Try this easy method for Overnight Crockpot Steel Cut Oatmeal that will have your breakfast ready the moment you wake up in the morning.
This week I am on an oatmeal roll! If you haven't already, check out my post on What is the Healthiest Type of Oatmeal?. I cleared up some MAJOR oatmeal myths.
Now, I'm back to share one of my favorite ways to use steel cut oats. Even though there's no nutritional difference between steel cut oats and other types of oats, I love the texture and slightly nutty flavor of steel cut. I also appreciate how oatmeal fills me up and keeps me going all morning.
Be sure to check out my other easy breakfast recipes HERE.
Why Crockpot Oatmeal?
Traditional steel cut oatmeal averages me about 45 minutes on the stove top. That's fine and dandy for a lazy weekend morning (though now that we have kids "lazy" and "weekend" rarely go together). But on weekday mornings when I really need that belly hug from a bowl of oats, I just don't have that kind of time.
Several years ago my dad introduced me to his system of cooking steel cut oatmeal that HAS CHANGED EVERYTHING!!! He uses a mini crockpot on a timer to click on a few hours before breakfast. Then you wake up and SHA-BAM, your oatmeal is ready and you can enjoy a hot breakfast.
High Fiber
Steel cut oats are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber and are higher in fiber than other oat varieties. Fiber does many important things for our body such as keeping you full and satisfied, helps maintain a healthy weight, and aids in the body's natural detoxification system. This post on How to Eat More Fiber shares about the research surrounding fiber and a variety of ways to easily get 10 grams in a high-fiber breakfast.
Ingredients
All you need for this basic recipe is:
- Steel-cut oats
- Water
Variations
Choose your favorite oatmeal toppings to add to this warm breakfast. My favorite way to top this delicious breakfast is with honey, cinnamon, nuts and ground flax seeds. Other toppings for this crockpot oatmeal recipe include: chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie spice, and fresh fruit like blueberries, chunks of apple, and strawberries. You could also include peanut butter, brown sugar, splash of milk or almond milk, even a little maple syrup. Letting each of your family members choose their favorite toppings adds a little bit of fun, too.
Equipment
Here's all the equipment you will need (click each affiliate link below to shop):
1 ½ quart Crockpot: While a larger crockpot will work fine, I find that the smaller size works best and prevents the oats from burning at the bottom.
Steel Cut Oats: There are a lot of places you can buy oats. Of all the options, as far as quality goes, I am a Bob's Red Mill fan. But I think the cheapest option is to buy them from the bulk section at a market. Whole Foods carries them as do many other local natural foods markets.
Outlet Timer: It is common for a larger slow cooker to have a built in timer, but I have yet to see this in the mini versions. So by simply plugging in to this outlet timer, you're in business! First set the time of day on the timer then program the time you want it to turn on and off.
Slow Cooker Liners: Using slow cooker liners makes clean up a breeze. Anyone who has ever scraped and soaked, and scraped and soaked their slow cooker knows how annoying they are to clean after food has caked on for hours and hours. Just help yourself out and buy the liners!
Storage
The best way to store steel-cut oatmeal is in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Placing leftover oatmeal into individual portions (like mason jars) to enjoy the next day is a great meal prep option. Just let it cool to room temperature first before storing in air-tight container.
Top Tip
The water to oatmeal ratio for these slow cooker steel cut oats is roughly 3 cups of water to 1 cup of oats. I add the additional ¼ cup of water as a safeguard to prevent sticking to the bottom.
PrintRecipe
Overnight Crockpot Steel Cut Oatmeal
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Try this easy method for Overnight Crockpot Steel Cut Oatmeal that will have your breakfast ready the moment you wake up in the morning.
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 ¼ cups water
Instructions
- Program outlet timer to turn mini crockpot on 3 hours prior to breakfast time. Turn crockpot to "Low" setting.
- Pour in oats and water and replace crockpot top. Go to sleep.
- At breakfast time, give oats a good stir and add desired flavorings. Enjoy!
Notes
Water to oatmeal ratio is roughly 3:1. I add the additional ¼ cup of water as a safeguard to prevent sticking to the bottom.
Oats should cook a minimum of 3 hours in the slow cooker. They can cook on low heat longer if desired. A longer cooking time will produce a mushier consistency.
Add-in suggestions: honey, cinnamon, nuts, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie spice, fresh apples, blueberries, strawberries
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Breakfast
Such an easy recipe, right? With this great option, no one has the excuse of not having the time in the morning to make oatmeal.
Do you think you'll make this overnight crockpot steel cut oatmeal recipe? While it does take a very small investment in initial equipment, it will last you a long, long time. I think my mini crock is going on 7 years or so and still going strong!
If you enjoyed this overnight oatmeal recipe, you should also check out my Stawberry Vanilla Overnight Oats for another great make ahead breakfast to enjoy the next morning.
To having more time in the morning to actually eat a healthy breakfast,
Jenna
For even more delicious recipes for busy mornings try:
- Healthy Breakfast Cookies made with Old-Fashioned Oats and dark chocolate chips
- Oatmeal Griddle Cakes that can be prepped ahead of time
- Whole Wheat Banana Nut Bread
