• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Shop

The Worktop logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Christmas Breakfast Ideas
  • All Breakfast Recipes
  • Easy Ideas
  • Brunch Ideas
  • Meet Tina
  • By Category
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home / Breakfast and Brunch Recipes / Bircher Muesli - Easy Recipe for Swiss Oatmeal

    Dec 11, 2019 · Last Updated: Nov 11, 2021

    Bircher Muesli - Easy Recipe for Swiss Oatmeal

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

    Sharing is caring!

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Creamy Bircher Muesli Recipe - bowl with nuts and yogurt | The Worktop

    Bircher Muesli is filled with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, fresh apples, nuts, and seeds. Made overnight, this Swiss oatmeal recipe is a healthy and easy breakfast that's full of flavor and texture.

    Bircher Muesli - bowl of Swiss oatmeal ready for breakfast with toppings and yogurt | The Worktop

    Bircher muesli is a wholesome, make-ahead breakfast

    Also known as Swiss oatmeal, bircher muesli is a make-ahead breakfast that’s packed with good-for-you ingredients like oats and fresh apples. 

    In addition to being a healthy start to your day, it’s also super convenient as you just mix it up the night before, let the oats soak overnight, and then add your favorite toppings in the morning. 

    If you haven’t had bircher muesli before, there are so many reasons why I think you’re going to love it: 

    • It’s nutty 
    • Just the right amount of sweet
    • Filling, hearty texture
    • Simple to make 
    • Customizable 

    And did I mention that it’s absolutely delicious? 

    Let me show you just how healthy and tasty this easy creamy bircher muesli recipe is!

    Swiss oatmeal is a breakfast I love waking up to 

    This creamy bircher muesli recipe is one I make over and over again, yet up until a few years I had never even heard of it. 

    It wasn’t until I moved to London and the coffee shop was looking for new recipes to serve that this Swiss oatmeal came onto my radar after looking through a local magazine.

    Not being familiar with the recipe, I was uncertain about the idea of oats soaked in apple juice and stored in the fridge overnight. But then bircher muesli recipes kept popping up everywhere I went: restaurant menus, blog posts, and even newspapers. So I finally gave it a try. 

    The morning I woke up to it, I ran to the fridge. Sprinkled on a handful of toppings, and could not have been happier the moment I ate my first spoonful. It was a little nutty, slightly sweet, and had a good hearty texture. 

    Definitely a breakfast I wanted to make again. Since then, I've perfected the recipe and I'm happy to share it with you here.

    Creamy Bircher Muesli - Bowl of soaked oats with yogurt and toppings for breakfast | The Worktop

    Is bircher muesli healthy?

    Yes, Bircher can be a very healthy breakfast. 

    Unlike sugary breakfast cereals, this easy bircher muesli is packed with good-for-you whole ingredients: 

    • Oats - rich in heart-healthy fiber
    • Nuts and seeds - great source of protein and healthy fats
    • Yogurt - high in calcium 
    • Apples - naturally sweet

    Now, I do use 100% apple juice in the recipe, which does add a bit of sugar. 

    If you want to reduce the sweetness you can swap half of the apple juice for milk or water. I’ll often use one of these swaps when making this Swiss oatmeal for my toddler. 

    Also be sure to use an apple juice that is 100% pure juice with no added sugars. You can double check this by looking at the ingredient list. 

    Easy Bircher Muesli - overhead shot of 2 breakfast bowls | The Worktop

    What makes this bircher muesli recipe different than regular muesli?

    You can think of muesli as an uncooked granola. In its most basic form, it is a combination of oats nuts, seeds, and fresh or dried fruits. 

    You can easily buy delicious bags of muesli on Amazon, or simply just take a look at it. But this recipe makes enjoying muesli much cheaper!

    Classic bircher muesli has the same ingredients as traditional muesli, but is softened by soaking the oats in milk or juice overnight. In fact, the original Swiss recipe actually calls for sweetened condensed milk. 

    There are so many variations to bircher muesli. Some recipes add in yogurt while others use lemon juice or cream. The Ritz Hotel in London even uses apricots, orange juice, pears and crème fraîche.

    This recipe makes a very simple bircher muesli recipe that works as a great base for adding your favorite topping combinations. 

    How to make bircher muesli at home

    Now, you may be wondering: what is bircher muesli made of?

    Ingredients for overnight bircher muesli

    To make this easy bircher muesli recipe, you just need a few simple ingredients:

    • Old fashioned oats
    • Apple juice
    • Whole apples 
    • Yogurt 
    • Nuts and seed mix
    • Dried fruit

    If gluten-free, make sure to use oats that are certified gluten-free. 

    You can't go wrong using these organic old fashioned rolled oats. Plus, they are gluten free too.

    This overnight bircher muesli is quick to assemble in the morning 

    After soaking oats in apple juice overnight, in the morning you’ll simply mix in freshly grated apples. 

    But which should you use: green or red apples?  

    I opt for red apples when I use half water or milk, as they’re a bit more mellow and sweet. But when I use all apple juice, I like how the tartness of green apples balances out the sweetness of the juice. 

    Once your apples are mixed in, all that’s left are the toppings. Simple. 

    Classic Bircher Muesli - bowl of oats soaked in apple juice ready to be served | The Worktop

    Toppings for Swiss oatmeal 

    One of the best parts of this Swiss oatmeal recipe is adding toppings, as you can make your bowl as creamy, crunchy or sweet as you’d like. 

    For creamy bircher muesli use regular yogurt

    The key to serving this a creamy bircher muesli recipe is adding a generous dollop of yogurt on top. 

    To keep the texture from getting too thick and sludgy, I use regular yogurt, rather than Greek yogurt.

    Also, as this recipe is sweet enough from the apples and juice, I prefer plain rather than sweetened yogurt. Plus, the tang is nice with the sweetness. 

    Nuts and seeds give this bircher muesli recipe a wonderful crunch 

    For the nuts, feel free to use your favorite ones or any that you already have in your pantry. Walnuts are my favorite as I like how the nutty, earthy flavor pairs well with the sweet apple flavor. 

    For the seeds, I use a combination of: 

    • Sunflower seeds
    • Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
    • Brown and golden flax seeds 

    For a premixed option, this is a great Raw Superfood Topping Mix, which contains chia, flax, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds, thin-sliced almonds, organic goji berries and raisins.

    Of course, you can also make your own seed mix.

    Or even top it with this paleo granola. The recipe doesn't contain any oats. But instead uses lots of nuts and dried fruit.

    Add dried fruits for a classic touch

    To keep it classic, I like adding just a few raisins on top. If you like your raisins on the plump-side, you can soak them overnight with the oats. 

    And of course, you can swap in other types, such as dried blueberries or cranberries for a pop of color. 

    TIP: To keep your bircher muesli healthy, don’t go overboard with dried fruit as the calories and sugars can quickly add up. 

    Bircher Muesli Recipe - Overhead shot of breakfast bowl | The Worktop

    Do you have to soak bircher muesli?

    I always soak mine. 

    You might see some Swiss oatmeal recipes that suggest soaking for as little as 10 minutes, but personally I like the texture better after the oats have soaked overnight. 

    I’ve also found that soaking gives it more flavor. Plus, soaking the oats overnight in the fridge makes breakfast quick and easy the next day. 

    However, I always wait to add the fresh apples and yogurt until just before serving for optimal texture. 

    Can you heat bircher muesli?

    It’s really up to you. I like it best cold, straight from the fridge. 

    But on frosty days when you’re craving something warm you can also heat it up before eating. Simply pop it in the microwave for 1 minute or so, and then add your toppings after. 

    To make warmed bircher muesli even cozier, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top too. 

    Another way to add a little warmth to overnight bircher muesli is by adding grilled fruit like in this bircher muesli recipe with smashed cherries and grilled apricots.

    Trust me, the warm fruit add a completely new dimension to this simple breakfast. 

    Bircher Muesli - bowl showing Swiss oatmeal ready to serve for breakfast | The Worktop

    I love oats for breakfast 

    I find there’s something so comforting and wholesome about an oat-based breakfast. 

    Plus I just love the nutty, slightly sweet flavor and chew texture of them. Oats also the perfect canvas for a variety of toppings and can be enjoyed hot or cold. 

    Especially on colder mornings, there’s nothing better than cozying up with a bowl of hot oatmeal porridge. One of my family’s favorite recipes is this apple cinnamon oatmeal, especially with a drizzle of maple syrup on top. 

    This creamy bircher muesli recipe is a simple and nutritious make-ahead breakfast option

    If you love the convenience of this recipe, be sure to try other no-cook recipes on The Worktop: 

    • Overnight Chia Seed Pudding
    • Overnight Oats with Yogurt
    • Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk
    • Pantry Staple Granola Dust
    • Oatmeal Energy Balls
    Bircher Muesli Swiss Oatmeal - collage picture to show with and without toppings | The Worktop

    I really hope this creamy bircher muesli makes it on your table soon. It’s definitely a recipe we make when we’re craving a healthy, filling breakfast.

    Any questions? Feel free to ask in the comments below or email tina@theworktop.com.

    Bircher Muesli Recipe - Close up of bowl showing oats, yogurt and toppings | The Worktop

    Bircher Muesli - Easy Recipe for Swiss Oatmeal

    4.80 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Serves: 4
    Prep: 2 minutes mins
    Resting Time: 8 hours hrs
    Total: 2 minutes mins
    Bircher Muesli is filled with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, fresh apples, nuts, and seeds. Made overnight, this Swiss oatmeal recipe is a healthy and easy breakfast that's full of flavor and texture.

    Ingredients

    Basic bircher muesli to prepare the night before

    • 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats (jumbo rolled oats) (use GF if needed)
    • 1 ½ cups apple juice

    In the morning

    • 2 whole apples (green or red)
    • regular yogurt (any type, including vegan works)
    • seed mix - I like mix of sunflower seeds, pepitas, brown and golden flax seeds (this raw superfood topping mix also works great)
    • nuts - my favorite is walnut
    • dried fruit - I use raisins and cranberries
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl, combine the jumbo rolled oats and apple juice. Cover, and leave in the refrigerator overnight.
    • In the morning, grate 2 apples (including the peel), and mix into the bircher muesli. I use one red and one green for the photos, but both varieties work. See post for more info.

    Serve with your favorite toppings

    • After the bircher has soaked overnight, serve with your favorite toppings. I use a spoonful of regular yogurt, then add on walnuts, sunflower seeds, pepitas, brown and golden flax seeds, raisins and cranberries. You can also add in a swirl of jam if you like.

    Notes

    The soaked oats will keep for 2 days in the refrigerator if you leave off all the toppings.
    Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Oats and Grains
    Cuisine: American, European
    Keyword: Bircher Muesli
    Special Diet: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Author: The Worktop
    Cal : 196kcal
    Note: Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
    Love this?I would appreciate a star review! Snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram using #theworktop and tagging me @theworktop.

    This bircher muesli recipe was originally published on Feb 11, 2014. The recipe and photos were updated on Dec 11, 2019.

    « Breakfast Potato Casserole (Gluten Free)
    Sweet Potato Hash »

    By Tina Jui
    Filed Under: Breakfast and Brunch Recipes, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly, Make Ahead, No Cook, No Egg, Oats and Grains, Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas, Quick and Easy Brunches, Summer Breakfast Recipes, VegetarianTags: Apple Breakfast Recipes, no cook, nuts, oats, seeds, yogurt

    About Tina Jui

    A breakfast lover and food blogger. Tina develops everyday breakfast recipes on The Worktop, and writes about all things related to breakfast and brunch. Read more about Tina Jui or drop an email to say hi.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tartan says

      May 11, 2022 at 7:00 pm

      I love food blogs. I like to eat new food. I am very hungry to try something new.

      Reply
    2. arjun says

      September 13, 2021 at 11:55 am

      Thanks for putting up all the points together, makes it easier to understand the benefits

      Reply
    3. Clara says

      May 26, 2021 at 8:26 am

      My children, now in their forties, have grown up with Birchermüesli... As Our Sunday night dinner...we all loved it sooo much!

      Reply
    4. Tina says

      October 01, 2020 at 2:58 am

      Can you use steel-cut oats for this?

      Reply
      • Tina Jui says

        October 23, 2020 at 11:49 am

        Hi Tina, I wouldn't recommend it as they don't soak as well.

        Reply
    5. mohan kumar says

      February 07, 2020 at 6:29 am

      Thank you for sharing.
      This sounds gorgeous.nice break fast.

      Reply
    6. Beverley Renny says

      December 11, 2019 at 10:23 pm

      I lived in Switzerland back in the '70's which is when I discovered this muesli - still love it to this day!

      Reply
    7. Angela @ my Golden Pear says

      February 28, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      I was converted a couple of years ago to this delicious breakfast. It is now one of my favourites. Thanks so much for taking part in Credit Crunch Munch.

      Reply
      • Tina Jui says

        March 03, 2014 at 8:47 pm

        Yes, it is such a delicious and healthy breakfast. I don't know why it took me so long to discover it!

        Reply
    8. Camilla @FabFood4All says

      February 16, 2014 at 9:28 pm

      I've never heard of this Muesli and it sounds lush so must give it a go - thank you for bringing it to Credit Crunch Munch:-)

      Reply
    4.80 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Hi, I'm Tina and a lover of breakfast! The Worktop is where I share my everyday breakfast recipes. You can find lots of breakfasts and brunch ideas on my site. Many of the recipes are easy to make and healthy, but of course, you'll also find big brunch indulgences.

    More about The Worktop →

    Popular Breakfast Recipes

    • Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole - Easy Recipe | The Worktop
      Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
    • Overnight Chia Seed Pudding with Almond Milk | The Worktop #breakfast #GF #vegan
      Overnight Chia Seed Pudding with Almond Milk (Vegan, GF)
    • Instant Pot Congee Chicken Rice Recipe | The Worktop
      Instant Pot Congee - Chicken and Rice
    • Glazed Donuts Krispy Kreme Recipe Copycat
      Original Glazed Donuts (Krispy Kreme Recipe Copycat)

    Hi, I'm Tina and a lover of breakfast! The Worktop is where I share my everyday breakfast recipes. You can find lots of breakfasts and brunch ideas on my site. Many of the recipes are easy to make and healthy, but of course, you'll also find big brunch indulgences.

    More about The Worktop →

    Popular Breakfast Recipes

    • Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole - Easy Recipe | The Worktop
      Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
    • Overnight Chia Seed Pudding with Almond Milk | The Worktop #breakfast #GF #vegan
      Overnight Chia Seed Pudding with Almond Milk (Vegan, GF)
    • Instant Pot Congee Chicken Rice Recipe | The Worktop
      Instant Pot Congee - Chicken and Rice
    • Glazed Donuts Krispy Kreme Recipe Copycat
      Original Glazed Donuts (Krispy Kreme Recipe Copycat)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Statement
    • Visit our sister site Home Time Activities

    As Featured On

    The Worktop Featured On Banner - Taste of Home, Buzzfeed, Decor, The Bump, FeedFeed

    Stay Connected

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2013-2024 Rainbow Rice LLC. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.