Christian Burkert / The Broadside

This time-saving meal prep recipe delivers big flavor and leaves lots of room for creativity.  The base is simple to make and can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.  The add-ins listed below were used to make 2 flavors of refrigerator oats:  Raspberry and Almond Mocha.

Makes 3 ½ Pint servings, good for 3 grab-and-go breakfasts  

Total cost: About $1.61

Ingredients:

Oat base Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats ($.20)

2 Tbs chia seeds – Optional ($.14)

1 pinch Salt

1.5 cups milk or any milk substitute ($.19)

½ cup vanilla yogurt ($.30)

1 tsp vanilla or almond extract ($.10)

Toppings and add-ins:

Raspberries and blackberries ($.30)

½ sliced banana  ($.15)

Sliced almonds

For Almond Mocha:

1 Tbs cocoa powder ($.05)

1 tsp instant espresso ($.09)

For Raspberry:

1 Tbs raspberry preserves  ($.09)

Instructions

Gather and prep ingredients.

Oat Base:

Add oats, chia seeds, salt, milk, yogurt, extract and your choice of add-ins  to a mixing bowl and combine.

The mixture will be very runny.

Pour mixture into containers and refrigerate for at least four hours, but preferably overnight.  Canning jars are trendy, but not necessary.  Any container with a lid will work fine, or you can cover the bowl in plastic wrap. The mixture will have a firmer consistency after chilling.

Assembly:

Add toppings directly to the container or transfer the desired portion to a bowl and garnish with your preferred toppings. Fruit and berries work well, and crushed graham crackers, cereal, or granola add a nice crunch.  A drizzle of honey or maple syrup will add a bit more sweetness. 

Enjoy!

Notes:

The base of this recipe takes less than 5 minutes to assemble and can be used with an infinite amount of add-ins and toppings. The only limit is your imagination!  Different brands of yogurt or different types of milk change the level of sweetness and flavor.