Imagine waking up to the most incredibly creamy, perfectly spiced oatmeal without lifting a finger in the morning. This Overnight Crockpot Steel Cut Oatmeal is not just a breakfast - it's a morning miracle that combines convenience, nutrition, and mouthwatering flavor in one simple dish. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or a parent looking for a hassle-free breakfast solution, this recipe will revolutionize your morning routine and satisfy your taste buds with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit
Instructions
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In the crockpot, combine steel cut oats, water, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices and sugar.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to low heat setting. This slow, gentle cooking will help develop rich, creamy texture.
- Allow oatmeal to cook overnight, approximately 7-8 hours. Do not stir during cooking to maintain proper consistency.
- About 30 minutes before serving, gently fold in raisins or dried fruit of your choice, allowing them to plump and soften.
- Once cooking is complete, stir the oatmeal to redistribute moisture and create a creamy consistency.
- Serve warm, optionally topping with additional fresh fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
Tips
- Always lightly grease your crockpot to prevent stubborn oatmeal sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Use steel cut oats specifically - they hold their texture better during long, slow cooking compared to rolled oats.
- Avoid opening the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and can disrupt the cooking process.
- For extra richness, consider substituting part of the water with milk or adding a splash of cream.
- Customize your oatmeal with different dried fruits like cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce brown sugar or use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- For meal prep, this oatmeal can be portioned and frozen for up to a month - just reheat with a little milk.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
