Wake up to the delightful aroma of "Spring Brunch Overnight Slow Cooker Oatmeal," a breakfast that transforms your mornings into a cozy culinary experience! Imagine indulging in a warm, creamy bowl of oatmeal, brimming with the goodness of rolled oats, sweet brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon—all effortlessly prepared while you sleep. This recipe not only feeds the soul but also serves up to 8 servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or lazy weekend brunches. Dive into this easy, hands-off recipe that promises to impress your taste buds and keep everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 8 cups water or milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 cup dried fruits (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In the slow cooker, combine rolled oats, water or milk, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- If using optional ingredients, gently fold in chopped nuts and dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat setting. This gentle cooking method will help prevent burning and create creamy, tender oatmeal.
- Cook for 6-7 hours overnight, preferably starting before bedtime so the oatmeal is ready when you wake up.
- Before serving, give the oatmeal a gentle stir to redistribute any settled ingredients and achieve a consistent texture.
- Optional: Top with additional fresh fruits, a drizzle of honey, extra nuts, or a splash of cream to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Serve warm directly from the slow cooker, keeping it on warm setting to maintain temperature during brunch.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To make your morning even easier, prepare the ingredients the night before. Simply combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
- Customize Your Oatmeal: Feel free to experiment with different nuts and dried fruits. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans can add a delightful crunch, while dried cherries or apricots can introduce a burst of flavor.
- Use Milk for Creaminess: For a richer, creamier texture, opt for milk instead of water. You can even use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your oatmeal less sweet, start with half the amount of brown sugar and adjust to taste. You can always add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup when serving.
- Keep It Warm: If you're serving a crowd, keep the slow cooker on the warm setting to ensure everyone enjoys their oatmeal at the perfect temperature.
- Top It Off: Elevate your oatmeal by adding fresh fruits like bananas or berries, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.
- Perfect Timing: Start cooking your oatmeal before bedtime so it’s ready for breakfast. This overnight cooking method is not only convenient but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
