Overnight Oats (Muesli) (2024)

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Overnight oats is Swiss muesli, a healthy breakfast that is a nice change from dry cereal and other breakfast foods. Made with safe, gluten free oats, museli is perfect for a gluten free diet.

Overnight Oats (Muesli) (1)

For more on oat and the gluten free diet read my post, Gluten Free Whole Oats vs Quick Oats.

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Muesli vs Granola

To me granolais a crunchy, dry cereal that has been baked. You can serve it with milk or yogurt but it remains crunchy. Muesli on the other hand is wet. Uncooked oats are soaked overnight and no matter what fruits or nuts you add to the recipe it is different than granola. Of course I am aware that you can purchase a dry cereal labeled 'muesli' but that's all about marketing not cooking.

The Original Overnight Oats

A Swiss doctor is credited for inventing muesli as a healthy breakfast for his malnourished patients. It was made of raw oats soaked overnight in water or juice. Grated apple and nuts were then added and it was served with yogurt. Imagine, in 1900 this doctor was recommending a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables to improve the health of his patients. More than 100 years later the message is still the same…now that is food for thought.

My cousin Laurie submitted this muesli recipe for our family cookbook printed for our family reunion in 1995. That little book has a lot of gems in it from many different families. In my copy the page with this recipe is well spattered…proof it is a recipe that has stood the test of time.

Organize for Success - Muesli

My husband recalls eating muesli in a five star hotel in Geneva, Switzerland many years ago. That memory influenced the photo you see here but in my real world I just serve it in jars.

I make my muesli in a bowl and portion it right into Mason jars with plastic lids. This way I can add different fresh or frozen fruit to each jar. I stack those jars at the front of the fridge so I can grab one for my lunch bag. Fill 1-cup or ½-cup size jars depending on what you like. I fill the 1-cup size about two-thirds full then add fruit.

This muesli lasts in the fridge for up to a week but if you add frozen blueberries it looks slightly less appealing, but it always tastes.

Do you have a muesli story? Did you like this recipe? Let me know in the comments below.

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Overnight Oats (Muesli) (3)

Overnight Oats (Muesli)

Swiss muesli is the original overnight oats. Vary the recipe to your liking adding coffee, cocoa powder or any fruit you like.

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Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Swiss

Keyword: overnight oats

Author: Cinde Little

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup gluten free whole oats
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 2 small apples, peeled and grated
  • 6 tablespoon slivered almonds
  • ¼ cup plain yogurt
  • 4 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients together and portion directly into Mason jars.

  • Let soak 8 hours or overnight. Keeps in the fridge for one week.

Notes

It's a large recipe that can easily be halved. I like to make it all and have grab-and-go breakfasts for a whole week.

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Overnight Oats (Muesli) (2024)

FAQs

Which is healthier, overnight oats or muesli? ›

Oats provide an excellent source of fiber and energy, while muesli adds variety with a mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits that offer both nutritional values. Ultimately, the choice between muesli and oats comes down to personal preference and nutritional goals.

Is it okay to soak muesli overnight? ›

Once you add your desired liquid, stick it in the fridge and let the muesli + milk do their thing. Muesli can be soaked overnight, but no worries if you forget to start the process the night before. Even after a short 10-15 minute soak, the grains will start to soften up.

Is it okay to eat overnight oats every day? ›

It is recommended eating around 50 grams of healthy oats every day as they can lower the risk of a lot of diseases. Protein packed: Oats are one of the best plant-based sources of protein, they contain around 14 grams of protein per 100 grams. You can still build muscles if you're into muscle building.

Which is better for weight loss, muesli or oats? ›

Unlike muesli, oats do not have any additional ingredients which increase the calorie count of the cereals. And for weight loss, the absence of sugar and keeping your calorie count in check is highly important. So for weight loss, oats work well while for a healthy breakfast, both oats and muesli are great options.

Is muesli just oatmeal? ›

What is Muesli? Muesli is a mixture of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and fresh or dried fruit that have been soaked in milk, yogurt, or juice. This dish is attributed to a Swiss doctor, Maximilian Bircher-Benner, who fed this refreshing and filling breakfast to the patients in his hospital.

Is muesli high in carbs? ›

A bowl of muesli contains 289 calories, 8 grams of protein, 4 grams of fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, 66 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of sugar and 8 grams of fibre.

Is it healthy to eat muesli every morning? ›

It's a soluble fiber from oat grains that plays a beneficial role in insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity (Source). Beta-glucan in oats can help reduce your cholesterol by up to ten percent. That means that you are improving your heart health by eating muesli regularly.

How do the Swiss eat muesli? ›

In Switzerland, it is also consumed for supper as Birchermüesli complet – muesli with Café complet (milk coffee, accompanied by Butterbrot (bread, butter and jam)). In addition to being prepared raw, muesli can be toasted.

Why is muesli so filling? ›

The main ingredient in muesli is oats. Oats contain a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan. Beta-glucan helps slow your digestion, helps you feel fuller, and decreases your appetite.

Do overnight oats spike blood sugar? ›

Oats are rich in carbohydrates and a fibre called beta-glucan, which helps in the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream. However, consuming oats in isolation and in the morning may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels due to the Dawn effect.

Is there a downside to eating oatmeal? ›

The Cons of Oatmeal

Oats contain antinutrients such as phytic acid, which can hinder the absorption of certain minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium. Soaking or fermenting oats before consumption can help reduce the phytate content and improve nutrient absorption.

Is muesli good for belly fat? ›

Muesli contains a blend of weight-loss-friendly whole grains, such as rolled oats. A study says that foods rich in whole grains nourish the gut microbiota. It, in turn, promotes weight loss or better weight management. Nutritionists also highly recommend whole grain-rich foods as a vital part of healthy eating.

Can I lose weight by only eating muesli? ›

Yes, muesli is best for weight loss. Muesli is low in saturated fat and extremely low in cholesterol. It is likewise high in fiber and whole grains that kickstart and keep up the stomach related procedures in the body. Also, it is a source of cell antioxidants.

What's the difference between overnight oats and muesli? ›

While the preparation is essentially the same, Bircher muesli contains a lot more apples than oats. Overnight oats contain mostly oats with some additional ingredients. What is Bircher muesli made of? The original Bircher muesli recipe contains apples, oats, milk, chopped nuts, and some lemon juice.

Which is healthier muesli or granola? ›

While both muesli and granola can be part of a balanced diet, muesli often emerges as the healthier choice due to its lower sugar content and minimal processing. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it an excellent option for a nutritious breakfast or snack.

Is muesli healthy? ›

Muesli is a breakfast cereal that contains oats, seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. Compared to sugary breakfast cereals, muesli is a healthier option. Muesli is full of ingredients that can aid your digestion, help you feel fuller, and protect your heart. Muesli may be a great food to add to a healthy diet.

Which is the healthiest muesli? ›

Untoasted, raw or natural muesli usually starts with a base of rolled oats, loaded with nuts, seeds and/or dried fruit. Untoasted muesli is usually lower in saturated fat and added sugars than the toasted varieties, making it a healthy choice.

Which is healthier oatmeal or overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats are the more nutritious option, but that doesn't mean that this meal is for everyone.

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