Description
Creamy, cozy, and perfectly tender — this Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal is a set-it-and-forget-it breakfast that cooks overnight so you can wake up to a warm and nourishing bowl ready to enjoy! It’s an easy and comforting meal prep option that combines wholesome steel cut oats with simple flavorings like cinnamon and vanilla, customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 4 cups water (or 3 cups water + 1 cup milk for creamier texture)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
- Fresh fruit
- Nuts
- Nut butter
- Seeds
- Brown sugar
- Raisins
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the steel cut oats, your choice of liquid (water or a mix of water and milk), cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the slow cooker. Stir everything well to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours, ideally overnight, or on High for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the oats to become tender and creamy.
- Stir Before Serving: When the cooking time is complete, stir the oatmeal well to combine the thickened oats. The mixture will continue to thicken if it sits.
- Add Sweetener and Toppings: Sweeten the oatmeal to your taste with maple syrup, honey, or other sweeteners. Then add any desired toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, nut butter, seeds, brown sugar, or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Spray or lightly grease the slow cooker before adding ingredients to prevent sticking.
- Add apples or bananas to the slow cooker for a natural fruit flavor infusion.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; reheat with a splash of milk for creaminess.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cow’s milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours
- Category: Breakfast, Meal Prep
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
