These orange overnight oats take just a minute to prepare the night before & in the morning for an easy, delicious and healthy citrusy and nutty breakfast.
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When I was making and writing up the post for the calamari salad I shared recently, it got me reminiscing about our trip last year a bit. The hotel we stayed at in Cyprus had a buffet breakfast which I can often be a bit skeptical of, but this one was actually pretty good.
As well as the chef on hand to cook eggs to order, they also had a great mix of hot and cold options, including lots of fruit, cheeses and meat and a bread station with about five breads to slice yourself, local house-made jams and other goodness.
My son was all about bread and jam, with a bit of watermelon or other fruit on the side. I varied what I had, and one or two days enjoyed their orange overnight oats. In truth, being in Europe, they called it bircher muesli as I have made in it's 'original' style (and with mango and strawberry) before, but for US readers I know overnight oats is the more familiar name.
I really liked the citrus undertone and decided I should make a version myself at home some time. It only took me six months but I got there, and I'm so glad I did. Especially now that the weather is warmer, these orange overnight oats are the perfect, easy breakfast.
What are overnight oats?
Overnight oats are simply oats left to soak in some kind of liquid overnight, usually milk or juice, then you can mix in or top with additional things like nuts or fruit.
For something so simple, there are lots of options and it makes for a great healthy breakfast when you are busy as there is basically nothing to do in the morning. The only challenge is remembering to make them up the night before which believe me I have had a few times, but I am very glad when I do.
These orange overnight oats are one of the easiest versions I have made yet but they are definitely not lacking in flavor. In fact my 8-month-old was eyeing them up so much as I ate them, I let him have a try and he then did a pretty good job of devouring them.
I have suggested mixing in flaked almonds, shredded coconut and dried cranberries (which I avoided for my infant, before you ask) as all go well with the flavors and textures. However of course feel free to adapt these to other things if you prefer.
I know for many of us, breakfast can either be a bit of a rush or just plain fuzzy before the coffee/tea kicks in (or both). So having something that's tasty, healthy and that's so quick to finish off in the morning like these orange overnight oats is a bit of a lifesaver. Simple to make, easy to enjoy and they set you up for the day. The perfect midweek breakfast to me.
Try these other oaty breakfasts:
- Swiss Bircher muesli (the original overhead oats)
- Banana oatmeal
- Healthy apple oatmeal cookies (hey, they're healthy so why not have them for breakfast!)
- Plus get many more breakfast and brunch recipes in the archives.
Orange overnight oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats I used old fashioned/rolled oats
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup milk or almond milk, or half yogurt and half milk
- 1 tablespoon almonds flaked or sliced, plus one or two more to top
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries plus one or two more to top
Instructions
- The night before, mix together the oats and orange juice. Cover and refrigerate until the morning.
- In the morning add the milk/almond milk or mix of milk and yogurt, the almonds, coconut and cranberries. Mix together, top with a few more nuts and enjoy.
Video
Nutrition
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Remember to pin for later!
Jane
The orange juice really brightens the flavor of these oats and makes this breakfast a refreshing treat. I used up some leftover oranges for fresh squeezed juice with cashew yogurt, chia seeds and strawberries.
Caroline's Cooking
Glad to hear you enjoyed, sounds good with the chia and strawberries too.
TX
Delicious! I had orange juice and dried cranberries and didn't know what to do with them 🙂 I can't wait to try that orange porridge with other toppings.
Caroline's Cooking
Great, glad to hear you enjoyed! And yes, very easy to change up the toppings too.
Mary
So The orange juice will not curdle the Greek yogurt or milk?
Caroline's Cooking
It hasn't when I have made it - I think it's mainly because the oats absorb the juice so there's not really much left as juice when you add the yoghurt/milk.
Robert
Very refreshing breakfast. Made these wonderful oats in orange for breakfast yesterday - no leftovers 🙂
Kids loved it!
Caroline's Cooking
That's great, Robert, glad everyone enjoyed it! My kids have loved this too.
Antonia
Delicious breakfast!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Antonia, it really is!
Aruna
I am always looking for new ways to pep up my morning batch of oats and this might just be it.
Thank you for bringing this delicious overnight oats to the party at Fiesta Friday!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Aruna, I agree it's always nice to have a bit of variety with your oats! Happy Fiesta Friday to you.
Frugal Hausfrau
I love overnight oats and am always looking for new ways to make them! Thanks for bringing this by Fiesta Friday this week!!
Mollie
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Mollie, and thanks for hosting this week!
Julie at Hostess At Heart
This looks amazing! I love oats for breakfast! Pinned!
Caroline's Cooking
Thank you Julie. Oats have become quite a staple in our house and these ones are a new favorite.