Bircher Muesli (Swiss Overnight Oatmeal) Recipe
Bircher Muesli is a classic Swiss overnight oats recipe that combines rolled oats, seeds, nuts, and grated apple soaked overnight in a mixture of milk and yogurt. This wholesome and nutritious breakfast is easy to prepare, customizable with various toppings, and perfect for a quick, healthy start to your day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Swiss
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds or flax seeds
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 1¼ cups almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 cup plain yogurt or coconut yoghurt
- ½-1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or more according to taste
- 1 large Granny Smith apple or apple of choice, cored and grated (peeling is optional)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds
Topping Options
- Sliced or chopped apples
- Nut butter dollops
- Yoghurt dollops
- Pomegranate arils
- Citrus slices
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, toss together the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chia seeds, hemp or flax seeds, salt, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries until well mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the almond milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup into the oat mixture. Then add the grated apple and stir everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or divide the mixture into individual jars or containers. Refrigerate overnight to allow the oats and seeds to soak and soften, absorbing the flavors.
- Serve: When ready to eat, enjoy the muesli directly from the jar or spoon 1 to 1½ cups into a bowl. If needed, stir in a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt to adjust the consistency to your liking.
- Add Toppings: Garnish with your favorite toppings such as sliced apples, nut butters, extra yogurt, pomegranate arils, or citrus slices for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Bircher Muesli can be stored covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the amounts of dried fruit, seeds, and spices like cinnamon to taste, but keep the oat to milk/yogurt ratio consistent.
- If preferred warm, gently heat in the microwave or on the stovetop adding more liquid as needed to adjust consistency.
- While overnight soaking is ideal, shorter soaking times of 1-2 hours can also work, especially if using quick oats, depending on your texture preference.
- For a crunchier texture, add the grated apple just before serving rather than soaking it overnight.
