Farmer Drew’s Favorite Recipe for a Healthy Start
Picture this: it’s just before sunrise. The fields are still kissed with dew, and I’m sitting on the porch with a mug of hot coffee, watching the first rays light up the wheat rows.
That’s when I love to enjoy my overnight oats. It’s a simple, hearty breakfast that reminds me to slow down and savor the morning.
These oats aren’t just any oats.
They’re a blend of our farm’s freshest ingredients, like our Hard Red Spring Wheat Bran that adds a gentle nutty flavor and a good dose of fiber.
Mixed with juicy summer berries and creamy Greek yogurt, this no-cook recipe is a dream for anyone who wants a healthy start without fuss.
I’ve always believed that good food shouldn’t be complicated. It should nourish you, connect you to the land, and set the tone for a day full of purpose.
As chef and author Alice Waters says, “Good food is a right, not a privilege.”
In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to make these overnight oats, perfect for beginners and folks looking to build a nutritious morning routine.
We’ll keep it simple, wholesome, and downright delicious.
Ingredients for Farmer Drew’s Overnight Oats
Base Mixture
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons Hard Red Spring Wheat Bran (adds a subtle nutty taste and a hearty boost of fiber)
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or your favorite non-dairy alternative)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (for extra thickness and fiber)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
Toppings
- ½ cup fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries… whatever looks best at the market!)
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts add a nice crunch)
- 1 teaspoon citrus zest (optional, but it gives a bright kick)
Start Your Day Right with Overnight Oats
When you’re just starting out, it can feel a bit odd to “cook” breakfast without ever turning on the stove.
But that’s the magic here. We let time do the work overnight so you can wake up to a jar full of goodness.
1️⃣ Mix it all together
Grab a mixing bowl and toss in the rolled oats, Hard Red Spring Wheat Bran, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and honey. Use a good sturdy spoon and give it a thorough stir. You want every oat to get cozy with the milk and yogurt so they soften up nicely.
2️⃣ Divide and chill
Spoon the mixture evenly into two jars or containers with lids. This is where you can imagine you’re tucking them in for a good night’s rest. Pop them in the fridge and let them sit at least 6–8 hours — overnight is best.
3️⃣ Add the good stuff in the morning
Come morning, top each jar with fresh berries, chopped nuts, and a bit of citrus zest if you’d like. I like to add an extra drizzle of honey when I’m feeling fancy.
Farmer Drew’s tip: If your oats look a little thick, stir in a splash of milk before adding your toppings to loosen them up.
The Joy of Fresh, Simple Overnight Oats
These overnight oats aren’t just a quick meal, they’re a small celebration of summer mornings.
Picture opening that jar and seeing the bright, jewel-toned berries you picked just yesterday at the local farm stand or maybe right from your own garden.
The oats are soft and creamy, with a slight nutty flavor from the Hard Red Spring Wheat Bran, and each spoonful feels like a little reward for taking care of yourself.
The berries burst with sweetness, the nuts add a satisfying crunch, and that citrus zest gives a cheerful zing to wake up your taste buds.
Farmer Drew’s tip: Don’t be afraid to swap in what’s ripe and in season. Peaches, cherries, or even a handful of fresh figs can make this breakfast feel brand new each week.
The oats should feel creamy but not soupy. Think of the texture as a soft, cozy blanket for your berries and nuts to rest on.
Overnight Oats FAQs
Rolled oats are my go-to. They soak up the milk perfectly and give a soft, hearty texture. Quick oats can turn mushy, and steel-cut oats stay too chewy unless pre-cooked.
Sure thing. You can swap yogurt for extra milk or even a splash of nut milk for a lighter, dairy-free option. Yogurt just adds creaminess and a little extra protein.
Yes, they do. Keeping them in the fridge overnight keeps them safe and gives them the right texture.
They’re best within 2–3 days. After that, the oats can get too soft, and the fruit can start to break down.
Absolutely. Adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder is a great way to make it even more filling. Just mix it into the base mixture before chilling.
Bring Overnight Oats into Your Morning Rhythm
These overnight oats are more than a quick meal, they’re a simple act of care for yourself. By taking a few minutes the night before, you’re inviting in a slow, intentional start to your day.
They’re filled with farm-fresh flavors, high fiber from Hard Red Spring Wheat Bran, and juicy summer berries that brighten each spoonful.
I’d love to see what you come up with. Share your jars on Instagram and tag us at #EarlyBirdFarm.
Let’s celebrate real food, together.
Summer Berry Overnight Oats with Wheat Bran
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Mason Jar or Glass Jar
- Spoon
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- 1 cup rolled oats gluten-free if needed
- 2 tbsp Hard Red Spring Wheat Bran https://earlybirdnc.com/product/hard-red-spring-wheat-bran/
- 1 cup milk of choice dairy or non-dairy
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds for extra thickness and fiber
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup fresh mixed berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts
- 1 tsp citrus zest optional, for brightness
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, Hard Red Spring Wheat Bran, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and honey. Stir well until fully incorporated.
- Divide the mixture evenly into two jars or containers. Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 6–8 hours).
- In the morning, top with fresh berries, chopped nuts, and citrus zest. Drizzle with extra honey if desired. Enjoy chilled!
