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7 Overnight Oats Recipes

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By Rachel Tiemeyer
June 22, 2020 | Share:

Learn how to save time and money and eat healthier by prepping these Overnight Oats recipes ahead of time for the week. Use our 7 different delicious combinations to start filling your fridge today.

7 Overnight Oats Recipes

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We can’t enough of Overnight Oats in our homes! In addition to our 7 Smoothie Pack Recipes, they are one of the easiest ways to consume whole grains, fruits, and good-for-you proteins every single morning.

strawberries, almonds, oats on a white platter

We’ve created one Overnight Oats recipe for every day of the week, so you never get tired of the same one and so you include a variety of healthy ingredients in your diet throughout the week.

In this article you’ll find:

  • Benefits of Overnight Oats
  • How to Make Overnight Oats (+ Video Tutorial)
  • 7 Overnight Oats Recipes
  • FAQ: Do I Eat Them Warm or Cold?
  • FAQ: Can I Freeze Them?
  • Printable 7 Recipe Cheat Sheet

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Make-Ahead: You can whip up several of these on the weekend and have breakfast ready to go for the week. They just take minutes to put together.close

No Cooking Involved: The oats soften in the liquid as it sits in the refrigerator, which means no cooking is needed.

Super Healthy: Breakfast doesn’t get much healthier than this! Just check out all the benefits of oats alone, according to Harvard School of Public Health. The combo of fresh or frozen fruit, whole grains, and other nutritious add-ins provides fiber, protein, antioxidants, and valuable minerals.

blueberries, oats, walnuts, and cinnamon on a white platter

Eat On the Go: Whether you have just a few minutes before you leave for the day or need to eat breakfast in the car or at your desk, this breakfast-in-a-jar fits the bill! Eat these overnight oats cold or warm. (Read on for tips for serving.)

Super Tasty: With a balance of sweet, salty, and texture, our variety of overnight oat recipes will make the whole family happy. Today’s recipe–Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats–is one of my favorites. It’s like a dessert in a jar.

HOW TO MAKE OVERNIGHT OATS

In just four simple steps, you can throw together your overnight oats and be ready for the week. Here’s the basic method:

instructions for how to assemble overnight oats
  1.  Build the Base: In a clean 12-16 ounce mason jar, pour in your favorite (unsweetened) milk. Add old-fashioned or rolled oats and your all-natural sweetener of choice (pure maple syrup or honey). 
  2. Add Fruit: Whether it’s fresh or frozen berries, chopped peaches or tropical fruit, or your favorite dried fruit, this ingredient adds more sweetness, flavor, and nutrition. We do recommend adding banana slices fresh rather than ahead of time, but they can work if you don’t mind mushy bananas.
  3. Add Toppings: Pour in the remaining add-ins, such at nut butters, flaxseed, chia seeds, nuts, cinnamon, etc.
  4. Shake and Refrigerate: Seal and shake. Set in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. 

Check out our video showing just how simple it is to make overnight oats (this version is our Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats)…

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE OVERNIGHT OATS PRINTABLE!

To make Overnight Oats a regular part of your breakfast routine, we created a handy one-page printable of all the recipes. Place this inside a cabinet or pantry door so you can whip up these recipes anytime.

free printable of 7 Overnight Oats Recipes

Just pop in your email address below to have it instantly at your fingertips!

Overnight Oats Cheat Sheet

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    7 DELICIOUS, HEALTHY OVERNIGHT OATS RECIPES

    Recipe #1: Almond Joy

    Love that candy bar with chocolate, coconut, and almonds? Well, now you can have everything that’s delicious about Almond Joy in one make-ahead, nutritious overnight oats recipe.

    Recipe #2: Strawberry Shortcake

    This recipe tastes surprisingly like the dessert we all know and love. Make this when strawberries are in season or use frozen strawberries all year round.

    Recipe #3: Peach Pie

    This overnight oats recipe combines all the best flavors, crunch, and sweetness of peach pie into a satisfying, nutritious breakfast. Now, that’s what I’m talking about!

    Recipe #4: Blueberry Muffin

    Fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped walnuts (optional), cinnamon, and vanilla come together in this oats recipe to create a tasty “blueberry muffin” experience.

    Recipe #5: Raspberry Lemon

    Raspberries and lemon zest star in this bright, fresh flavored overnight oats recipe. Whip up a few batches when fresh raspberries are in season or make them anytime with frozen raspberries.

    Raspberry Lemon Overnight Oats in a mason jar

    Recipe #6: Peanut Butter and Jelly

    You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy this healthy take on America’s favorite sandwich. Polly and I agreed that this was one of our favorite combinations!

    Recipe #7: Peanut Butter Cup

    Peanut butter and chocolate marry together in this healthy breakfast that you might mistake for dessert!

    oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and bananas in mason jar on a counter

    Wouldn’t it be fun to have your fridge stocked with several of these flavors for the week ahead?

    FAQ: DO I EAT OVERNIGHT OATS WARM OR COLD?

    We hear this question a lot. The best way to serve overnight oats is…whatever you like best! Eating them cold or warm works.

    Serve Overnight Oats Cold: Shake the jar. Stir in a little extra milk if it’s too thick and more sweetener if you’d like. Grab a spoon and eat your oats cold. This is the perfect solution for those mornings when you’re on the run!

    Serve Overnight Oats Warm: This is our preferred way to serve overnight oats. Shake the jar and then remove the lid. Warm the oats in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir. Add more milk or sweetener as needed. Warm up even more, if desired.

    FAQ: CAN I FREEZE OVERNIGHT OATS?

    As cookbook authors and long-time freezer meal evangelists, our professional opinion is that this is one dish that won’t freeze and thaw well. If you’d like a freezer-friendly oat recipe, try one of our Baked Oatmeal recipes:

    DON’T FORGET YOUR FREE CHEAT SHEET!

    Make healthy eating even easier! Don’t forget to snag your free 1-page printable to hang inside a cabinet.

    Overnight Oats Cheat Sheet

      We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.
      Print
      6 mason jars with various overnight oats in them

      7 Overnight Oats Recipes

      • Author: Thriving Home
      • Prep Time: 5
      • Total Time: 5
      • Yield: 1 serving 1x
      • Category: Breakfast
      • Method: No cook
      • Cuisine: American
      Print

      Description

      Learn how to save time and money and eat healthier by prepping Overnight Oats ahead of time for the week. Use our 7 different delicious overnight oats recipes to start filling your fridge today.

      Ingredients

      Almond Joy:

      • 1/2 cup milk (we prefer plain almond milk), plus more for serving
      • 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
      • 1/2– 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
      • 1 tablespoon almond butter
      • 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
      • 1 teaspoon 100% cocoa powder
      • 1–2 tablespoons sliced almonds
      • 1–2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
      • 1/2 banana, sliced

      Strawberry Shortcake:

      • 1/2 cup milk (your choice), plus more for serving
      • 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
      • 1/2 – 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
      • 1/2 cup frozen or fresh chopped strawberries (chopped is easier to eat than sliced)
      • 2 tablespoons vanilla Greek yogurt
      • 1–2 tablespoons sliced almonds
      • 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla

      Peach Pie:

      • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your choice of milk)
      • 1/3 cup rolled oats
      • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
      • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, plus more to taste (sub: honey)
      • 1/2 cup diced peaches (fresh or frozen)
      • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
      • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
      • 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

      Blueberry Muffin:

      • 1/2 cup milk (your choice), plus more for serving
      • 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
      • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
      • 1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries
      • 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional)
      • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
      • 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

      Raspberry Lemon:

      • 1/2 cup milk (we prefer plain almond milk), plus more for serving
      • 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
      • 1/2– 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
      • 2 tablespoons vanilla Greek yogurt
      • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
      • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
      • 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

      Peanut Butter and Jelly:

      • 1/2 cup milk (your choice), plus more for serving
      • 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
      • 1/2 – 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
      • 1/2 cup frozen or fresh chopped strawberries (chopped is easier to eat than sliced)
      • 1 tablespoon all-natural peanut butter
      • 1 tablespoon all-natural strawberry jam
      • 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts
      • 1–2 teaspoons chia seeds

      Peanut Butter Cup:

      • 1/2 cup almond milk, plus more for serving (or your choice of milk)
      • 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (sub: quick oats)
      • 1/2–1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
      • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
      • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
      • 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
      • 1–2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
      • 1/2 banana, sliced

      Instructions

      1. In a 12-16 ounce mason jar, pour in the milk.
      2. Add oats and your all-natural sweetener of choice (pure maple syrup or honey).
      3. Add in the remaining fruit and add-ins (except bananas, which you will add right before eating so they don’t turn brown and mushy).
      4. Screw on the lid tightly and shake. Set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 3-5 days.
      5. You have two choices how to serve them:

      Serve Cold: Shake the jar. Open and add in the bananas (if they are in your recipe). Stir in a little extra milk if it’s too thick and more sweetener if you’d like. Grab a spoon and eat your oats cold. This is the perfect solution for those mornings when you’re on the run!

      Serve Warm: This is our preferred way to serve overnight oats. Shake the jar and then remove the lid. Warm the oats in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir. Add in the sliced bananas (if they are in your recipe) and more milk or sweetener, as needed. Warm up even more, if desired.

      Want to Stock Your Freezer with 6 Meals in 1 Hour?

      Try our SUPER POPULAR 1 Hour Freezer Prep sessions. We give you everything you need to throw together 6 delicious, family-sized freezer meals in just 1 hour! Anyone can do it with our simple instructions, organized shopping list, and pre-filled out freezer labels.

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      Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats

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      By Rachel Tiemeyer
      June 11, 2020 | Share:

      Peanut butter and chocolate star in this delicious, make-ahead Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats recipe that takes minutes to put together. You’ll think it’s dessert but it’s really a hearty, healthy breakfast!

      oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and bananas in mason jar on a counter

      We are obsessed with overnight oats! That’s why we’ve consistently rolled out recipe after recipe for you, like these flavors:

      Take a look at all the benefits below, and you’ll see why we make overnight oats every week in our homes.

      What Are the Benefits of Overnight Oats?

      oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and bananas in mason jar on a counter

      Make-Ahead: You can whip up several of these on the weekend and have breakfast ready to go for the week. They just take minutes to put together.

      No Cooking Involved: The oats soften in the liquid as it sits in the refrigerator, which means no cooking is needed.

      Super Healthy: Breakfast doesn’t get much healthier than this! The combo of fresh or frozen fruit, whole grains, and other nutritious add-ins provides fiber, protein, antioxidants, and valuable minerals.

      Eat On the Go: Whether you have just a few minutes before you leave for the day or need to eat breakfast in the car or at your desk, this breakfast-in-a-jar fits the bill! Eat these overnight oats cold or warm. (Read on for tips for serving.)

      Super Tasty: With a balance of sweet, salty, and texture, our variety of overnight oat recipes will make the whole family happy. Today’s recipe–Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats–is one of my favorites. It’s like a dessert in a jar.

      How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats

      bananas, peanuts, flaxseed, mini chocolate chips, peanut butter, and rolled oats on a plate

      In just four simple steps, you can throw together your overnight oats and be ready for the week. This particular recipe uses rolled oats, pure maple syrup, peanut butter, ground flaxseed, mini chocolate chips, bananas, chopped peanuts, and almond milk. Here’s the basic method:

      4 steps to making overnight oats
      1.  Build the Base: In a clean 10 ounce or 12-ounce mason jar, pour in your favorite (unsweetened) milk. Add old-fashioned or rolled oats and your all-natural sweetener of choice (pure maple syrup or honey). 
      2. Add Fruit: Bananas are the starring fruit in this version, which adds more sweetness, flavor, and nutrition. When adding bananas, you can add them ahead of time if you don’t mind them getting mushy. We prefer to add bananas right before serving, however.
      3. Add Toppings: Pour in the remaining add-ins. For this recipe, it’s peanut butter, ground flaxseed, mini chocolate chips, and chopped peanuts.
      4. Shake and Refrigerate: Seal and shake. Set in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. 

      Check out our video showing just how simple it is to make overnight oats (this version is our Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats)…

      Do I Eat Overnight Oats Warm or Cold?

      We hear this question a lot. The best way to serve overnight oats is…whatever you like best! Eating them cold or warm works.

      Serve Overnight Oats Cold: Shake the jar. Stir in a little extra milk if it’s too thick and more sweetener if you’d like. Grab a spoon and eat your oats cold. This is the perfect solution for those mornings when you’re on the run!

      Serve Overnight Oats Warm: This is our preferred way to serve overnight oats. Shake the jar and then remove the lid. Warm the oats in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir. Add more milk or sweetener as needed. Warm up even more, if desired.

      overnight oats with peanut butter and bananas in a mason jar

      Can I Freeze Overnight Oats?

      As cookbook authors and long-time freezer meal evangelists, our professional opinion is that this is one dish that won’t freeze and thaw well. If you’d like a freezer-friendly oat recipe, try one of our Baked Oatmeal recipes:

      Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats Recipe

      Prep a few of these overnight oats ahead of time and enjoy healthy, hearty breakfasts throughout the week.

      overnight oats with peanut butter and bananas in a mason jar
      Print
      overnight oats with peanut butter and bananas in a mason jar

      Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats

      ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
      • Author: Thriving Home
      Print

      Description

      Peanut butter and chocolate star in this delicious, make-ahead Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats recipe that takes just minutes to put together. You’ll think it’s dessert but it’s really a hearty, healthy breakfast!

      Ingredients

      • 1/2 cup almond milk, plus more for serving (or your choice of milk)
      • 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (sub: quick oats)
      • 1/2–1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
      • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
      • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
      • 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
      • 1–2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
      • 1/2 banana, sliced

      Instructions

      1. In a 10 ounce or 12 ounce mason jar, pour in the milk.
      2. Add oats and your all-natural sweetener of choice (pure maple syrup or honey).
      3. Add in the remaining add-ins (except bananas), which are peanut butter, ground flaxseed, mini chocolate chips, and chopped peanuts.
      4. Screw on the lid tightly and shake. Set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 3-5 days.
      5. When ready to eat, add your sliced bananas per the instructions below. Here’s how to serve when ready:

      Serve Cold: Shake the jar. Open and add in the bananas. Stir in a little extra milk if it’s too thick and more sweetener if you’d like. Grab a spoon and eat your oats cold. This is the perfect solution for those mornings when you’re on the run!

      Serve Warm: This is our preferred way to serve overnight oats. Shake the jar and then remove the lid. Warm the oats in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir. Add in the sliced bananas and more milk or sweetener, as needed. Warm up even more, if desired.

      Peach Pie Overnight Oats

      /0 Comments/in , , , , /by
      By Rachel Tiemeyer
      September 16, 2019 | Share:

      This make-ahead Peach Pie Overnight Oats recipe takes just minutes to put together and provides a super nutritious and quick breakfast.

      Overnights Oats with milk, oats, flax, peaches, cinnamon, vanilla, and pecans in a mason jar.

      Think late summer, ripe peaches, and a delicious slice of peach pie. This overnight oats recipe combines all the best flavors, crunch, and sweetness of peach pie into a satisfying, nutritious breakfast. Now, that’s what I’m talking about!

      What are the Benefits of Peach Pie Overnight Oats?

      Overnights Oats with milk, oats, flax, peaches, cinnamon, vanilla, and pecans in a mason jar.

      Just like our make-ahead Freezer Smoothie Packs, we are obsessed with this easy and healthy make-ahead breakfast idea. Here’s why:

      Make-Ahead: You can whip up several of these on the weekend and have breakfast ready to go for the week. They just take minutes to put together.close

      No Cooking Involved: The oats softened in the liquid as it sits in the refrigerator, which means no cooking is needed. Doesn’t get much easier.

      Super Healthy: Breakfast doesn’t get much healthier than this! The combo of fresh or frozen peaches, oats, flaxseed (here’s why to eat flax), almond milk, and pecans provide fiber, protein, antioxidants, and valuable minerals. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties. We use all-natural sweetener in our recipe, like pure maple syrup in this one.

      Overnights Oats with milk, oats, flax, peaches, cinnamon, vanilla, and pecans in a mason jar.

      Eat On-the-Go: Whether you have just a few minutes before you leave for the day or need to eat breakfast in the car or at your desk, this breakfast-in-a-jar fits the bill! Eat these Peach Pie Overnight Oats cold or warm.

      Eat a Muffin in a Jar: This combo of hearty oats and ground flax, sweet peaches (fresh and in season are best!), real maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon and vanilla will remind your tastebuds of one of the best pies I know–the Peach Pie! Stir in chopped pecans to provide even more variety of texture and some added protein. It’s up to you, though.

      How to Make Peach Pie Overnight Oats

      Overnights Oats with milk, oats, flax, peaches, cinnamon, vanilla, and pecans in a mason jar.

      In just four simple steps, you can throw together your overnight oats and be ready for the week. Here’s how:

      How to assemble overnight oats
      1.  Build the Base: In a clean 10 ounce or 12-ounce mason jar, pour in your favorite (unsweetened) milk. Add old-fashioned or rolled oats and your all-natural sweetener of choice (pure maple syrup or honey). 
      2. Add Fruit: Whether it’s fresh or frozen peaches (like this recipe), berries, or your favorite dried fruit, this ingredient adds more sweetness, flavor, and nutrition. We do recommend adding banana slices fresh rather than ahead of time, but they can work if you don’t mind mushy bananas.  
      3. Add Toppings: Pour in the remaining add-ins, like pecans, cinnamon, and vanilla for this version.
      4. Shake and Refrigerate: Seal and shake. Set in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. 

      Check out our video showing just how simple it is to make overnight oats…

      Do I Eat Peach Pie Overnight Oats Warm or Cold?

      We hear this question a lot. The best way to serve Peach Pie Overnight Oats is…whatever you like best! Eating them cold or warm works.

      Overnights Oats with milk, oats, flax, peaches, cinnamon, vanilla, and pecans in a mason jar.

      Serve Overnight Oats Cold: Shake the jar. Stir in a little extra milk if it’s too thick and more sweetener if you’d like. Grab a spoon and eat your oats cold. This is the perfect solution for those mornings when you’re on the run!

      Serve Overnight Oats Warm: This is our preferred way to serve overnight oats. Shake the jar and then remove the lid. Warm the oats in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir. Add more milk or sweetener as needed. Warm up even more, if desired.

      Other Flavors of Overnight Oats to Try

      Like I mentioned, we’re obsessed with this easy make-ahead concept. Here are some other flavors we’ve concocted for you to try:

      Peach Pie Overnight Oats Recipe

      This Peach Pie Overnight Oats recipe couldn’t be simpler. Just toss together a few no cook ingredients in a jar and set it in the fridge. Here’s the recipe…

      Overnights Oats with milk, oats, flax, peaches, cinnamon, vanilla, and pecans in a mason jar.
      Print

      Peach Pie Overnight Oats

      • Author: Thriving Home
      • Prep Time: 5 minutes
      • Cook Time: 1 minute
      • Total Time: 6 minutes
      • Yield: 1 serving 1x
      • Category: Breakfast
      • Method: No Cook
      • Cuisine: American
      Print

      Description

      This make-ahead peach pie overnight oats recipe takes just minutes to put together and provides a super nutritious and quick breakfast.

      Ingredients

      • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your choice of milk)
      • 1/3 cup rolled oats
      • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
      • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, plus more to taste (sub: honey)
      • 1/2 cup diced peaches (fresh or frozen)
      • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
      • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
      • 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

      Instructions

      1. In a clean 10 ounce or 12 ounce mason jar, pour in the milk.
      2. Add the oats, flax, and maple syrup.
      3. Pour in the remaining add-ins–peaches, pecans, cinnamon, and vanilla.
      4. Screw on the lid tightly and shake. Set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 3-5 days.
      5. You can eat it cold or warm. Here’s how to serve it:

      Serve Cold: Shake the jar. Stir in a little extra milk if it’s too thick and more sweetener if you’d like. Grab a spoon and eat your oats cold. This is the perfect solution for those mornings when you’re on the run!

      Serve Warm: This is our preferred way to serve overnight oats. Shake the jar and then remove the lid. Warm the oats in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir. Add more milk or sweetener as needed. Warm up even more, if desired.

      Overnights Oats with milk, oats, flax, peaches, cinnamon, vanilla, and pecans in a mason jar.

      How to Make Freezer Smoothie Packs (+7 Printable Recipes & Shopping Lists)

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      By Polly Conner
      August 14, 2019 | Share:

      Learn how to save time and money and eat healthier by prepping Freezer Smoothie Packs ahead of time. Use our 7 different delicious smoothie recipes to start filling your freezer today.

      how to make freezer smoothie packs and smoothies

      Smoothies are the bomb! I can think of no tastier way to get TONS of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods into you and your family every single day.

      They’ve become the norm in our homes for breakfast, lunch, or snacks since developing these 7 delicious, healthy smoothie recipes AND learning how to make freezer smoothie packs.

      We’ve created one smoothie for every day of the week, so you never get tired of the same one and so you include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet throughout the week.

      smoothies in mason jars

      All of our 7 easy, healthy smoothie recipes we are sharing below have a few things in common. Each recipe:

      • Tastes good! Yes, these smoothies are SUPER HEALTHY but we wanted to make sure they didn’t taste like grass from the backyard. Even our kids like them.
      • Includes only simple real food ingredients that you can find in just about any grocery store.
      • Makes a single-serving (approx. 16 ounce) smoothie, which can work as a meal replacement. Or, divide it up among family members.
      • Includes fruits and/or vegetables and a source of protein and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied.
      • Includes freezer smoothie pack instructions so you can prep several of them ahead of time to have on hand.

      Download Our Free Smoothie Pack Printable!

      To make smoothie pack assembling SUPER easy for you, we’ve created a FREE printable.

      In this PDF, you’ll get:

      1) 7 delicious smoothie recipes

      2) Shopping lists for single smoothies

      3) Shopping lists for making packs in bulk

      4) Four freezer pack labels per recipe

      Just pop in your email address below to snag it!

      7 Delicious, Healthy Smoothie Recipes

      smoothies in mason jars

      Smoothie #1: Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

      This easy, healthy Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie recipe tastes like a chocolate shake (seriously!) but is chock full of antioxidants and protein thanks to spinach, dark cherries, almond butter, cocoa powder, and more. 

      cherry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Smoothie #2: Green Machine Smoothie

      This easy, healthy Green Machine Smoothie is a great way to start the day. Simply blend up your powerhouse ingredients (avocado, mango, kale, chia seeds, and liquid of choice), and you’ll be charged up for a great day.

      green smoothie with mango and chia in mason jar with straw

      Smoothie #3: Blueberry Muffin Smoothie

      With sweet blueberries, banana, rolled oats, a few walnuts, and milk, the easy, healthy Blueberry Muffin Smoothie blends to a beautiful shade of purple and makes kids and adults alike happy. After all, who doesn’t love a Blueberry Muffin?! Psst…it’s also packed to the brim with gluten-free, dairy-free nutrition!

      blueberry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Smoothie #4: Strawberry Pina Colada Smoothie

      Frozen strawberries, pineapple, and banana combine with coconut milk and almonds to create the most luxurious, healthy smoothie you’ve ever had! This easy Strawberry Piña Colada fruit smoothie has party time written all over it.

      strawberry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Smoothie #5: Orangesicle Smoothie

      Sweet potato, clementines, carrots, and bananas create the base of this easy smoothie that’s a healthier version of the orange sherbet push-up pops from childhood. Yum! 

      Orange smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Smoothie #6: Very Berry Smoothie

      The Very Berry Smoothie, which includes strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, and some hidden spinach starts your day with a tasty super food punch.

      berry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Smoothie #7: 4-Ingredient Tropical Smoothie

      This easy, healthy 4 Ingredient Tropical Green Smoothie recipe tastes like you’re sitting on the beach in the Caribbean. (Yes, that’s a flavor.) Try this dairy-free, gluten-free, low calorie way to pack in some extra Vitamin C, fiber, and protein into your diet.

      pineapple, mango, spinach, cashews on cutting board

      Wouldn’t it be fun to have your freezer stocked with all these different flavors as freezer smoothie packs?

      What Are Freezer Smoothie Packs?

      how to make freezer smoothie packs

      One of the best parts of these recipes, in our humble opinion, is that you can make them into freezer smoothie packs ahead of time to have on hand for quick breakfasts and snacks. Freezer smoothie packs are simply individual packs of the solid ingredients of your favorite smoothie.

      It makes so much sense to use your time and resources wisely by prepping smoothies in bulk. Plus, having these on hand means healthy eating is right at your fingertips anytime!

      How to Make Freezer Smoothie Packs

      Having a pack of the frozen solid smoothie ingredients on hand means all you have to do is pour the required liquid in your blender, dump in the bag’s ingredients, and blend. You’ll be walking out the door with a tasty, nutritious breakfast in just minutes! Take a look at how easy it is…

      Making freezer smoothie packs isn’t rocket science, but we have found some tricks to freezing the components so that they stay fresh and don’t clump together and some fruits don’t turn brown. Just be sure to follow the instructions in our recipes and use our tips below.

      Download Our Free Smoothie Pack Printable!

      To make smoothie pack assembling SUPER easy for you, we’ve created a FREE printable.

      In this PDF, you’ll get:

      1) 7 delicious smoothie recipes

      2) Shopping lists for single smoothies

      3) Shopping lists for making packs in bulk

      4) Four freezer pack labels per recipe

      Just pop in your email address below to snag it!

      What Should I Store Freezer Smoothie Packs In?

      Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Here’s our full disclosure.

      You have several options for storing your freezer smoothie packs in the freezer.

      1 – Quart-sized BPA-free freezer bags work quite well, since they are smaller and made for the freezer. Consider saving these bags and restocking them with more freezer smoothie packs.

      2 – Sandwich-sized BPA-free storage bags will work if you place them inside a gallon-sized freezer bag. Consider saving these bags and restocking them with more freezer smoothie packs.

      3 – We also like these high-quality silicone storage bags. They are the perfect size for smoothie packs but also work well for any food storage. We’ve found that they are easy to clean (even dishwasher safe!), easy to use, and leak-proof. Silicone is one of the safest materials to store and even bake our food in, as it does not leach any chemicals into the food.

      4 – We tested using mason jars and found that they can be difficult to get the ingredients out of after being frozen. Plus, they are bulky and take up a lot of room in the freezer. They work in a pinch but aren’t the best option.

      What Kind of Blender Should I Use for Freezer Smoothie Packs?

      Now, let’s talk blenders for a minute. Not all of them are created equal. I’ve owned a lot of brands over the years–Frigidaire, Cuisinart, Ninja, Vitamix, and Oster. To really pulverize the freezer smoothie packs, you’ll need a high-powered blender. The two blenders that stand out as clear winners from my experience are:

      1. The Vitamix (of course!) because it is very high-powered, super simple, and will last for an eon. I saved up for and owned a refurbished version that lasted over five years with daily use. I could have sent it in to Vitamix to get fixed but instead opted for the blender below (and am very happy). Polly and I both just bought new Vitamix’s during a recent sale (eeek!). Very much worth the investment.

      2. A more affordable option is the Nutri Ninja Personal and Countertop Blender. The best feature in my opinion is that it allows me to make single serving smoothies that get very smooth. Love the single serving blend-and-go design! If you just want that feature only, consider getting just the Nutri Ninja Pro option, which is much cheaper. The big blender doesn’t pulverize as well as the smaller containers do, just so you know. We use the single-serving blender daily!

      We hope these smoothie recipes and freezer smoothie pack instructions help your family eat better and save time and money. We’d love to hear from you: What’s your favorite smoothie flavor??

      7 smoothies in mason jars

      Want to Stock Your Freezer with 6 Meals in 1 Hour?

      Try our SUPER POPULAR 1 Hour Freezer Prep sessions. We give you everything you need to throw together 6 delicious, family-sized freezer meals in just 1 hour! Anyone can do it with our simple instructions, organized shopping list, and pre-filled out freezer labels.

      Tell Me More!

      Freezer Breakfast Burritos

      /0 Comments/in , , , , , /by
      By Rachel Tiemeyer
      August 7, 2019 | Share:

      Your family will love this easy, make-ahead Breakfast Burrito Recipe that goes straight from the freezer to the microwave or oven for a fast and satisfying breakfast.

      breakfast burritos

      This post was created in partnership with Burgers’ Smokehouse.

      Kids and adults alike love these simple freezer-friendly breakfast burritos filled with all good things, including the BEST BACON ever. Make them in mass and freeze to have on hand for busy mornings as a grab-and-go option. What a nutritious, protein-rich, and delicious breakfast to start your day!

      Why Make Freezer Breakfast Burritos

      Let us make a quick case for why it’s worth spending an hour or two preparing a load of Freezer Breakfast Burritos to have on hand.

      1. Crowd-pleaser! These suckers are cheesy, gooey, melty deliciousness wrapped in a tortilla. We make them for breakfast or dinner with rave reviews from the kids and adults.
      2. Healthy! As you know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. With eggs, cheese, and bacon, this protein-packed meal will stick with you (or your kids) for hours. Add in some veggies or serve with some of our healthy suggestions below to round out this quick breakfast.
      3. Grab-and-Go! They are super easy to warm up in the morning, grab, and go. Just pull out the amount of burritos you need and follow our reheating instructions.
      4. Customizable! They are easy to customize with add-ins. See our ideas below.
      breakfast burritos

      What Should I Put in a Breakfast Burrito?

      The great news about making breakfast burritos is that you can alter them to fit your own taste preferences easily. We have provided a basic recipe that includes scrambled eggs, cheese, hash browns, and Burger’s Smokehouse diced bacon. This 4-ingredient combo alone is a crowd favorite!

      We say this all the time, but the Burgers’ Smokehouse bacon brings serious flavor. It’s hands-down our favorite bacon. Their new pre-diced bacon makes it so simple to use and is now available at your local grocery stores, including our favorite Hyvee (see all locations here).

      a variety of add-in options for freezer-friendly breakfast burritos, including sauteed peppers, red onions, mushrooms, salsa, Monterey Jack cheese, and avocado

      If you want to add in some more nutrition and flavor, though, try some of these suggestions that would work well in breakfast burritos…

      • Diced and sauteed bell peppers, red onion, and jalepeno peppers
      • Sliced and sauteed white button mushrooms
      • Salsa
      • Chopped spinach
      • Sliced green onions
      • Chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, cilantro, or basil
      • Switch up the cheese and try something like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, feta, or goat cheese
      • Serve diced avocado or guacamole on top (do not freeze in the burrito; instead add this after reheating it)
      breakfast burritos

      How to Prep and Freeze Breakfast Burritos

      Prepping Breakfast Burritos isn’t hard but it will take a little work on the front end. Trust me. You will be sooo happy to have these on hand in your freezer afterward.

      Check out our short video showing you just how easy it is…

      Here’s how we would suggest breaking down the work in order to be most efficient and to use only one large saute pan:

      1. Fry your bacon in a large saute pan (I love my cast iron pan). We’ve taken a shortcut in this recipe by using Burgers’ Smokehouse Naturally Smoked Diced Bacon (available at Hy-Vee and these stores). It saves time and mess! I would suggest buying two packages for a total of 3 pounds of bacon. That way you could triple our recipe while you’re at it and have LOTS of breakfast burritos on hand.
      bacon

      2. Using the bacon fat that is left (yum!), cook the hash browns according to package instructions in the same pan. Set aside on a paper-toweled lined plate.

      3. Then, using the same pan, cook your scrambled eggs according to the recipe.

      4. Set up your assembly line, and wrap and roll!

      breakfast burrito assembly line with eggs, cheese, hash browns, and bacon

      5. After rolling your breakfast burritos, freeze as many as you’d like in gallon-sized freezer bags and seal. Heat the others up and enjoy right away!

      Breakfast Burritos wrapped in foil and piled on a teal plate.

      Pro Tip! Our recipe makes 8 burritos. Why not double or triple it if you’re going to already be shopping, prepping, wrapping, and freezing? Oh, oh! And, why not drag a friend into the process with you and share the fruits of your labor? Heck, you could even throw a Freezer Party before school starts and stock your freezer.

      freezer meal party

      How to Freeze Breakfast Burritos

      Breakfast Burritos will taste just like they are fresh if you freeze and reheat them the right way.

      The key to success when freezing any freezer meal is to reduce exposure to air. That’s why we recommend tightly wrapping each individual breakfast burrito in foil (this also is handy when heating in the oven!) and then placing them in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing.

      frozen breakfast burritos wrapped in foil in a freezer bag

      How to Reheat a Frozen Breakfast Burrito

      You have a few options to reheat a frozen breakfast burrito:

      1) Microwave Method: This is the fastest method. Unwrap the foil from the frozen burrito, wrap in a moist paper towel, and microwave using the defrost setting for 2 to 3 minutes, or until warmed through.

      2) Oven Method (Frozen): Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the frozen breakfast burrito (in foil) for 45-60 minutes, until warmed through.

      3) Oven Method (Thawed): Thaw the burritos in the refrigerator overnight. Bake (in foil) for about 15 minutes in a 350°F oven, until warmed through and the cheese is melty.

      breakfast burritos warming up in the oven

      What to Serve with Breakfast Burritos

      Breakfast burritos can be a complete meal in and of themselves, especially if you include some of our optional add-ins like sauteed peppers and onions or chopped spinach. If you opt for our basic recipe, however, you may want to serve up some fruit and veggies alongside your breakfast burritos using one of these delicious ideas:

      breakfast burritos on a plate

      Now grab a friend and get cooking, wrapping, and freezing just in time for back to school breakfasts!

      Print

      Freezer Breakfast Burritos

      • Author: Thriving Home
      • Prep Time: 30
      • Cook Time: 15
      • Total Time: 45 minutes
      • Yield: 8 burritos 1x
      • Category: Breakfast
      • Method: Oven
      • Cuisine: American
      Print

      Description

      An easy make-ahead Breakfast Burrito Recipe that goes straight from the freezer to the microwave or oven for a fast, satisfying breakfast.

      Ingredients

      • 12 large eggs
      • 1/2 cup milk (your choice)
      • 1 teaspoon salt
      • 1/2 ground black pepper
      • 1 1/2 tablespoons butter (or avocado oil)
      • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
      • 1 pound shredded or diced hash brown potatoes, cooked according to package directions
      • 1 pound Burgers’ Smokehouse Diced Bacon, cooked (or chop up their sliced bacon)
      • 8 burrito-size tortillas
      • Optional Add-Ins:
        • sautéed bell peppers, onions, jalepeno peppers, or mushrooms
        • salsa
        • chopped spinach
        • sliced green onions
        • diced avocados
        • other kinds of cheeses (Monterey Jack, feta, etc)

      Instructions

      Make It Now:

      1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
      2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
      3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, making sure it doesn’t brown. Pour in the egg mixture and scramble the eggs until set but still moist. Remove from the heat and set aside.
      4. Prepare an assembly line with all the ingredients, including 8 square pieces of foil. Assemble each burrito on top of the foil by placing approximately 1/2 cup eggs, 1/4 cup cheese, 1/3 cup potatoes, and 2 tablespoons bacon (and any additional add-ins, if desired) in the middle of the tortilla. Use a spoon or your hands to toss the ingredients before wrapping the tortilla.
      5. Fold in the sides of the tortilla. While holding those in place, fold up the bottom of the tortilla over the ingredients and roll tightly into a burrito. Then, wrap the burrito tightly in the foil. (Freezing instructions begin here.)
      6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and the cheese is melty.

      Freeze For Later: Follow steps 1-5. Place foil-wrapped burritos in a freezer bag, seal, and freeze.

      Prepare From Frozen: You have three options:

      1) Microwave Method: Unwrap the foil from the frozen burrito, wrap in a moist paper towel, and microwave using the defrost setting for 2 to 3 minutes, or until warmed through.

      2) Oven Method (Frozen): Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until warmed through.

      3) Oven Method (Thawed): Thaw the burritos in the refrigerator. Bake as directed in step 6.

      breakfast burritos on a plate with fruit

      Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

      /2 Comments/in , , , , , /by
      By Rachel Tiemeyer
      July 15, 2019 | Share:

      This super nutritious make-ahead Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats takes just minutes to put together and tastes surprisingly like the dessert. A perfect breakfast recipe to have on hand when strawberries are in season!

      Strawberry shortcake overnight oats

      We are obsessed with overnight oats! That’s why we’ve consistently rolled out recipe after recipe for you, like these flavors so far:

      Take a look at all the benefits below, and you’ll see why we make overnight oats every week in our homes.

      What Are the Benefits of Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats?

      Overnight oats in a mason jar

      Make-Ahead: You can whip up several of these on the weekend and have breakfast ready to go for the week. They just take minutes to put together.

      No Cooking Involved: The oats soften in the liquid as it sits in the refrigerator, which means no cooking is needed. Doesn’t get much easier.

      Super Healthy: Breakfast doesn’t get much healthier than this! The combo of fresh or frozen strawberries, oats, milk, and almonds provide fiber, protein, antioxidants, and valuable minerals.

      Eat On the Go: Whether you have just a few minutes before you leave for the day or need to eat breakfast in the car or at your desk, this breakfast-in-a-jar fits the bill! Eat these overnight oats cold or warm.

      Super Tasty: Enjoy the kid-favorite tastes and textures of strawberry shortcake. With just the right amount of sweetness, saltiness, and texture, this is one of our favorite overnight oats combos.

      Ingredients for strawberry shortcake overnight oats

      How to Make Overnight Oats

      In just four simple steps, you can throw together your overnight oats and be ready for the week. Here’s how:

      How to assemble overnight oats
      1.  Build the Base: In a clean 10 ounce or 12-ounce mason jar, pour in your favorite (unsweetened) milk. Add old-fashioned or rolled oats and your all-natural sweetener of choice (pure maple syrup or honey). 
      2. Add Fruit: Whether it’s fresh or frozen berries (like this recipe), chopped peaches or tropical fruit, or your favorite dried fruit, this ingredient adds more sweetness, flavor, and nutrition. We do recommend adding banana slices fresh rather than ahead of time, but they can work ahead of time if you don’t mind mushy bananas.  
      3. Add Toppings: Pour in the remaining add-ins, like Greek yogurt, vanilla, and sliced almonds for this version.
      4. Shake and Refrigerate: Seal and shake. Set in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. 

      Check out our video showing just how simple it is to make overnight oats (this version is our Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats)…

      Do I Eat Strawberry Shortcake Oats Warm or Cold?

      Overhead shot of strawberry shortcake overnight oatmeal

      We hear this question a lot. The best way to serve overnight oats is…whatever you like best! Eating them cold or warm works.

      Serve Overnight Oats Cold: Shake the jar. Stir in a little extra milk if it’s too thick and more sweetener if you’d like. Grab a spoon and eat your oats cold. This is the perfect solution for those mornings when you’re on the run!

      Serve Overnight Oats Warm: This is our preferred way to serve overnight oats. Shake the jar and then remove the lid. Warm the oats in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir. Add more milk or sweetener as needed. Warm up even more, if desired.

      CAN I FREEZE OVERNIGHT OATS?

      As cookbook authors and long-time freezer meal evangelists, our professional opinion is that this is one dish that won’t freeze and thaw well. The texture will be adversely affected because of the high-water content in the fruit. Also, because of the yogurt in this recipe, it may separate, as well. If you’d like a freezer-friendly oat recipe, try one of our Baked Oatmeal recipes:

      Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats Recipe

      Prep a few of these overnight oats ahead of time and enjoy healthy, hearty breakfasts throughout the week.

      Strawberry Shortcake overnight oatmeal
      Print

      Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

      • Author: Thriving Home
      • Prep Time: 5 minutes
      • Cook Time: 2 minutes
      • Total Time: 7 minutes
      • Yield: 1 1x
      • Category: Breakfast
      • Method: Microwave
      • Cuisine: American
      Print

      Description

      Make-ahead Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats takes just minutes to put together and provides a super nutritious and quick breakfast that kids and adults will love.

      Ingredients

      • 1/2 cup milk (your choice), plus more for serving
      • 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
      • 1/2 – 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
      • 1/2 cup frozen or fresh chopped strawberries (chopped is easier to eat than sliced)
      • 2 tablespoons vanilla Greek yogurt
      • 1–2 tablespoons sliced almonds
      • 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla

      Instructions

      1. In a clean 10 ounce or 12 ounce mason jar, pour in the milk.
      2. Add old-fashioned rolled oats and your all-natural sweetener of choice (pure maple syrup or honey).
      3. Pour in the remaining add-ins, which is fresh or frozen chopped strawberries, vanilla Greek yogurt, sliced almonds, and vanilla for this version.
      4. Screw on the lid tightly and shake. Set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 3-5 days.
      5. You can eat it cold or warm. Here’s how to serve it:

      Serve Cold: Shake the jar. Stir in a little extra milk if it’s too thick and more sweetener if you’d like. Grab a spoon and eat your oats cold. This is the perfect solution for those mornings when you’re on the run! Serve Warm: This is our preferred way to serve overnight oats. Shake the jar and then remove the lid. Warm the oats in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir. Add more milk or sweetener as needed. Warm up even more, if desired.

      Make sure to check out more of our oatmeal breakfast recipes in our recipe index.

      Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats

      /6 Comments/in , , , , , /by
      By Rachel Tiemeyer
      July 1, 2019 | Share:

      Make-ahead Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats takes just minutes to put together and provides a super nutritious and quick breakfast.

      Make-ahead Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats take just minutes to put together and provide a super nutritious and quick breakfast.

      We are obsessed with overnight oats! That’s why we’ve consistently rolled out recipe after recipe for you, like these flavors so far:

      Take a look at all the benefits below, and you’ll see why we make overnight oats every week in our homes.

      What Are the Benefits of Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats?

      Make-Ahead: You can whip up several of these on the weekend and have breakfast ready to go for the week. They just take minutes to put together.

      No Cooking Involved: The oats soften in the liquid as it sits in the refrigerator, which means no cooking is needed. Doesn’t get much easier.

      Super Healthy: Breakfast doesn’t get much healthier than this! The combo of fresh or frozen strawberries, chia seeds, oats, milk, and peanut butter provide fiber, protein, antioxidants, and valuable minerals.

      Eat On the Go: Whether you have just a few minutes before you leave for the day or need to eat breakfast in the car or at your desk, this breakfast-in-a-jar fits the bill! Eat these overnight oats cold or warm.

      Super Tasty: Enjoy the kid-favorite tastes and textures of the popular PB&J sandwich. With just the right amount of sweetness, saltiness, and texture, this is one of our favorite overnight oats combos.

      Make-ahead Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats take just minutes to put together and provide a super nutritious and quick breakfast.

      How to Make Overnight Oats

      In just four simple steps, you can throw together your overnight oats and be ready for the week. Here’s how:

      Make-ahead Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats take just minutes to put together and provide a super nutritious and quick breakfast.
      1.  Build the Base: In a clean 10 ounce or 12-ounce mason jar, pour in your favorite (unsweetened) milk. Add old-fashioned or rolled oats and your all-natural sweetener of choice (pure maple syrup or honey). 
      2. Add Fruit: Whether it’s fresh or frozen berries (like this recipe), chopped peaches or tropical fruit, or your favorite dried fruit, this ingredient adds more sweetness, flavor, and nutrition. We do recommend adding banana slices fresh rather than ahead of time, but they can work ahead of time if you don’t mind mushy bananas.  
      3. Add Toppings: Pour in the remaining add-ins, like peanut butter, strawberry jam, chia seeds, and chopped peanuts for this version.
      4. Shake and Refrigerate: Seal and shake. Set in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. 

      Check out our video showing just how simple it is to make overnight oats (this version is our Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats)…

      Do I Eat Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats Warm or Cold?

      We hear this question a lot. The best way to serve overnight oats is…whatever you like best! Eating them cold or warm works.

      Serve Overnight Oats Cold: Shake the jar. Stir in a little extra milk if it’s too thick and more sweetener if you’d like. Grab a spoon and eat your oats cold. This is the perfect solution for those mornings when you’re on the run!

      Serve Overnight Oats Warm: This is our preferred way to serve overnight oats. Shake the jar and then remove the lid. Warm the oats in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir. Add more milk or sweetener as needed. Warm up even more, if desired.

      CAN I FREEZE OVERNIGHT OATS?

      As cookbook authors and long-time freezer meal evangelists, our professional opinion is that this is one dish that won’t freeze and thaw well. The texture will be adversely affected because of the high-water content in the fruit. If you’d like a freezer-friendly oat recipe, try one of our Baked Oatmeal recipes:

      Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats Recipe

      Prep a few of these overnight oats ahead of time and enjoy healthy, hearty breakfasts throughout the week.

      Make-ahead Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats take just minutes to put together and provide a super nutritious and quick breakfast.
      Print

      Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats

      ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
      • Author: Thriving Home
      • Prep Time: 5 minutes
      • Cook Time: 4 hours
      • Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
      • Yield: 1 1x
      • Category: Breakfast
      • Method: Overnight
      • Cuisine: American
      Print

      Description

      Make-ahead Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats takes just minutes to put together and provides a super nutritious and quick breakfast.

      Ingredients

      • 1/2 cup milk (your choice), plus more for serving
      • 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
      • 1/2 – 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
      • 1/2 cup frozen or fresh chopped strawberries (chopped is easier to eat than sliced)
      • 1 tablespoon all-natural peanut butter
      • 1 tablespoon all-natural strawberry jam
      • 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts
      • 1–2 teaspoons chia seeds

      Instructions

      1. In a 10 ounce or 12 ounce mason jar, pour in the milk.
      2. Add oats and your all-natural sweetener of choice (pure maple syrup or honey).
      3. Pour in the remaining add-ins, which is fresh or frozen strawberries, peanut butter, jam, peanuts, and chia seeds for this version.
      4. Screw on the lid tightly and shake. Set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 3-5 days.
      5. You can eat it cold or warm. Here’s how to serve it:

      Serve Cold: Shake the jar. Stir in a little extra milk if it’s too thick and more sweetener if you’d like. Grab a spoon and eat your oats cold. This is the perfect solution for those mornings when you’re on the run!

      Serve Warm: This is our preferred way to serve overnight oats. Shake the jar and then remove the lid. Warm the oats in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir. Add more milk or sweetener as needed. Warm up even more, if desired.

      Make-ahead Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats take just minutes to put together and provide a super nutritious and quick breakfast.

      Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats

      /3 Comments/in , , , , , /by
      By Rachel Tiemeyer
      June 5, 2019 | Share:

      Make-ahead blueberry muffin overnight oats take just minutes to put together and provide a super nutritious and quick breakfast.

      Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats

      We are obsessed with overnight oats! That’s why we’ve consistently rolled out recipe after recipe for you, like these flavors so far:

      Take a look at all the benefits below, and you’ll see why we make overnight oats every week in our homes.

      What are the Benefits of Blueberry Overnight Oats?

      Just like our Blueberry Muffin Smoothie Pack, we are obsessed with this easy and healthy make-ahead breakfast idea. Here’s why:

      Make-Ahead: You can whip up several of these on the weekend and have breakfast ready to go for the week. They just take minutes to put together.

      No Cooking Involved: The oats softened in the liquid as it sits in the refrigerator, which means no cooking is needed. Doesn’t get much easier.

      Super Healthy: Breakfast doesn’t get much healthier than this! The combo of fresh or frozen blueberries, oats, milk, and walnuts provide fiber, protein, antioxidants, and valuable minerals. Read more about why walnuts are so good for you here. We use all-natural sweetener in our recipe, like pure maple syrup or honey.

      Blueberry muffin overnight oats ingredients

      Eat On-the-Go: Whether you have just a few minutes before you leave for the day or need to eat breakfast in the car or at your desk, this breakfast-in-a-jar fits the bill! Eat these blueberry overnight oats cold or warm.

      Eat a Muffin in a Jar: This combo of hearty oats, sweet blueberries, real maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon and vanilla will remind your tastebuds of one of the best muffins on the planet–the Blueberry Muffin! Stir in chopped walnuts to provide even more variety of texture and some added protein. It’s up to you.

      How to Make Blueberry Overnight Oats

      In just four simple steps, you can throw together your overnight oats and be ready for the week. Here’s how:

      How to assemble overnight oats
      1.  Build the Base: In a clean 10 ounce or 12-ounce mason jar, pour in your favorite (unsweetened) milk. Add old-fashioned or rolled oats and your all-natural sweetener of choice (pure maple syrup or honey). 
      2. Add Fruit: Whether it’s fresh or frozen berries (like this recipe), chopped peaches or tropical fruit, or your favorite dried fruit, this ingredient adds more sweetness, flavor, and nutrition. We do recommend adding banana slices fresh rather than ahead of time, but they can work if you don’t mind mushy bananas. 🙂 
      3. Add Toppings: Pour in the remaining add-ins, like walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla for this version.
      4. Shake and Refrigerate: Seal and shake. Set in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. 

      Check out our video showing just how simple it is to make blueberry overnight oats…

      Do I Eat Blueberry Overnight Oats Warm or Cold?

      We hear this question a lot. The best way to serve Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats is…whatever you like best! Eating them cold or warm works.

      Serve Overnight Oats Cold: Shake the jar. Stir in a little extra milk if it’s too thick and more sweetener if you’d like. Grab a spoon and eat your oats cold. This is the perfect solution for those mornings when you’re on the run!

      Serve Overnight Oats Warm: This is our preferred way to serve overnight oats. Shake the jar and then remove the lid. Warm the oats in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir. Add more milk or sweetener as needed. Warm up even more, if desired.

      Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats

      CAN I FREEZE OVERNIGHT OATS?

      As cookbook authors and long-time freezer meal evangelists, our professional opinion is that this is one dish that won’t freeze and thaw well. The texture will be adversely affected because of the high-water content in the fruit. If you’d like a freezer-friendly oat recipe, try one of our Baked Oatmeal recipes:

      Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats Recipe

      Prep a few of these overnight oats ahead of time and enjoy healthy, hearty breakfasts throughout the week.

      Overhead shot of blueberry muffin overnight oats
      Print

      Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats

      • Author: Thriving Home
      • Prep Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
      • Cook Time: 0 minutes
      • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
      • Yield: 1 1x
      • Category: Breakfast
      • Method: Mix
      • Cuisine: American
      Print

      Description

      This make-ahead blueberry muffin overnight oats recipe takes just minutes to put together and provides a super nutritious and quick breakfast.

      Ingredients

      • 1/2 cup milk (your choice), plus more for serving
      • 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
      • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
      • 1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries
      • 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional)
      • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
      • 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

      Instructions

      1. In a clean 10 ounce or 12 ounce mason jar, pour in the milk.
      2. Add old-fashioned or rolled oats and your all-natural sweetener of choice (pure maple syrup or honey).
      3. Pour in the remaining add-ins, which is fresh or frozen blueberries, walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla for this version.
      4. Screw on the lid tightly and shake. Set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 3-5 days.
      5. You can eat it cold or warm. Here’s how to serve it:

      Serve Cold: Shake the jar. Stir in a little extra milk if it’s too thick and more sweetener if you’d like. Grab a spoon and eat your oats cold. This is the perfect solution for those mornings when you’re on the run!

      Serve Warm: This is our preferred way to serve overnight oats. Shake the jar and then remove the lid. Warm the oats in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir. Add more milk or sweetener as needed. Warm up even more, if desired.

      Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

      /4 Comments/in , , , , /by
      By Polly Conner
      May 13, 2019 | Share:

      These healthy, whole wheat banana chocolate chip muffins are YUMMO. Seriously. Don’t let the whole wheat factor make you think they are going to be compromised. Plus, they are freezer-friendly and an easy breakfast for busy mornings.

      chocolate chip banana muffins on a tea towel

      Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read our full disclosure policy here.

      The mini chocolate chips will take care of your taste buds while the other parts of your body will be thanking you for the healthy ingredients. Ages 1-36 in my family liked them, and I think yours will too.

      chocolate chip banana muffins on a tea towel with child's hand reaching for one muffin

      Don’t forget to double the batch and freeze some for future mornings. Here are the best ways to store muffins. I have found that these banana chocolate chip muffins make a great on-the-go snack. My kids even had them for dinner the other night when we were out at the pool and needed something quick.

      chocolate chip banana muffins on a table

      If you like the idea of healthy, on-the-go, freezable muffins, check out all of our other muffin recipes here.

      How to Store Overripe Bananas for Later

      P.S. If you have more overripe bananas than you can use in this recipe, did you know you can freeze them? Here is the best way to freeze bananas for later.

      Print

      Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

      ★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews
      • Author: Polly
      • Prep Time: 15 minutes
      • Cook Time: 22 minutes
      • Total Time: 37 minute
      • Yield: 12 1x
      • Category: Bread
      • Method: Baking
      • Cuisine: American
      Print

      Description

      These healthy, whole wheat banana chocolate chip muffins are YUMMO. Seriously. Don’t let the whole wheat factor make you think they are going to be compromised. They are freezer-friendly and such an easy breakfast idea.

      Ingredients

      • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (recommended: white whole wheat is lighter and our favorite variety)
      • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
      • 1/2 teaspoon salt
      • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
      • 2 large eggs, beaten
      • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
      • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
      • 2 very ripe bananas (the riper they are, the sweeter they’ll be)
      • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips OR dark chocolate chips
      • ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional, here’s why to eat walnuts)

      Instructions

      1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with paper or silicone liners and set aside.
      2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Make a well (hole) in the center of the flour mixture and drop in the eggs, butter, and syrup. As best you can, mix with a fork until it just comes together. Set aside.
      3. In a small bowl, mash the two bananas together.
      4. Carefully fold the bananas, chocolate chips, and walnuts (if using) into the muffin batter, just until combined. Spoon the batter evenly into the 12 muffin cups (or 36 mini muffin cups).
      5. Bake until they begin to brown on top and a toothpick comes clean when inserted in the center, about 20 to 22 minutes for regular sized muffins or 12 to 14 minutes for mini muffins.

      Freeze For Later: Bake muffins as stated in directions. Let cool completely. Once cooled, put muffins in a freezer safe bag or container. Store in freezer for up to 3 months.

      Prepare From Frozen: Remove desired amount of muffins from the freezer. Wrap individual muffins in a moist paper towel, and heat in 30 second increments in the microwave until defrosted.

      chocolate chip banana muffins on a tea towel

      Very Berry Smoothie (+ Freezer Pack Instructions)

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      By Rachel Tiemeyer
      February 18, 2019 | Share:

      The Very Berry Smoothie starts your day with a super food punch! This easy, healthy smoothie includes strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, plus some hidden spinach. Make some freezer smoothie packs ahead of time to have these on hand for a quick, nutritious breakfast.

      berry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Here’s our full disclosure.

      You hear the term “superfood” tossed around all the time, but what exactly does that mean? A superfood is one that is far and away more nutrient dense than other healthy foods. That means the nutrient-to-calorie ratio falls disproportionately in favor of the nutrients. Our smoothie ingredients, including the berries, spinach, flaxseed, and pecans, all fall into the superfood category.

      berry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Not only are they incredible for your health, but berries, spinach, and the other ingredients taste really good when blended together in our Very Berry Smoothie. Here is your shopping list of real food (and superfood!) ingredients for this delicious Very Berry Smoothie:

      • frozen mixed berries
      • baby spinach
      • ground flaxseed
      • raw pecans (or your favorite raw nut)
      • unsweetened almond milk (or your choice of milk)
      • vanilla Greek yogurt (recommended: Siggi brand)

      I think smoothies are even more fun to drink when you have some cute paper straws on hand like these to top off your beverage. So stinkin’ easy to enjoy a healthy, colorful breakfast, right?!

      berry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Our Easy, Healthy Smoothies

      The Very Berry Smoothie is actually the last and final smoothie recipe we’ll be sharing for a bit. We’ve paused from our usual freezer meal recipes to share 7 easy, healthy smoothie recipes on the blog that you can make ahead and freeze as smoothie packs. Be sure to try (or Pin for later) these others:

      All of the easy, healthy smoothie recipes we have shared have a few things in common. Each recipe:

      • Tastes good! Yes, these smoothies are SUPER HEALTHY but we wanted to make sure they didn’t taste like weeds from the backyard.
      • Includes only simple real food ingredients that you can find in just about any grocery store.
      • Makes a single-serving (approx. 16 ounce) smoothie, which can work as a meal replacement. Or, divide it up among family members.
      • Includes fruits and/or vegetables and a source of protein and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied.
      • Includes freezer smoothie pack instructions so you can prep several of them ahead of time to have on hand.
      berry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      How to Use a Freezer Smoothie Pack

      One of the best parts of these recipes, in our humble opinion, is that you can make several freezer smoothie packs ahead of time to have on hand for quick breakfasts and snacks. Having these pre-made packs at our finger tips has made our families into smoothie addicts! What an easy way to get superfoods into your diet every single day.

      berry smoothie in mason jar with straw, freezer smoothie pack

      Take a look at how easy it is to use your freezer pack in the morning…

      If you’re concerned about reducing the use of plastic bags like we are, we can recommend these high-quality silicone storage bags. They are the perfect size for smoothie packs but also work well for any food storage. We’ve found that they are easy to clean (even dishwasher safe!), easy to use, and leak-proof. Silicone is one of the safest materials to store and even bake our food in, as it does not leach any chemicals into the food.

      What Blender Do I Need to Make a Very Berry Smoothie?

      Now, let’s talk blenders for a minute. Not all of them are created equal. I’ve owned a lot of brands over the years–Frigidaire, Cuisinart, Ninja, Vitamix, and Oster. To really pulverize the freezer smoothie packs, you’ll need a high-powered blender. The two blenders that stand out as winners from my experience are…

      1. The Vitamix (of course!) because it is very high-powered, super simple, and will last for an eon. I saved up for and owned a refurbished version that lasted over five years with daily use. I could have sent it in to Vitamix to get fixed but instead opted for the blender below (and am very happy).
      2. My current and more affordable Nutri Ninja Personal and Countertop Blender makes smooth smoothies and allows me to make single serving smoothies. Love the single serving blend-and-go design! The big blender doesn’t pulverize as well as the smaller containers do or the Vitamix, just so you know. We use the single-serving blender daily!
      berry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      With your superfoods and blender at hand, it’s time to start your day well with our Very Berry Smoothie!

      Print
      berry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Very Berry Smoothie

      • Author: Thriving Home
      • Prep Time: 3 minutes
      • Cook Time: 0 minutes
      • Total Time: 3 minutes
      • Yield: One (16 ounce) smoothie
      • Category: Smoothies
      • Method: Blending
      • Cuisine: American
      Print

      Description

      Start your day with a super food punch! This easy, healthy smoothie includes strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, plus hidden spinach. Freezer smoothie pack instructions included.

      Ingredients

      • 1 – 1 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (sub: milk of choice)
      • 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (or use plain yogurt and sweetened with honey to taste)
      • ½ banana, sliced
      • 1 cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc)
      • 1 cup spinach or kale, packed
      • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
      • 2 tablespoons raw pecan halves (sub: any other raw nut)

      Instructions

      Make It Now:

      1. Start by adding 1 cup almond milk and 1/4 vanilla Greek yogurt to a high-powered blender. Then, add all the other ingredients.

      2. Blend until smooth. You may need to stop and stir/shake the blender or add up to 1/4 cup more almond milk, as needed, to make sure it gets smooth.

      Make Freezer Smoothie Packs for Later:

      1. Layer ingredients in small freezer bags (or reusable silicone bags) in this order:

      • ½ banana, sliced
      • 1 cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc)
      • 1 cup spinach or kale, packed
      • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
      • 2 tablespoons raw pecan halves (sub: any other raw nut)

      2. Seal tightly, squeezing out the air, and freeze for up to 3 months.

      3. To Blend: Start by adding1 cup almond milk and 1/4 vanilla Greek yogurt to a high-powered blender. Then, add all the other ingredients. Break up the ingredients in the bag by hitting it on the counter or crunching it with your hands. Dump the ingredients from the bag in and follow blending instructions above.

      Strawberry Piña Colada Smoothie (+ Freezer Pack Instructions)

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      By Rachel Tiemeyer
      February 11, 2019 | Share:

      Frozen strawberries, pineapple, and banana combine with coconut milk and almonds to create the most luxurious, healthy smoothie you’ve ever had! This easy Strawberry Piña Colada fruit smoothie has party time written all over it.

      strawberry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Here’s our full disclosure.

      About the Strawberry Piña Colada Smoothie

      Can it really be classified as a smoothie? This fruit smoothie tastes like the best Strawberry Piña Colada milkshake you’ve ever had–if that exists. Besides the Blueberry Muffin Smoothie, this was the most popular one with my kids. Heck, you may even want to spike it with a little rum at your next party or brunch (adults only, course!). Virgin or spiked, it’s DELICIOUS and such a treat!!!

      strawberry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      I recommend using full-fat coconut milk from the can, if you want the best milkshake experience. But, coconut water or your favorite milk will work as a substitute. Just can’t promise it will blow. you. away. like that full-fat coconut milk will. The good news: the fat in coconut has some positive health benefits for you, too.

      strawberry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Here is your shopping list for this easy, healthy smoothie:

      • Coconut milk (preferably full-fat in the can!)
      • Banana
      • Fresh or frozen pineapple
      • Fresh or frozen strawberries
      • Sliced or slivered raw almonds
      • Unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

      7 Easy, Healthy Smoothies

      In case you haven’t heard, we are sharing 7 easy, healthy smoothie recipes that you can make ahead and freeze as freezer smoothie packs this month on the blog.

      All of our delicious smoothies are:

      • made with real food ingredients you can find almost anywhere,
      • full of a variety of healthy fruits/vegetables, proteins, and fats to keep you satisfied and feeling great,
      • gluten-free,
      • and mostly dairy-free.

      You may want to try (or Pin for later) the others smoothies we’ve shared.

      Bonus: In all of our smoothie recipes, we teach you how to prep these ahead of time into freezer smoothie packs to have on hand for an easy breakfast or snack anytime! Healthy eating has never been so easy.

      How to Make Freezer Smoothie Packs

      strawberry smoothie in mason jar with straw, freezer smoothie pack

      Freezer smoothie packs have become the norm around our houses these days. That’s because, just like with our healthy freezer meal recipes, it makes so much sense to use our time and resources wisely by prepping these smoothies in bulk.

      strawberry smoothie in mason jar with straw, freezer smoothie pack

      Having a pack of the frozen solid ingredients on hand means all you have to do is pour the liquid in your blender, dump in the bag, and blend. You’ll be walking out the door with a tasty, nutritious breakfast in just minutes! Take a look at how easy it is…

      If you’re concerned about reducing the use of plastic bags like we are, we can recommend these high-quality silicone storage bags. They are the perfect size for smoothie packs but also work well for any food storage. We’ve found that they are easy to clean (even dishwasher safe!), easy to use, and leak-proof. Silicone is one of the safest materials to store and even bake our food in, as it does not leach any chemicals into the food.

      Ready to start your day with a party in your mouth? Grab your blender and let’s get started on the Strawberry Piña Colada Smoothie…

      strawberry smoothie in mason jar with straw
      Print
      strawberry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Strawberry Piña Colada Smoothie

      • Author: Thriving Home
      • Prep Time: 5 minute
      • Cook Time: 0 minutes
      • Total Time: 5 minutes
      • Yield: One (16 ounce) smoothie
      • Category: Smoothies
      • Method: Blending
      • Cuisine: American
      Print

      Description

      Frozen strawberries, pineapple, and banana combine with coconut milk and almonds to create the most luxurious, healthy smoothie you’ve ever had! Prep ahead and make it into freezer smoothie packs to have on hand any time. This easy Strawberry Piña Colada fruit smoothie has party time written all over it. 

      Ingredients

      • 1 – 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk (recommended: full-fat version in the can; or substitute coconut water or your favorite milk)
      • ½ banana
      • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
      • 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
      • 2 tablespoons sliced or slivered raw almonds (sub: raw cashews or macadamia nuts)
      • 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

      Instructions

      Make It Now:

      1. Start by adding 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (see notes above in ingredient list) to a high-powered blender. Then, add all the other ingredients.

      2. Blend until smooth. You may need to stop and stir/shake the blender or add up to 1/2 cup more of coconut milk, as needed, to make sure it gets smooth.

      Make Freezer Smoothie Packs for Later:

      1. Layer ingredients in small freezer bags (or reusable silicone bags) in this order:

      • ½ banana, in slices or chunks
      • 1/2 cup whole strawberries, stemmed
      • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
      • 2 tablespoons sliced or slivered raw almonds (sub: raw cashews or macadamia nuts)
      • 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

      2. Seal tightly, squeezing out the air, and freeze for up to 3 months.

      3. To Blend: Start by adding 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (see notes above in ingredient list) into a high-powered blender first. Break up the ingredients in the bag by hitting it on the counter or crunching it with your hands. Dump the ingredients from the bag in and follow blending instructions above.

      Notes

      • You’ll have some leftover coconut milk if using the canned version. Either store it in the fridge for another smoothie that week or try it as a creamer in your coffee! It’s delicious.
      • Feel free to add a little rum to this smoothie if making it for a party or fun drink on vacation!
      strawberry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Orangesicle Smoothie (+ Freezer Pack Instructions)

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      By Rachel Tiemeyer
      February 6, 2019 | Share:

      Sweet potato, clementines, carrots, and bananas create the base of this easy smoothie that’s a healthier version of the orange sherbet push-up pops from childhood. Yum! Freezer smoothie pack instructions included so you can prep these smoothies ahead of time.

      Orange smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Here’s our full disclosure.

      7 Easy, Healthy Smoothie Recipes

      This month, we are sharing 7 easy, healthy smoothie recipes that you can make ahead and freeze as freezer smoothie packs. You’re going to love today’s Orangesicle Smoothie if you were ever a fan of the Dreamsicle or Creamsicle pops as a kid!

      You may want to try (or Pin for later) these others smoothies we’ve shared so far.

      Wouldn’t it be fun to have your freezer stocked with all these different flavors as freezer smoothie packs?

      What are Freezer Smoothie Packs?

      Having the main ingredients for your smoothie on hand in the freezer in individual packs means healthy eating is right at your fingertips anytime. Both of us have become smoothie addicts since starting to prep freezer smoothie packs ahead. Just be sure to follow our instructions in the recipe to layer them perfectly.

      Orangesicle Smoothie Packs

      If you’re trying to cut down on plastic bag use like we are, try these reusable silicone bags. We’ve personally tested these bags for weeks now. I’ve found them to be easy to rinse out and dry, and they do not leak. They seem well made and worth the investment.

      About the Orangesicle Smoothie

      Back to the gorgeous smoothie at hand! Not only is today’s Orangesicle Smoothie recipe a throw back of one of my favorite childhood treats–the Creamsicle pop–, but it’s full of veggies and fruits that provide an abundance of Vitamins C and A, as well as, good ole fiber.

      It may surprise you to know that raw sweet potatoes and carrots blend seamlessly into this frothy orange drink and also freeze well in the smoothie packs.

      Orange smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Below is your shopping list for this easy, healthy smoothie:

      • Unsweetened plain almond milk (or your milk of choice) – I often choose this kind of almond milk to avoid extra dairy and sugar, but feel free to use whatever kind of milk you like.
      • Orange Juice – look for 100% pure, fresh squeezed orange juice
      • Vanilla Greek yogurt – I recommend Siggi Vanilla Whole Milk Yogurt because it only has all natural ingredients, it’s lower in sugar, and contains a wide variety of probiotics.
      • Raw Carrot
      • Raw Sweet Potato
      • Banana
      • Clementine or orange

      I think smoothies are even more fun to drink when you have some cute paper straws on hand like these to top off your beverage.

      Orange smoothie in mason jar with straw

      What Blender Do I Need?

      If you’re committed to consuming more smoothies, we’d recommend investing in a high powered blender. Cheaper blenders can sort of do the job, but you’ll get a much better texture with a high-powered blender. My affordable single serving Ninja blender works very well for our single serving smoothies recipes, since it pulverizes everything and fits the ingredients perfectly.

      If you want to make large batches of smoothies, I’d recommend saving up for the Vitamix blender. You can find very good refurbished versions on Amazon that will last a long time. My basic refurbished Vitamix lasted over five years with daily use.

      Orange smoothie in mason jar with straw

      As with all of our healthy smoothie recipes, if you like things sweeter, just add a dollop of honey, pure maple syrup, or agave nectar until you get the flavor you desire. I encourage you to start with no added sweetener, though, and see if you can train your tastebuds to love the natural sweetness of fruit and veggies first. (I’m looking at you, Polly Conner! 🙂

      Print
      Orange smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Orangesicle Smoothie

      ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
      • Author: Thriving Home
      • Prep Time: 3 minutes
      • Total Time: 3 minutes
      • Yield: One (16 ounce) smoothie
      • Category: Smoothies
      • Method: Blend
      • Cuisine: American
      Print

      Description

      Sweet potato, clementine, carrot, and banana create the base of this easy, heathy smoothie that is reminiscent of the old orange sherbet push-up pops. Yum!

      Ingredients

      • 1/2 – 1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk (or milk of choice)
      • 1/2 cup orange juice
      • 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (recommend Siggi brand)
      • ½ cup RAW peeled, diced sweet potatoes*
      • ½ banana, sliced*
      • 1 large clementine, in segments (sub: ½ an orange)*
      • ½ cup RAW sliced carrots*

      *The smoothie texture is best if these ingredients are frozen beforehand in a freezer smoothie pack. If you don’t have time to freeze them, then add a 1/2 cup of crushed ice or more to achieve desired consistency.

      Instructions

      Make It Now:

      1. Start by adding 1/2 cup almond milk and 1/2 cup orange juice to a high-powered blender. Then, add all the other ingredients.

      2. Blend until smooth. You may need to stop and stir/shake the blender or add up to 1/2 cup more of almond milk, as needed, to make sure it gets smooth.

      Make Freezer Smoothie Packs for Later:

      1. Layer ingredients in small freezer bags (or reusable silicone bags) in this order:

      • ½ cup peeled, diced sweet potatoes
      • ½ banana, sliced
      • 1 large clementine, in segments (sub: ½ an orange)
      • ½ cup sliced carrots

      2. Seal tightly, squeezing out the air, and freeze for up to 3 months.

      3. To Blend: Start by adding 1/2 cup almond milk, 1/2 cup orange juice, and the yogurt into a high-powered blender first. Break up the ingredients in the bag by hitting it on the counter or crunching it with your hands. Dump the ingredients from the bag in and follow blending instructions above.

      Blueberry Muffin Smoothie (+ Freezer Pack Instructions)

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      By Polly Conner
      February 4, 2019 | Share:

      With sweet blueberries, banana, rolled oats, a few walnuts, and milk, the easy, healthy Blueberry Muffin Smoothie blends to a beautiful shade of purple and makes kids and adults alike happy. After all, who doesn’t love a Blueberry Muffin?! Psst…it’s also packed to the brim with gluten-free, dairy-free nutrition!

      blueberry smoothie in mason jar

      Blueberries are a powerhouse of nutrition, if you haven’t heard. They are believed to have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all common fruits and vegetables. Several studies suggest that blueberries reduce DNA damage, which is a leading driver of aging and cancer. Regular blueberry intake is tied to lower blood pressure in numerous studies and the antioxidants in blueberries seem to benefit your brain by aiding brain function and delaying mental decline. (Source)

      blueberry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Seriously. Today’s Blueberry Muffin Smoothie is SO good for you. You’ve got your superfood blueberries, of course, but it also comes with protein-and-fiber-rich, cholesterol-lowering oats and raw walnuts, which get blended smooth so you hardly notice them.

      blueberry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      It’s more than just a healthy way to start your day, though. It’s also one of our most popular smoothie recipes with kids! A poll between various smoothie flavors was taken of our own children and some neighbor kids (ranging from ages 8-14) and this one rose to the top as the fave. That’s because we’ve taken our blueberry smoothie game to the next level by adding basic ingredients of the much loved Blueberry Muffin itself.

      7 Easy, Healthy Smoothie Recipes

      This Blueberry Muffin Smoothie is part of our series of 7 easy, healthy smoothie recipes that you can make ahead and freeze as smoothie packs. 

      smoothies in mason jars

      Did you have a chance to try the other smoothies from our series yet? They are SOOO good and good for you.

      All of the easy, healthy smoothie recipes we are sharing have a few things in common. Each recipe:

      • Tastes good! Yes, these smoothies are SUPER HEALTHY but we wanted to make sure they didn’t taste like weeds from the backyard.
      • Includes only simple real food ingredients that you can find in just about any grocery store.
      • Makes a single-serving (approx. 16 ounce) smoothie, which can work as a meal replacement. Or, divide it up among family members.
      • Includes fruits and/or vegetables for an easy, delicious way to get more nutrition.
      • Includes at least one source of protein and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied.
      • Includes freezer smoothie pack instructions so you can prep several of them ahead of time to have on hand.

      How to Make Freezer Smoothie Packs

      freezer smoothie pack, blueberry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Since we are tongue and cheek, “freezer cooking evangelists”, it shouldn’t be a surprise that we have mastered the art of making smoothie packs in bulk and freezing them. This smoothie-making hack will save you a lot of time and money in the long run. We also find that we are much more likely to make a smoothie when the ingredients are already pulled together and all we have to do is add liquid.

      To make this recipe a smoothie pack, simply follow our freezing instructions given below in the recipe. We prefer to make 4 smoothie packs at a time to save time and money.

      blueberry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      With a high-powered blender like this one or this one on hand, along with a few simple ingredients, your family will enjoy this easy, healthy smoothie for breakfast or a snack anytime.

      Print
      blueberry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Blueberry Muffin Smoothie

      • Author: Thriving Home
      • Prep Time: 3 minutes
      • Total Time: 3 minutes
      • Yield: Approx. one (16 ounce) smoothie
      • Category: Smoothies
      • Method: Blender
      • Cuisine: American
      Print

      Description

      With sweet blueberries, banana, rolled oats, a few walnuts, and milk, this beautiful and nutritious purple smoothie really does taste like a Blueberry Muffin. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and includes freezer smoothie pack instructions.

      Ingredients

      • 1 – 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plain almond milk (sub: your choice of milk)
      • ½ banana, sliced (preferably frozen for best texture)
      • 1 cup frozen blueberries
      • 2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats (for GF: look for gluten-free oats)
      • 2 tablespoons chopped raw walnuts (sub: chopped raw pecans or almonds)

      Instructions

      Make It Now:

      1. Start by adding 1 cup almond milk to a high-powered blender. Then, add all the other ingredients.

      2. Blend until smooth. You may need to stop and stir/shake the blender or add up to a 1/2 cup more of almond milk, as needed, to make sure it gets smooth.

      Make Freezer Smoothie Packs for Later:

      1. Layer ingredients in small freezer bags (or reusable silicone bags) in this order:

      • ½ banana, sliced 
      • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
      • 2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats (for GF: look for gluten-free oats)
      • 2 tablespoons chopped raw walnuts (sub: chopped raw pecans or almonds)

      2. Seal tightly, squeezing out the air, and freeze for up to 3 months.

      3. To Blend: Pour 1 cup almond milk into a high-powered blender first. Break up the ingredients in the bag by hitting it on the counter or crunching it with your hands. Dump the ingredients from the bag in and follow blending instructions above.

      Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie (+ Freezer Pack Instructions)

      /12 Comments/in , , , , , , , , /by
      By Rachel Tiemeyer
      January 28, 2019 | Share:

      This easy, healthy Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie recipe tastes like a chocolate shake (seriously!) but is chock full of antioxidants and protein thanks to spinach, dark cherries, almond butter, cocoa powder, and more. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and we teach you how to make it into a freezer smoothie pack for later.

      cherry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Here’s our full disclosure.

      Our Easy, Healthy Smoothie Recipes

      Over the next several weeks, Polly and I are sharing 7 easy, healthy smoothie recipes that you can make ahead and freeze as freezer smoothie packs. We have been working really hard on developing and testing these on neighbors and family members of all ages. The response has been overwhelmingly positive! In fact, ever since we started smoothie recipe development a few months ago, we have become smoothie addicts and so have our family members. Who knew healthy eating could be so easy and tasty!?

      colorful smoothies

      Here’s what you can expect from our simple smoothie recipes over the next few weeks. They will:

      • Taste yummy! Yes, these smoothies are SUPER HEALTHY but we wanted to make sure they didn’t taste like weeds from the backyard. Ha! We found that adults and kids alike gulped these down. (Note: You can always add a little honey or other natural sweetener, if you prefer a sweeter version.)
      • Include only simple real food ingredients that you can find in just about any grocery store these days. In fact, most of our ingredients came from Aldi and are very affordable. Of course, if you want to add in things like protein powder or other fancy powders, be our guest. But, we are sticking to recognizable whole foods for these recipes.
      • Make a single-serving (16 ounce) smoothie, which can work as a meal replacement. Or, make two (8 ounce) smoothies for kids or to compliment a meal.
      • Include fruits and/or vegetables and a source of protein and healthy fats–like nuts, chia seeds, avocado, Greek yogurt, or nut butter–to keep you full and satisfied.
      • Include instructions to create a freezer smoothie pack (or packs) for later.

      Try making these other smoothies that we’ve shared in this series or Pin them for later:

      How to Make a Freezer Smoothie Pack

      What are freezer smoothie packs? Only the best, most genius idea ever. You’ll simply toss most of your smoothie ingredients in a freezer bag/container to have on hand in the freezer. (Be sure to follow our layering instructions.) Then you can throw together a delicious, nutrient dense smoothie for breakfast, as a snack, or as a meal replacement anytime.

      chocolate cherry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Amazingly, all of the fruits, vegetables, and add-ins that we’ve tested from frozen have worked well in a smoothie. That’s not always the case when you freeze certain fruits/vegetables for other uses, however. Smoothies are very forgiving!

      How to Make a Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

      Now, on to our very first easy, healthy smoothie recipe! We are starting off with a big bang with our Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie. Hands down, this is the best smoothie recipe I’ve ever made. In fact, I stopped halfway through writing this blog post to make one! How is that for putting my money where my mouth is!?

      cherry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      It’s actually very easy to throw together once you have all the ingredients on hand. Here is your shopping list:

      • Almond milk (or substitute your favorite milk of choice)
      • Banana (preferably frozen in slices to create the perfect smoothie texture)
      • Frozen dark sweet cherries (NOT tart red cherries)
      • Baby spinach (I prefer organic, which is easy to find)
      • Almond butter (or substitute your favorite nut butter)
      • 100% cocoa powder or cacao powder
      cherry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      It’s important to note that you will need the dark, sweet cherries. I tested this with the tart red version, as well as strawberries, and it just wasn’t the same. Neither of those fruits were as sweet. I found the dark, sweet cherries in the frozen food section at our local Hy-Vee store.

      This, my friends, is all you need to make a smoothie that will taste like a DELICIOUS chocolate shake with a hint of cherry to it! You will NOT taste the spinach but still enjoy all the health benefits of slurping up your greens. {{Knucks}} If you really like things sweet, you may want to add a dollop of raw honey, too.

      cherry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      What Blender Do I Need to Make a Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie?

      Now, let’s talk blenders for a minute. Not all of them are created equal. I’ve owned a lot of brands over the years–Frigidaire, Cuisinart, Ninja, Vitamix, and Oster. To really pulverize the freezer smoothie packs, you’ll need a high-powered blender. The two blenders that stand out as clear winners from my experience are:

      1. The Vitamix (of course!) because it is very high-powered, super simple, and will last for an eon. I saved up for and owned a refurbished version that lasted over five years with daily use. I could have sent it in to Vitamix to get fixed but instead opted for the blender below (and am very happy).
      2. My current and more affordable Nutri Ninja Personal and Countertop Blender makes smooth smoothies and allows me to make single serving smoothies. Love the single serving blend-and-go design! The big blender doesn’t pulverize as well as the smaller containers do or the Vitamix, just so you know. We use the single-serving blender daily!

      Alright now, if you’ve got your blender and ingredients on hand, it’s time to make your delicious chocolate shake…I mean your healthy Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie! Or, spend a few minutes dividing up ingredients and make some freezer smoothie packs for later.

      cherry smoothie in mason jar with straw
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      cherry smoothie in mason jar with straw

      Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

      ★★★★★ 5 from 4 reviews
      • Author: Thriving Home
      • Prep Time: 3 minutes
      • Cook Time: 0 minutes
      • Total Time: 3 minutes
      • Yield: One 16 ounce smoothie (or two 8 ounce smoothies) 1x
      • Category: Smoothies
      • Method: Blender
      • Cuisine: American
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      Description

      This Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie tastes like dessert but is chock full of antioxidants and protein thanks to spinach, dark cherries, almond butter, cocoa powder, and more. Easy, single serving smoothie that can be made into a smoothie pack, too.

      Ingredients

      • 1 – 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plain almond milk (or milk of your choice)
      • 1/2 banana, sliced (preferably frozen for best smoothie texture)
      • 1 cup frozen sweet dark cherries (NOT red tart cherries)
      • 1 cup baby spinach (preferably organic)
      • 2 tablespoons almond butter
      • 1 tablespoon 100% cocoa powder or cacao powder
      • dollop of honey (optional)

      Instructions

      Make It Now:

      1. Start by adding 1 cup almond milk to a high-powered blender. Then, add all the other ingredients.

      2. Blend until smooth. You may need to stop and stir/shake the blender or add up to 1/2 cup more of almond milk, as needed, to make sure it gets smooth.

      3. Taste and add a dollop of honey, if preferred.

      Make Freezer Smoothie Packs for Later:

      1. Layer ingredients in small freezer bags (or reusable silicone bags) in this order:

      • ½ banana
      • 1 cup frozen dark sweet cherries
      • 2 tablespoons almond butter
      • 1 cup baby spinach (preferably organic)
      • 1 tablespoon 100% cocoa powder or cacao powder

      2. Seal tightly, squeezing out the air, and freeze for up to 3 months.

      3. To Blend: Pour 1 cup almond milk into a high-powered blender first. Break up the ingredients in the bag by hitting it on the counter or crunching it with your hands. Dump the ingredients from the bag in and follow blending instructions above.

      Zucchini Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies {Freezer Meal}

      /2 Comments/in , , , , , , , , /by
      By Polly Conner
      September 3, 2018 | Share:
      Chocolate Chip Zucchini Breakfast Cookies

      I love this easy healthy breakfast idea: Chocolate Chip Zucchini Breakfast Cookies. These healthy make ahead breakfast cookies are great fresh or also as a freezer meal. 

      Zucchini for breakfast!? Yep. And bananas, oats, and nut butter, too. All in one transportable, super nutritious, tasty COOKIE.

      Close up of zucchini breakfast cookie

      My kids fight over these things, friends. In fact, I usually double this recipe and freeze more for future breakfasts, snacks, and even lunch box treats.

      Chocolate Chip zucchini breakfast cookie on a sheet pan

      If the zucchini scares you off, though, simply leave it out or try our traditional breakfast cookie recipe. But, I really think your people might go for it if you give it a try.

      Batch of zucchini breakfast cookies on a pan
      Print

      Zucchini Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies

      • Author: Thriving Home
      • Prep Time: 10 minutes
      • Cook Time: 15 minutes
      • Total Time: 25 minutes
      • Yield: 18 cookies 1x
      • Category: Dessert
      • Method: Baking
      • Cuisine: American
      Print

      Description

      Imagine zucchini for breakfast. My kids fight over these delicious, healthy whole grain cookies! Bake a double batch and you’ll have a fantastic treat to pull out of the freezer.

      Ingredients

      • 2 1/4 cups oats (for gluten-free, be sure to be GF Oats)
      • 1/4 teaspoon salt
      • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
      • 1 cup nut butter (I used half peanut and half almond butter)
      • 1/4 cup real maple syrup or honey
      • 2 large bananas, mashed
      • 1 small or 1/2 large zucchini, finely shredded
      • 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
      • 1/3 cup chocolate chips (Dairy-Free option: use DF chocolate chips, like Enjoy Life)

      Instructions

      1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
      2. Combine oats, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
      3. Combine nut butter, maple syrup/honey, bananas, and zucchini in another bowl.
      4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Add pecans and chocolate chips and mix just under combined.
      5. Using a medium-sized cookie scoop or large spoon, scoop out cookies (about 2 tablespoons each) onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Press them down a little to flatten them, since they won’t during baking.
      6. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

      Notes

      Freezer Meal Instructions: To Freeze: Once cookies are completely cool, store in a freezer ziptop bag or other freezer container. To Prepare: To thaw, let sit out for a few minutes on the counter or microwave the cookies in 10 second increments until defrosted.

      Cheddar Chive Egg Bites

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      By Rachel Tiemeyer
      August 22, 2018 | Share:

      Want a high protein, low carb, on-the-go breakfast option that will keep you satisfied all morning? These Cheddar Chive Egg Bites are the perfect solution for a healthy breakfast on busy weekdays. Make this simple recipe ahead of time over the weekend and then enjoy them all week long.

      egg muffins in a muffin tin

      Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read our full disclosure policy here.

      We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But, boy, it’s hard on those chaotic weekday mornings to eat a nutritious breakfast that will keep you running for hours, isn’t it?

      My solution for my whole family: Cheddar Chive Egg Bites. I whipped these up with just a few simple ingredients–eggs, bacon, milk, cheese, fresh chives (or your favorite fresh herbs), salt and pepper. Let me tell you, as soon as I pulled them out of the oven, my kids and husband kept coming by and stealing them. They are that good!

      egg muffins and strawberries on a plate

      Not only are they tasty, but they will keep you and your kids satisfied all morning because they are full of protein. Serve them with one of our smoothies as a delicious, nutritious, grab-and-go breakfast. Bonus: If anyone in your family is gluten-free, Cheddar Chive Egg Bites work for you, too!

      egg muffins in a muffin tin

      I’m thinking there are all kinds of ways to change up the flavors, once you get the hang of this. What do you think about some of these ideas in place of bacon, cheddar, and chives?

      Idea #1: Turkey sausage, feta, and roasted red peppers (We have a DELICIOUS quiche with similar ingredients in our cookbook that I can’t get enough of.)

      Idea #2: Pancetta, crumbled goat cheese, and fresh basil

      Idea #3: Ham, Swiss cheese, and baby spinach

      Idea #4: Sautéed chopped onions, bell peppers, jalapeño pepper with your favorite shredded cheese

      The possibilities seem endless!

      egg muffins and strawberries on a plate

      You can easily double or triple this batch to have on hand in the fridge all week long. Just warm them briefly in the microwave or eat them straight from the fridge. For more real food, make-ahead breakfast ideas, check out our cookbook…

      From Freezer to Table Cookbook

      One important tip: Be sure to grease your muffin tin very well! My first batch came out easily, but by the second batch they were sticking to the pan. In hindsight, I wish I had wiped out the muffin cups well and re-greased it well.

      I hope you enjoy this high protein, low carb easy breakfast recipe as much as we did!

      Print

      egg muffins in a muffin tin

      Cheddar Chive Egg Bites

      ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
      • Author: Rachel from Thriving Home
      • Prep Time: 10 minutes
      • Cook Time: 13 minutes
      • Total Time: 23 minutes
      • Yield: 24 egg bites 1x
      • Category: Breakfast
      • Method: Bake in the oven
      • Cuisine: American
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      Description

      These low carb, high protein, kid-friendly egg bites are a great grab-and-go breakfast. Make ahead for the week and warm them in the microwave each morning.

      Ingredients

      • 8 large eggs
      • 3 tablespoons milk (any type will work)
      • 1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh chives (sub: fresh basil or parsley)
      • 1/4 teaspoon salt
      • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
      • 4–5 pieces of cooked uncured bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces (This is where we get our favorite uncured bacon free for life!*)
      • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

      Instructions

      1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously grease a mini muffin pan.
      2. In a glass measuring cup with spout, whisk together the eggs, milk, chives, salt and pepper.
      3. Carefully fill each muffin cup about 3/4th of the way full with the egg mixture. Divide the bacon and cheese evenly among the muffin cups, sprinkling them on top.
      4. Bake on the center rack for about 13 minutes, or until eggs are just set in the middle. Remove to a cooling rack and let cool for a few minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges of each egg bite and gently remove each one to the cooling rack.
      5. Once cooled, store in an air-tight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. To warm up later, microwave in 10 second increments just until warmed through. Do not overcook or they will become rubbery.

      Notes

      *Affiliate link, but opinions are all ours. We both use and love Butcherbox.

      If you like this recipe, you’ll also enjoy these 10 Healthy, Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes.10 healthy, freezable breakfast recipes for those chaotic school mornings.

      From Freezer to Table Cookbook

      Instant Pot Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal

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      By Polly Conner
      March 19, 2018 | Share:

      Making steel cut oatmeal in the Instant Pot is a breeze. This easy breakfast idea will quickly make its way into your healthy breakfast rotation!

      Steel cut oatmeal in a blue bowl

      Thanks to this Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal recipe, my Instant Pot horizons have been expanded. I’m not the only one who liked it. My husband is on record for saying, “You can make that anytime you want to.” Which in husband language is saying, “I really liked that recipe.”

      Steel Cut Oatmeal in a blue bowl

      OK, lets talk steel cut oats for a minute, shall we? What are these little morsels?

      Steel Cut Oats vs. Rolled Oats

      Steel-cut oats come from the same plant as rolled oats. The difference is how they are processed. Steel-cut oats are never cooked and start from the whole grain that is then passed through slender blades that cut the oat kernel into thin slices. Keeping them in this form helps them retain more fiber and protein.

      Conversely, rolled or quick oats are steamed and then rolled out flat. Flattening the oat out helps it to cook faster on your stove.

      Steel cut oatmeal with blueberries on top

      So, in conclusion, to pack a little more healthy punch into your breakfast, opt for the steel cut oats. What I love about this recipe is that the modifications are endless. If you start with a base of plain steel cut oats, you can add any ingredient that your heart desires to have in your oatmeal.

      A few ideas of toppings for your Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal:

      • Maple syrup or honey
      • Chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts
      • Fresh fruit like blueberries, strawberries, apples, or bananas
      • Dried fruit
      • Peanut butter or almond butter
      • Dark chocolate chips
      Close up image of instant pot steel cut oatmeal with blueberries
      Print

      Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal

      • Author: Polly
      • Prep Time: 3 minutes
      • Cook Time: 22 minutes
      • Total Time: 25 minutes
      • Yield: 8 (1 cup) servings 1x
      • Category: Breakfast
      • Method: Instant Pot
      • Cuisine: American
      Print

      Description

      Making steel cut oatmeal in the Instant Pot is a breeze. This easy breakfast idea will quickly make it’s way into your rotation!

      Ingredients

      • 2–3 Tablespoons butter (sub: ghee or coconut oil)
      • 1 1/2 cups steel cut oats
      • 4 1/2 cups water (or milk)
      • 1/2 teaspoon salt
      • 1/2 cup brown sugar (can easily cut this half and add more at the end)
      • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

      Instructions

      Make It Now:

      1. Select the sauté function on the Instant Pot and melt the butter. Add the oats and sauté, stirring often, for about 5 minutes.
      2. Add the water and salt and give it a stir. Make sure all the oats are submerged in the liquid.
      3. Lock and seal the lid. Cancel the sauté function and set the cooking time for 12 minutes at high pressure. After cooking, let the oats naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Move the pressure release valve to venting to release any remaining steam.
      4. When you open the pot you’ll notice there is excess liquid. Give it a stir to incorporate. (Freezing instructions begin here.)
      5. Serve warm. Top with any additional toppings you might want (i.e. milk, fresh fruit, more sugar or cinnamon, etc.).

       

      Freeze For Later:

      After the oatmeal has fully cooked and cooled slightly, portion it out into jumbo muffin tins (or smaller tins will work). Place in the freezer until frozen solid (about an hour). Pop the individual portions out into a gallon-sized freezer bag and seal tightly.

      Prepare From Frozen:

      Place one frozen serving of oatmeal in a microwave-safe bowl. Add about 1/3 cup milk and microwave in 45-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Add more milk to reach desired consistency.

      Notes

      To Make in the Slow Cooker: Add 6 cups of liquid (instead of 4 1/2) and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

      Hand holding a bowl of instant pot steel cut oatmeal

      Make sure to check out our other breakfast ideas in our recipe index!

      Fruit Pizza Roll-Ups: An Easy Breakfast or Lunch for Kids

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      By Rachel Tiemeyer
      August 21, 2014 | Share:

      These fruit pizza roll-ups are so easy for kids to whip up! Pick your favorite fruits and let your kids have at it.

      I love my little 5-year-old girl. She’s always concocting “new healthy recipes, Mommy!” and trying to take pictures of them with my phone. Well, this one of hers has finally made it on the blog. My 7-year-old entrepreneurial son said I have to pay her for it. 🙂

      This Fruit Pizza Roll-Up is one of my daughter’s absolute favorite lunches, as well as my 3-year-old son’s too. But, wouldn’t this make for an easy breakfast, too? In fact, it’s so simple that you can let your child help you make it.

      These fruit pizza roll-ups are so easy for kids to whip up! Pick your favorite fruits and let your kids have at it.

      Here’s how this recipe “rolls”…

      1) Spread cream cheese over a whole wheat tortilla.

      2) Slice up your favorite fruit in small pieces. We opted for bananas, peaches, and blueberries this time. But strawberries, apples, pears, mangoes, and nectarines would be delicious too.

      3) Drizzle the top with honey.

      4) Roll up and eat!

      Healthy, simple and a kid fav! Yep, I may have to hire this little girl soon.

      These fruit pizza roll-ups are so easy for kids to whip up! Pick your favorite fruits and let your kids have at it.

      Print

      Fruit Pizza Roll-Ups: An Easy Breakfast or Lunch for Kids

      ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
      • Author: Thriving Home
      • Prep Time: 3 minutes
      • Cook Time: 0 minutes
      • Total Time: 3 minutes
      • Yield: 4 1x
      • Category: Breakfast
      • Method: Prepared
      • Cuisine: American
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      Description

      Healthy fruit pizza roll ups are a kid favorite! Top them with your favorite fruit, roll them up, and drizzle some honey on top. Delicious!

      Ingredients

      • 4–6 whole wheat tortillas
      • One 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
      • Fresh fruit of your choice – peaches, bananas, blueberries

      Instructions

      1. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over a whole wheat tortilla.
      2. Slice or dice fruit in to small pieces and place on top of the cream cheese.
      3. Roll up the tortilla and drizzle the top with honey.