Muesli (/ˈmjuːzli/ MEWZ-lee) is a cold Swiss dish that has become a common breakfast cereal prepared without cooking. Developed around 1900 by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner for patients in his hospital, in Switzerland, it is also consumed for supper as Birchermüesli complet, 'Bircher's complete little mush', i.e., muesli with café complet (milk coffee accompanied by Butterbrot [bread, butter and jam]).
Traditionally, the primary ingredient is rolled oats which have not been processed further. The original preparation was to soak the oats in water overnight ("overnight oats") and eat the next morning with fresh apple, nuts, lemon juice, and sweetened condensed milk. Variation over time was natural: substituting other citrus juice or adding additional ingredients such as grains, seeds, and fresh and dried fruits. Yogurt, milk or other milk products, or milk substitutes are now common ingredients in both homemade and commercially packaged muesli recipes.
