen breakfast burritos – something cold but with the same satisfaction factor.

Overnight oats first came to mind. Perhaps you’ve heard of them? They’re also called refrigerator oatmeal or Bircher muesli. The basic idea is to soak rolled oats in milk (and often chia seeds) in the fridge overnight. There’s no cooking required and breakfast is ready to go in the morning. Along with smoothies, this cooling porridge made up the bulk of our breakfasts last spring and summer, but I wanted to switch things up this year. Then, I saw a variation on a restaurant menu using fresh juice rather than milk. I was curious but also a bit apprehensive about trying it: Would the texture be appealing? What would the combination of juice and oatmeal taste like?

After some experimenting, I can confidently say overnight oats with juice will make the breakfast rotation. The orange and pomegranate juices are bright, refreshing, and energy-boosting while the oats provide a satisfying chew and staying power. Any doubts I had about the texture and flavor flew out the window as each bite left me wanting another.

Now I keep thinking about all the exciting adaptation possibilities. We received a juicer for Christmas, so now when I’m making a fresh juice I’m imagining what it would taste like with oats and what toppings might be the perfect complement. Start with the recipe below, and then feel free to play around the the ingredients to keep it interesting!

Overnight Oats with Juice

1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (or 1/4 cup orange juice + 1/4 cup pomegranate juice)
a few drops of vanilla extract
yogurt, nuts, and fresh fruit, for serving

Stir together the oats and juice in your serving vessel of choice. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, stir in the vanilla extract and top with yogurt, nuts, and/or fresh fruit.

Serves 1