Discover how to make mouthwatering slow cooker oatmeal with our easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for a comforting and hearty breakfast!
There’s something undeniably comforting about waking up to the warm aroma of slow cooker oatmeal filling your kitchen.
This versatile, wholesome and delicious breakfast option not only nourishes your body but also your soul.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a student or just someone who loves a fuss-free morning meal, slow cooker oatmeal is the answer thanks to the minimal effort needed and little prep time.
Unlike stovetop cooking that demands constant attention, the slow cooker does all the work for you. It’s a hassle-free method that yields consistently fantastic results. Plus, it allows you to prepare breakfast the night before and wake up to a hot, nutritious meal.
Oatmeal in the slow cooker is also incredibly customizable. Sweeteners like honey, a little maple syrup, or brown sugar add the perfect touch of sweetness. Don’t forget to select your favorite seasonal fruits, nuts and spices to infuse your oatmeal with unique flavors.
How to Cook Oatmeal in a Slow Cooker
Ingredients:
- 3 cups milk
- 1-2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups quick oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons butter
Directions:
Grease your crockpot with butter or cooking spray.
Place the milk and water in the crockpot.
Stir in the quick oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt until well combined.
Distribute the butter evenly over top of the oatmeal mixture.
Set the lid on the crockpot and cook on low overnight for 8 hours or on high for 3 hours.
After the cooking time, stir up the oatmeal, adding additional milk or butter as needed.
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Tips for Making Oatmeal in the Crock Pot
Here are some tips for making delicious slow cooker oatmeal:
- Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) work best for crock pot oatmeal. They have a great texture after cooking for a long time.
- Add sweeteners like honey, pure maple syrup, or brown sugar to taste. You can also add dried fruits, vanilla extract, or cinnamon for flavor.
- Slow cooker oatmeal typically takes a cook time of 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Experiment to find your preferred level of doneness.
- If possible, stir the oatmeal occasionally during cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking to the sides.
- Using the low setting typically yields creamier oatmeal, while the high setting may result in slightly firmer oats.
- For a convenient morning meal, prepare the slow cooker oatmeal the night before, set it to cook on low, and wake up to a hot breakfast the next morning.
- Create an oatmeal bar with an array of toppings for the whole family to enjoy on busy mornings. Keep the crock pot on the warm setting with an array of your favorite toppings.
- Store leftover oatmeal in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days in an airtight container, and reheat as needed for quick and easy breakfasts.
What To Add To Crockpot Oatmeal
You can add a variety of ingredients to slow cooker oatmeal to enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some popular additions to consider:
- Chopped apples, sliced bananas, berries, or diced peaches are excellent choices. Add them during cooking for a soft, cooked texture or just before serving for a fresh, fruity contrast.
- Dried cranberries, raisins, apricots, or chopped dates can add sweetness and chewiness to your oatmeal.
- Chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, or even toasted coconut flakes can provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Sprinkle chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds for added nutrition and a slight crunch.
- Customize sweetness with honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, agave nectar, or a drizzle of molasses.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, or even a pinch of cardamom can infuse warm and aromatic flavors into your oatmeal.
- A dollop of yogurt can add creaminess and tanginess to your oatmeal.
- Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or another nut butter for a rich and nutty flavor.
- A drop or two of extracts like vanilla or almond can elevate the oatmeal’s flavor.
- Toasted coconut flakes can provide a tropical twist and a pleasant crunch.
- For a treat, add dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
FAQs for the Best Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe
Yes, you can reheat slow cooker oatmeal. Transfer the leftovers to a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, add a little liquid to adjust the consistency, and heat on the stovetop or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring as needed.
To prevent oatmeal from sticking to your slow cooker, consider greasing the cooker with cooking spray or using a slow cooker liner designed for slow cookers. Cooking on the low temperature setting, stirring occasionally, and using a water bath method can further reduce sticking. Investing in a high-quality slow cooker with a non-stick coating can also be helpful.
Slow cooker oatmeal can last for about 3 to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can cook oats with water only. In fact, many people prefer to use water as the cooking liquid for oatmeal because it provides a neutral base and allows the natural flavors of the oats to shine through.
Slow-cooked oatmeal offers not only a healthy breakfast option, but also a creamy texture, convenience for busy mornings, enhanced flavor infusion, and a filling, satisfying breakfast option. It can be customized with various toppings and is stress-free to prepare, making it a versatile and nutritious choice for breakfast.
The secret to cooking oatmeal effectively involves finding the right liquid-to-oats ratio, choosing the appropriate cooking process, controlling heat, and timing it to reach your desired consistency.
Old-fashioned rolled oats (also known as rolled oats or old-fashioned oats) work best for slow cooker oatmeal. These oats are whole oats that have been rolled flat to create flakes. They have a nice balance between texture and creaminess, making them ideal for slow cooking.
While you can technically use other types of oats like steel-cut oats or quick oats in a slow cooker, they may require adjustments to the cooking time and liquid ratio. Steel-cut oats, for example, will require a longer cooking time and more liquid to become tender. Quick oats will cook much faster and can become overly mushy if left in the slow cooker for an extended period.
No, you do not have to use milk for slow cooker oatmeal.
Using water, unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk can make your slow cooker oatmeal a lighter and dairy-free option while still allowing you to enjoy the comforting taste and texture of oatmeal. A mix of half water and half milk works as well.
Best slow cooker oatmeal recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups milk
- 1-2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups quick oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons butter
Instructions
Grease your crockpot with butter or cooking spray.
Place the milk and water in the crockpot.
Stir in the quick oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt until well combined.
Distribute the butter evenly over top of the oatmeal mixture.
Set the lid on the crockpot and cook on low overnight for 8 hours or on high for 3 hours.
After the cooking time, stir up the oatmeal, adding additional milk or butter as needed.