Prep time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1 | Calories: ~380
If you love bold, rich coffee flavors, these new orleans chicory coffee overnight oats are about to become your new morning obsession. Chicory coffee is a New Orleans classic with a deep, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy oats. This recipe takes almost zero effort the night before and rewards you with a satisfying, energizing breakfast the next morning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No morning cooking required. Just grab your jar from the fridge and enjoy.
- Bold, unique flavor. Chicory coffee gives these oats a depth you just cannot get from regular coffee.
- Naturally filling. Oats and fiber from chicory keep you full for hours.
- Easy to customize. Add your favorite toppings or sweeteners to make it your own.
- Meal prep friendly. Make several jars at once for the whole week.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats if needed)
- 1/2 cup brewed New Orleans style chicory coffee, cooled (Cafe Du Monde is a great brand to use)
- 1/4 cup milk of your choice (dairy milk, oat milk, or almond milk all work great)
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (substitute with coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (helps thicken and adds omega-3s)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to your taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, chocolate shavings, sliced banana, or a drizzle of condensed milk for a true New Orleans cafe au lait vibe
How to Make New Orleans Chicory Coffee Overnight Oats
- Brew and cool your chicory coffee. Brew a small batch of New Orleans style chicory coffee and let it cool to room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for 10 to 15 minutes to speed things up.
- Combine your base ingredients. In a mason jar or airtight container, add the rolled oats, cooled chicory coffee, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Stir everything together. Mix all the ingredients until fully combined. Make sure the chia seeds are evenly distributed so they do not clump together at the bottom.
- Seal and refrigerate. Close the lid tightly and place the jar in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best for maximum creaminess.
- Add your toppings and serve. In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy cold, or heat it up in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds if you prefer a warm breakfast.
Pro Tips for Perfect New Orleans Chicory Coffee Overnight Oats
- Use cooled coffee. Hot coffee will partially cook the oats and change the texture. Always let it cool first.
- Go bold with the brew. Brew your chicory coffee a little stronger than usual since the oats will absorb a lot of the flavor overnight.
- Do not skip the chia seeds. They are key for getting that thick, pudding-like consistency. If you skip them, the oats will be much looser.
- Taste before you sleep. Give the mixture a quick taste right after mixing and adjust the sweetness. It is much easier to fix before it sets overnight.
- Use a wide-mouth mason jar. This makes stirring and adding toppings so much easier in the morning.
Flavor Variations
- Cafe Au Lait Style: Swap half the brewed chicory coffee for steamed or warmed condensed milk for a sweet, creamy New Orleans cafe au lait flavor. Top with a light dusting of cinnamon.
- Chocolate Chicory: Stir in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder to the base mixture. Top with dark chocolate chips and sliced strawberries for a mocha-inspired bowl.
- Vanilla Pecan: Add an extra splash of vanilla extract and stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped toasted pecans right before eating. This gives a warm, Southern praline flavor.
- Banana Foster Inspired: Top your oats with sliced banana, a pinch of brown sugar, and a tiny drizzle of butter that has been warmed with cinnamon. It tastes like the classic New Orleans dessert in a jar.
Storage Tips
Store your overnight oats in a sealed jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it super easy to prep a full week of breakfasts on Sunday evening.
It is best to keep toppings separate and add them right before eating so they stay fresh and do not get soggy. Sliced fresh fruit should always be added the morning of.
Do not freeze overnight oats made with chicory coffee. The texture of the oats and yogurt changes when frozen and thawed, and the result is not nearly as enjoyable.
Nutrition Information
The following is an estimate based on the base recipe without optional toppings.
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~54g
- Fat: ~9g
- Fiber: ~8g
Nutrition values will vary based on the specific milk, yogurt, and sweetener you use. Adding toppings like condensed milk or whipped cream will increase the calorie count.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chicory coffee and where can I find it?
Chicory coffee is made from the roasted and ground root of the chicory plant, often blended with regular coffee. It has a bold, slightly earthy and nutty flavor. You can find it at most grocery stores, specialty coffee shops, or online. Cafe Du Monde is the most popular brand associated with New Orleans style chicory coffee.
Can I use instant chicory coffee instead of brewed?
Yes, you can. Dissolve about 1 to 2 teaspoons of instant chicory coffee granules in 1/2 cup of warm water and let it cool before using. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Simply swap the Greek yogurt for a coconut or almond-based yogurt, and use a non-dairy milk like oat milk or almond milk. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same.
Do I have to eat this cold?
Not at all. If you prefer a warm breakfast, just remove the lid and microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. The coffee and chicory flavors come through beautifully even when warm.
How long does the chicory coffee flavor last in the oats?
The flavor is strongest on day one and day two. By day three or four, it mellows out a bit but is still really tasty. If you want a bolder flavor on later days, try stirring in a small splash of freshly brewed chicory coffee right before eating.
Give This Recipe a Try
These new orleans chicory coffee overnight oats are the perfect way to bring a little bit of the magic of the French Quarter straight to your breakfast table. They are simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor that regular coffee overnight oats just cannot match.
Whether you are a longtime fan of chicory coffee or trying it for the first time, this recipe is a wonderful introduction. Make a jar tonight and wake up to a breakfast that feels both effortless and special.
