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    Home Β» Breakfast Β» Bircher Muesli

    Mar 14, 2018 Β· Modified: Sep 20, 2019 by Sues Β· This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads Β· View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer Β· 23 Comments

    Bircher Muesli

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Bircher Muesli is an incredibly satisfying and versatile breakfast that will get you out of bed in the morning! Mix up the grains, dried fruits, and nuts you use; choose a dairy or dairy alternative; and add a dollop of Greek yogurt and splash of apple juice for a breakfast you'll never get bored of.

    Head-on view of a pink bowl of bircher muesli on a flowered towel with teal bowl, glass of apple juice, and dried berries in the background and recipe title at top(This recipe for Bircher Muesli was originally published in February 2012, but the post has been updated with new photos and content in 2018)

    In so many ways, I really am a creature of habit. But that also means I can be the Queen of overdoing it. Meaning, I find a food I like and I eat it and eat it and eat it. Until I do not like it anymore.

    Usually, I just need a good, healthy break before I can go back with all my previous enthusiasm. But this often puts a damper on life. Especially in terms of breakfast, which, I don't like to think about too much since I'm never that hungry first thing in the morning, but know I need a nice filling start to my day. The following is just a sampling of foods I have overdone in my life:

    • Lasagna (4th grade. 5 times in one week. Ruined it for years. I finally enjoy ricotta again, but we lost so many precious years together)
    • Cupcakes (seriously, I need to take cupcake breaks every now and then or they just don't sound appealing to me. Balance is key here)
    • Pumpkin (again, I KNOW. That's why I pledge to only eat pumpkin from September-December. I never want to be sick of it again)
    • Power Bars (in high school, I ate a Power Bar with Gatorade and coffee for breakfast every day. No, I wasn't really an athlete and this was totally not necessary. And I think one day I just realized that Power Bars are actually gross. I never did get sick of Gatorade or coffee…)
    • Candy Corn (it happens every Halloween)
    • Cadbury Mini Eggs (it happens every Easter)
    • English muffins with peanut butter (I made one for breakfast at my office for years, with little breaks in between)

    Since I'm not usually super hungry in the mornings, I like for breakfasts to be quick and easy. Now that I work from home, I'll sometimes make eggs, but most often, I just want something quick to eat so I can get some energy for the day and get going.

    I've never been the kind of person to get excited about oatmeal, but bircher muesli is a whole different story. I had it for the first time at Au Bon Pain probably back in 2006 and would buy it every time I found myself in a random Au Bon. I decided I needed to make my own version and not only is it making all my breakfast dreams come true, but it's so easy to make and a much less expensive than buying it.

    WHAT IS BIRCHER MUESLI?

    I would say bircher muesli only has moderate popularity in the U.S. and it's not served in tons of places (though randomly, it seems quite popular at Au Bon Pain!). But this Swiss breakfast is very popular in Europe, especially in Switzerland and Germany. It's a cold breakfast cereal that's made up of rolled oats and other grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and sometimes fresh fruit, too. It has a liquid mixed in (usually milk, a little bit of juice and sometimes yogurt) to soften the ingredients and add a little sweetness.

    Originally called muesli, it was developed around 1900 by a Swiss physician who wanted it for his patients since it's easy to eat and nutritious. Oddly enough, when bircher muesli was first introduced in 1900, it was meant to be an appetizer rather than a breakfast. These days, you can buy pre-made and packaged mueslis, but I love making it myself to be in control of the ingredients included and to make sure everything is fresh!

    BIRCHER MUESLI RECIPE

    This recipe for homemade muesli is so fun because you can do pretty much whatever you want to it. I made it the first time years ago and come back to it every few months. Honestly, I'd eat this every single morning, but I'm so terrified that I'm going to overdo it and I don't want to ruin bircher muesli for myself!

    But each time I've made it, I've done it a little differently, depending on what ingredients I have on hand and what mood I'm in. If you feel like more bran or flax, add more bran or flax. If you have a completely different grain you'd like to add, add it. Get wild! If adding oats and dried fruits to bircher muesli is your idea of wild. It pretty much is for me these days.

    All you need to do is put all your grains, fruits, and nuts in a big bowl, add your dairy or dairy alternative, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. My favorite combination includes oats, bran, flaxseed, dried dates, dried cranberries, walnuts, and almonds. Plus, cinnamon!

    Collage showing oat, bran, and flax, in bowl and also showing additions of dried fruit, nuts, and cinnamon

    I like to use coconut milk (the kind from the carton) as my dairy, but you can use anything you prefer, including milk, soy milk, almond milk, etc. You have to let the mixture sit so they grains get nice and soft and the flavors meld together. If you can't let the bowl sit overnight, at least give it four hours.

    In the morning, add in the remaining ingredients so you can dig in. A little bit of Greek yogurt adds some creaminess, and apple juice sweetness. You can also add honey if you want a little more sweet. Sometimes I grate some apple over the top, too.

    I like my bircher muesli to be a little on the liquid-y side, but not too soupy. Think of it as a kind of cross between oatmeal and regular cereal and milk

    View from a distance of two bowls of bircher muesli topped with dried fruit with glass of apple juice, carton of oats, and dried fruit in the background

    I love making this homemade muesli because I can make it once and have breakfast throughout the week. I just keep the leftovers in the fridge in a covered bowl and they last for several days. I actually think the leftovers keep tasting better and better each day! It's also easy to throw in a Tupperware and bring to work for an easy eat-at-your-desk breakfast.

    Overhead view of a bowl of bircher muesli topped with dried fruit and nuts on a flowered towel with dried fruits and oats scattered around

    And it's filling; oh so filling! I mean, all the bran, flax, and oats? And dried fruit? Yes, that's a lot of fiber. Which means you won't be starving 30 minutes after you eat. Which again, has always been a big problem for me. When I worked in an office, I'd be that girl whose stomach was constantly growling at the 10:00 a.m. meeting. So embarrassing.

    While this isn't a hot breakfast, I feel like it's ones of those meals that can be enjoyed year-round. Yes, bircher muesli is cold, but it's also super creamy and comforting. And it should definitely go into your regular breakfast rotation. Just make sure you don't love it SO much that you make a big bowl of it every single week and eat so much of it that you suddenly hate it. That would be a travesty. But since it's so versatile and easy to switch out, I'm not even sure it's possible to get sick of!

    Head-on closeup view of a pink bowl of bircher muesli topped with dried fruit and nuts

    When I was doing my research on bircher muesli, I was intrigued to learn that it was originally soaked overnight with water and lemon juice instead of dairy. There's still often lemon involved in homemade muesli, depending on what recipe you follow.

     

    Being able to wake up and know that you have a delicious and satisfying breakfast all ready to go in your fridge?  That's enough to give you some very sweet dreams. Despite the fact that I'm never starving in the morning, I do get really excited when I go to bed and know I have something delicious waiting for me in the morning!

    Head-on view of a pink bowl of bircher muesli on a flowered towel with teal bowl, glass of apple juice, and dried berries in the background

    I also get really excited thinking about my morning coffee when I'm trying to fall asleep. Hey, it really is the little things in life, right? And that is a really good thing!

    What foods have you overdone it with?

    If you're looking for another easy and healthy breakfast, check out my Mocha Overnight Oats. And for a fun twist on bircher muesli, check out my Pumpkin Muesli. I also want to try this 6 Seed Super Cereal from Upgrade my Food for another super healthy and delicious breakfast!

    Bircher Muesli -- an incredibly satisfying and versatile breakfast that will get you out of bed in the morning! Mix up the grains, dried fruits, and nuts you use; choose a dairy or dairy alternative; and add a dollop of Greek yogurt and splash of apple juice for a breakfast you'll never get bored of | wearenotmartha.com

    Bircher Muesli

    Bircher Muesli is an incredibly satisfying and versatile breakfast that will get you out of bed in the morning! Mix up the grains, dried fruits, and nuts you use; choose a dairy or dairy alternative; and add a dollop of Greek yogurt and splash of apple juice for a breakfast you'll never get bored of.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American, Eclectic, Swiss
    Keyword: Breakfast Cereal, Cold Breakfasts, Easy Breakfasts
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours
    Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
    Makes: 4 servings
    Author: Sues

    Ingredients

    • 1 Β½ cups rolled oats
    • Β½ cup bran
    • ΒΌ cup flaxseed
    • Β½ cup dried fruit (I used dates and cranberries)
    • β…“ cup nuts (I used walnuts and almonds)
    • 2 cups dairy or dairy alternative (I used Silk Coconut Milk)
    • Β½ tsp cinnamon
    • ΒΌ cup Greek yogurt
    • β…“-1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice (add less for thicker consistency and more for soupier consistency)
    • 1 tsp honey (optional for added sweetness)
    • 3 Tbsp grated apple (optional)

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl, mix together oats, bran, and flaxseed.
    • Add dried fruit, nuts, and cinnamon to mixture.
    • Pour milk into the mixture and stir. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in fridge for at least four hours, but ideally overnight.
    • Before serving, Greek yogurt, and apple juice until mixture is a consistency you like. Stir in honey (if using),
    • Serve in individual bowls and grate apple over the top.

    Notes

    Feel free to use any grains, fruits, and nuts of your choice. One of the beautiful things about bircher muesli is that you can give it different flavors and consistencies depending on your mood.
    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!

     

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    Comments

    1. Erica says

      February 07, 2012 at 8:40 am

      I totally over do it on foods too. Greek yogurt, cantaloupe, dried fruit, granola, etc. Josh's Mom makes a similar cereal. His dad is obsessed with it, so they all call it Dads cereal πŸ™‚ It is super yummy

    2. Lauren @ Healthy Food For Living says

      February 07, 2012 at 8:54 am

      Love this, Sues! Definitely putting the muesli on my list of breakfasts to make.

      Off to vote!

    3. Barbara says

      February 07, 2012 at 9:17 am

      Your list made me smile!
      I'm not a muesli eater or lover, but my daughter sure is.

    4. Ben says

      February 07, 2012 at 9:55 am

      I've never heard of this combination before, but it sounds delicious and healthy. I can obsess over some foods too until I get sick of them. 12 step program for foodies? πŸ˜€

    5. Shannon says

      February 07, 2012 at 10:59 am

      mmm, love all the goodness you have packed in here πŸ™‚ i like this in the summer, but in the cooler months i can do oatmeal... as long as the boyfriend makes it for me!

    6. Gia Grossman says

      February 07, 2012 at 11:33 am

      I don't even like breakfast and this sounds like heaven. Voted!!! Yours are the best!!!!!!!!

    7. emily @ the happy home says

      February 07, 2012 at 1:19 pm

      yum. i've been jumping on the weekend Irish Oatmeal thing lately; stirring in a bit of almond or peanut butter and a banana. it looks frightful, but it's the only way i've found to make oatmeal actually satisfying. i love dried dates in meusli, too!

    8. Ashley says

      February 07, 2012 at 2:25 pm

      Overdone: Granny Smith apples and special K bars. It took years to even think of trying either again.
      And I totally understand your repeat breakfast dilemma. I have to constantly change what it is every day, so I cycle through cereal, eggs, yogurt, and oatmeal. My current favorite is oatmeal cooked with milk and some cooked strawberries + OJ...it's like strawberries and cream! I don't even notice the oatmeal! I can't wait to try your museli!

    9. sarah k. @ the pajama chef says

      February 07, 2012 at 4:16 pm

      overdone--pb&j. sandwiches of any kind. chewy granola bars. pb on bagels (that's thanks to college cross country/track). remarkably, i still love PB..just not on sandwiches or bagels. πŸ™‚

      this muesli looks fantastic!

    10. Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says

      February 07, 2012 at 4:31 pm

      I love that muesli from Au Bon Pain too. I make overnight oats a lot, but actually mix in the yogurt with the milk - it makes it thicker and yes, more mushy. But I will try this next time (and by that I mean, make it tonight for tomorrow's breakfast) πŸ™‚ Thanks for the recipe!

    11. Megan says

      February 07, 2012 at 8:46 pm

      I like to have a few go-to breakfasts so I never get sick of one. This is a great idea!

      I definitely overdid it with V8 in college. I would get huge packs of it at Costco.

    12. Vanessa says

      February 07, 2012 at 10:48 pm

      Bananas. I ate them everyday for a year and now I still don't want them. I just saw you girls on Chronicle! It was so cool!

    13. Jeannie says

      February 08, 2012 at 8:40 pm

      Hmmm....time to get healthy after all the festive binging:P This would be a great delicious way to start!

    14. Lisa says

      February 17, 2012 at 9:21 am

      How long does this keep?

    15. Sues says

      February 17, 2012 at 9:56 am

      @Lisa- Not long in my fridge! πŸ™‚ But really, I would say about 3 days? Of course, you can feel free to cut the recipe in half if you don't think you can eat it all in that time.

    16. Sophie says

      February 27, 2012 at 12:19 pm

      Waw! What a truly appetizing & great breakfast! I love my breakfast's like this! Yum!!

    17. Jessica says

      March 06, 2012 at 8:19 pm

      This sounds really good, but is it supposed to be cold? I was waiting for the part where you said to stick it in the microwave but it never came haha.

    18. Sues says

      March 07, 2012 at 1:48 am

      @Jessica- Yes, it's supposed to be cold πŸ™‚ Bircher Muesli traditional is. Even in the winter, I find it delicious!

    19. nicole @ I am a Honey Bee says

      August 14, 2012 at 11:21 am

      I love muesli! I've aways purchased it made but making it at home seems so easy!

    20. Matthew says

      July 07, 2015 at 9:36 am

      My Swiss German friends added flat beer in place of the apple juice.
      Budweiser in fact. (Don't ask why).
      Left the can open over night in the fridge.

    21. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

      March 15, 2018 at 10:32 am

      5 stars
      I think all of us have overdone foods throughout the years. But we all learn from our mistakes. It's a good thing I like breakfast. This looks like a great way to start and the energy to keep going.

    22. Dana DeVolk says

      March 15, 2018 at 10:34 am

      5 stars
      I love how simple and easy this recipe is, thanks so much!

    23. Eileen Kelly says

      March 18, 2018 at 9:40 pm

      5 stars
      I definitely know what mean about overdoing it..I have totally done that too! I had a love of peanut peanut butter during school. I have finally been able to eat it again. I am a huge fan of easy breakfast. In the past, I missed breakfast because I didn't want to make it. I love how simple this breakfast is to prep and its ready to GO in the am. I also love that its flexible with ingredients. Delish!

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