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 steel cut oatmeal. Even though there's no nutritional difference between steel cut oats and any other type 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.
But steel cut oatmeal just takes so darn long to cook!
I think it averages me about 45 minutes on the stove top. That's fine and dandy for a lazy weekend morning (which 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.
Here's all the equipment you will need (click links 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: Many of the bigger crockpots have built in timers but I have yet to see this in the mini versions. So by simply plugging in to this outlet timer, your in business! First set the time of day on the timer then program the time you want it to turn on and off.
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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, stir oats 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. They can cook on low longer if desired. Cooking longer 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
Easy enough, right? Now no one has the excuse they don't have the time in the morning to make oatmeal.
Do you think you'll make this overnight crockpot steel cut oatmeal? 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!
Once again, if you need some convincing on why oatmeal is good for you and why you MUST eat it, check out my post on What is the Healthiest Type of Oatmeal.
To having more time in the morning to actually eat a healthy breakfast,