A Nourishing Breakfast for Busy Mornings

I make this Bircher more for my kids than for myself, although I do really enjoy it every now and then too — usually as a little snack during the day. My kids absolutely love it though, and two of them in particular will completely devour a bowl, and ask for more, whenever I make it.

On school mornings, eggs are pretty much non-negotiable in our house. Everyone has eggs. But I often serve this Bircher alongside them because it’s such a beautiful, filling addition to breakfast. Honestly, it’s substantial enough to be a meal on its own as well.

I’m often asked for quick breakfast ideas and I always find that question a little difficult because, for me, the focus should be less about speed and more about nourishment. However, this recipe is one of those breakfasts that manages to satisfy that “I need something I can just put into a bowl” while still being incredibly nutritious.

Why I Love Bircher

It’s actually healthy

Most “quick” breakfast options for families, are pseudo-healthy. Not this one.

What I love most about Bircher is how balanced and satisfying it is. The oats provide wonderful fibre and are such a beautiful ingredient for children. I also love that the oats are soaked overnight in the yoghurt mixture, which can help make them easier to digest. I tend to soak a lot of grains and legumes when I use them for this reason.

The full-fat Greek yoghurt, chia seeds and hemp seeds provide beautiful fats, along with a little boost of protein too. It’s naturally sweetened with grated apple and either raisins or chopped dried dates, so there’s no need for maple syrup or honey, especially first thing in the morning.

It’s afforable

It’s also a really affordable breakfast, which I think is important when feeding a family. Rolled oats are incredibly inexpensive, as are chia seeds and raisins or dried dates, so this recipe stretches beautifully while still being wholesome and satisfying.

Ingredients I Personally Use

I always use certified organic rolled oats and organic apples where possible. As with all my produce, I wash everything thoroughly when I get home from the markets.

For the yoghurt, my personal favourite is the Jana Biodynamic Greek yoghurt. I absolutely love the flavour and texture, but any good quality full-fat Greek yoghurt works beautifully here.

And please — always use full-fat yoghurt. Never low-fat. Children need fat, adults need fat, humans need the nourishment that naturally occurs in dairy. I always say when talking about children’s nutrition: kids are not on a 90s diet.

For the dried fruit, I either use chopped dried dates or organic raisins. I usually buy the Macro organic range from Woolworths for both.

My favourite toppings for this are a sprinkle of bee pollen and some chopped toasted almonds. Of course, it is great just spooned into a bowl on it’s own too.

Bircher vs Overnight Oats

I’ve never really been a huge fan of overnight oats because they can sometimes just taste like milk and oats to me. Bircher feels completely different.

Bircher should have that thick, tangy yoghurt flavour along with the grated fruit throughout. I personally like mine quite thick and very yoghurt-forward, which is why I don’t add too much milk.

A Few Helpful Notes

I always make this directly in the same glass container I store it in. It saves washing up and just makes life easier.

The milk amount is flexible too. One cup works perfectly, but I often add an extra splash — about another quarter cup — if I want it slightly creamier or if I have plenty of milk on hand. If not, one cup is completely fine and sometimes I’ll even add a tiny splash of water instead.

If you notice a little liquid separation by the second morning, don’t worry at all. Just give it a good stir. That’s completely normal.