slow cooker oatmeal steel cut oats recipe

The Best slow cooker oatmeal steel cut oats recipe

I’ve been making slow cooker oatmeal with steel cut oats for years, and it’s still a staple in our household. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you need something quick and easy to get everyone fed and out the door on time. The best part?

It’s incredibly customizable – you can add in any mix-ins you like, from nuts and seeds to fruit and spices. I love that it’s a great way to use up any leftover milk or eggs we have on hand, too. The result is a hearty, comforting bowl of goodness that’s full of fiber and protein to keep us going all morning long.

As a mom of three, I appreciate that this recipe is also super easy to make in large quantities. Just throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker the night before, and let it do its magic while you’re sleeping. In the morning, you’ll wake up to a delicious, hot breakfast that’s ready to go – no fuss, no muss!

And because we’re using steel cut oats instead of rolled oats, this dish has a wonderful texture that’s more like porridge than mushy oatmeal. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as is, topped with your favorite fruits or nuts, or add in some extra sweetness with honey or maple syrup.

We like to add in some dried fruit and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a special treat. And because it’s made with steel cut oats, it’s also super filling – perfect for keeping our tummies happy until lunchtime. Of course, one of the best parts of this recipe is how healthy it is!

Steel cut oats are packed with fiber and protein, making them an excellent choice for breakfast or snack time. And by using milk instead of cream or half-and-half, we can keep the calorie count down while still enjoying a rich and creamy texture.

Creamy Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats

4.7 from 754 votes

This slow cooker steel cut oatmeal is a hands-off breakfast that cooks overnight to a creamy, hearty texture. The oats are combined with milk, water, and a touch of sweetener, then simmered low and slow until tender.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time7 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time7 hours 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 290 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Oatmeal

1 cup steel cut oats
3 cups water
2 cups whole milk (or any milk of choice)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For Serving (optional)

Fresh berries or sliced bananas
Chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
Additional milk or cream
Extra sweetener to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2Add the steel cut oats, water, milk, brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon if using.
3Stir everything together until well combined.
4Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat.
5Cook for 7 to 8 hours, or overnight, until the oats are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
6The oatmeal should be thick and creamy when done.
7Stir the oatmeal well before serving.
8If it is too thick for your liking, stir in a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
9Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Airtight container for storage

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 290 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 10mg🧂Sodium: 230mg🌾Total Carbs: 49g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 9g

📝Notes

For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk. Leftover oatmeal can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated with a splash of milk. To avoid a mushy texture, do not stir the oats during cooking.

Watch Video Of How Creamy Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats Works

One thing I love about this slow cooker oatmeal recipe is how versatile it is – whether you’re serving it as a hearty breakfast on-the-go or as a comforting snack during the day, it’s always a good idea.

And because it freezes so well, we can make big batches ahead of time and enjoy them all week long.

Whether you’re looking for a new breakfast routine or just need something easy and comforting during these crazy times – trust me when I say this slow cooker oatmeal with steel cut oats is always a winner.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats

Q: What kind of oats should I use for this recipe?

A: For this slow cooker oatmeal recipe, you’ll want to use steel cut oats instead of rolled oats. Steel cut oats have a coarser texture than rolled oats and hold up better to slow cooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes! One of the best things about this recipe is how well it keeps overnight in the fridge or even longer in the freezer. Simply thaw and reheat as needed – perfect for meal prep or busy mornings.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat as needed – just be sure to add a splash of milk or cream if reheating from frozen.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with different mix-ins?

A: Absolutely! Some of our favorite mix-ins include nuts (walnuts or almonds work particularly well), seeds (chia or flax are great options), dried fruit (cranberries or raisins are tasty choices), and even shredded coconut.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for kids?

A: Yes! This slow cooker oatmeal recipe is a great way to get kids eating more fiber and protein at breakfast time – just be sure to adjust the amount of sweetener according to their taste preferences.

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