As a kid, do you remember the smell of cinnamon and cooked apples?What is a crock potWhat is a recipe like that? What is the perfect “set it and forget it” breakfast for a busy family? What is a warm, comforting start to the day? Think of it as the easier, cozier cousin of overnight oats, but instead of chilling in the fridge. What is it like to sleep in a pot? Is it a game changer when the weather turns chilly?
What is crock pot oatmeal?
What exactly is *is*?What is a crock potIs it really that simple? What are the ingredients for tossing oats, water or milk? Is it okay to put all the ingredients in a slow cooker before bed? If you want to cook something, you let it cook low and slow overnight. When you wake up, you’re greeted with a pot of warm, creamy oatmeal. Think of it as a hands-off, slow-cooked version of the oatmeal you would normally make on the stove. It’s essentially just oats cooked in liquid over a long period of time, resulting in an elongated texture that’s soft and chewy. Is it possible to be smooth and rich? What is the best way to have a hot breakfast without any fuss?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is the point of this blog?What is a crock potWhat makes this recipe a keeper? Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deeply comforting experience. Is there a restaurant in the Cinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar – it’s like a warm hug in the bowl. Secondly, the simplicity is out of this world. Is it safe to put everything in the slow cooker before bed? No babysitting, just pure breakfast magic happening while you sleep. Thirdly, this recipe is incredibly *cost-effective*. Oats are cheap, and you can customize it with whatever fruits, nuts, or spices you already have on hand. What is the best way to feed a crowd? Is it safe to add fruit, nuts, seeds, or even chocolate chips? I’ve made it with apples and cinnamon, bananas and walnuts, even pumpkin spice in the fall. What I love about this is that it frees up my mornings. I can actually enjoy a cup of coffee and relax before the chaos of the day begins. I am a supermom and my kids eat breakfast. I feel like I’m the best mom. I just dumped everything in a slow cooker the night before! What is better than a cold cereal?
How do you make a crock pot oatmeal?
Quick Overview
Making What is a crock potIs it ridiculously easy? How do you cook everything in a slow cooker? On low overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a pot of perfectly cooked, creamy oatmeal waiting for you. The beauty of this method is that it’s hands-off and practically foolproof. Even if you’re not a morning person (like me! ), you can still be an afternoon person. ), you can still have a delicious and nutritious breakfast ready to go without any effort.
Ingredients
For the Crock Pot Oatmeal:
* 3 cups rolled oats (not instant) – I always use old-fashioned toasted nut for the best texture. Steel-cut oats will also work but will require a longer cooking time. * 6 cups liquid (water, milk, or a combination) – I’ve tried this with both water and milk (almond, almond). What is oat, or regular dairy? Milk makes it creamier, but water works just fine too! * 1/4 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup, honey, or your favorite sweetener) – Adjust the amount to suit your taste. I sometimes use dates for a natural sweetness. * 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds a warm and comforting flavor. What are some good spices to use? * 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Optional, but adds a nice touch of sweetness. * 2 tablespoons butter – optional, but gives a richer flavor.
Optional Add-Ins (get creative!):
* 1 cup chopped fruit (apples, bananas, berries, etc.). ) – I love adding apples and cinnamon in the fall. * 1/2 cup nuts (walnuts, pecans and almonds), etc. ) – Adds a nice crunch and healthy fats. * 1/4 cup seeds (chia seeds, flax seed, hemp seeds etc.) ) – Adds extra nutrients and texture. * Chocolate chips – For a decadent treat! * Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.) – Adds sweetness and chewiness. * Peanut butter or other nut butter – Swirl it in after cooking for extra flavor
How do I follow
Step 1: Grease the Crock Pot
If you cook oatmeal in a slow cooker, grease it with cooking spray or butter. I learned this the hard way after having to scrub a burnt oatmeal mess – definitely worth the extra effort.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a greased slow cooker, combine the rolled oats, liquid (water or milk), brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes. Serve warm. Salt, vanilla extract, and any optional add-ins you like. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or overnight. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so start checking it around 6 hours. If it looks too thick, add a little more liquid.
Step 4: Stir and Serve
In the morning, give the oatmeal a good stir. It should be thick and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a little more liquid until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Enjoy!
Serve the What is a crock pot warm with your favorite toppings. Fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of yogurt are all great options. I always have a bowl of berries and some chopped nuts on hand for topping. This is where you can really get creative and customize it to your liking!
What should I serve it with?
Crock Pot oatmeal: What are someIs it good on its own? What are some ideas for serving:
For Breakfast:Serve with a side of crispy bacon or sausage and hot coffee. The savory and salty flavors of the meat complement the sweetness of oatmeal perfectly. I love pairing it with a strong, dark roast coffee to balance out the sweetness.
For Brunch:How do you create a beautiful brunch spread?What is a crock potAs the centerpiece of the story. Add a platter of fresh fruit, shaved lemons, and mimosas to your festive menu. Can you make a toppings bar with different nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and sweeteners? How do I customize my own bowl?
As Dessert:Believe it or not, if you believe in somethingWhat is a crock potCan also be a delicious and comforting dessert! Top it with chocolate chips, peanut butter, and ice cream for a decadent treat. Is this particularly good on a cold winter night when you are craving something warm and sweet?
For Cozy Snacks:What’s a good bowl of ice cream?What is a crock potWhat is a good snack for an afternoon snack? What is the best way to curb hunger? I sometimes add a spoonful of almond butter for extra protein and fats.
My family loves having this on Sunday mornings. I usually set up a little toppings bar and let everyone create their own bowl. What’s a fun way to start the day?
How do I make a crock pot with oatmeal?
Is it time to make a decision?How do you cook oatmeal in aWhat are some extra tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time?
Oat Selection: Use rolled oats (old-fashioned) for the best texture. Instant oats will turn to mush, and steel-cut oats require a longer cooking time. I’ve experimented with different types of oats, and rolled oats consistently give the best results. They hold their shape well and create a creamy, but not mushy, texture.
Liquid Ratio: The ideal liquid-to-oat ratio is 2:1 (liquid:oats). This will give you a creamy, but not soupy, consistency. If you prefer a thicker oatmeal, reduce the amount of liquid slightly. If you like it thinner, add more liquid after cooking. I usually start with 6 cups of liquid for 3 cups of oats, and then adjust as needed after it’s finished cooking.
Sweetener Choice: You can use any sweetener you like, but I prefer brown sugar for its rich, molasses flavor. Maple syrup, honey, or even dates also work well. If you’re using dates, be sure to blend them into a paste before adding them to the slow cooker. I’ve also experimented with using sugar substitutes, but I find that they don’t always dissolve properly and can leave a slightly artificial taste.
Spice It Up: Cinnamon is a classic oatmeal spice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other spices like nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, or even pumpkin pie spice. A pinch of salt is also essential for enhancing the flavors. I usually add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt to my crock pot oatmeal. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Add-In Timing: If you’re adding fruit, nuts, or seeds, you can either add them at the beginning of the cooking process or stir them in after it’s finished. Adding them at the beginning will soften them, while adding them at the end will preserve their texture. I usually add the fruit at the beginning so it can soften and release its juices into the oatmeal. I add the nuts and seeds at the end so they stay crunchy.
Slow Cooker Variations: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker. Start checking the oatmeal around 6 hours, and adjust the cooking time as needed. If it’s cooking too quickly, you can turn the slow cooker to the “warm” setting. If it’s not cooking fast enough, you can turn it to the “high” setting for a short period. I’ve found that my slow cooker tends to cook things faster than others, so I always keep a close eye on it.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooked oatmeal can become dry and gummy. Be sure to check it regularly and add more liquid if needed. If it starts to stick to the bottom of the slow cooker, reduce the cooking time or add a little more grease to the bottom of the pot.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Crock pot oatmeal is great for meal prepping because it stores well and reheats easily. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to bacterial growth. If you have leftovers, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover crock pot oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I usually use a glass container with a tight-fitting lid to keep it fresh. Be sure to let the oatmeal cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze crock pot oatmeal for up to 2 months. Divide the oatmeal into individual portions and store them in freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to label the containers with the date so you know when they were frozen. When freezing oatmeal, leave a little headspace in the container to allow for expansion. This will prevent the container from cracking in the freezer.
Glaze Timing Advice: N/A
Reheating Instructions: To reheat refrigerated oatmeal, add a splash of milk or water and microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly. To reheat frozen oatmeal, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or microwave it on the “defrost” setting for a few minutes. Then, reheat it as you would refrigerated oatmeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Seriously, this crock pot oatmeal recipe is a lifesaver! It’s so easy, so delicious, and so versatile. It’s the perfect way to start your day with a warm and comforting breakfast, without any morning stress. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover fruit or nuts you have on hand. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other breakfast recipes, like my easy banana bread or my delicious blueberry muffins. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Crock Pot Oatmeal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3 cups water
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine oats, water, salt, and brown sugar in a crock pot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until oats are tender.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as fruit, nuts, or honey.
