There’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of warm, creamy oatmeal waiting for you. This recipe is one of my family’s favorite breakfasts—it’s cozy, healthy, and SO easy to make! You throw everything in the crockpot the night before, let it cook while you sleep, and wake up to a big batch of perfectly creamy oatmeal. It’s the ultimate no-stress morning meal, and the best part? Everyone can top their bowl however they like—think fruit, nuts, brown sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup! Let’s make mornings easier (and more delicious).
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup milk (or any dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Tools:
- Crockpot/slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Pro Tips:
- Spray your crockpot first! Lightly coat the inside with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Use steel-cut oats. Rolled oats will turn to mush in a slow cooker, but steel-cut oats hold their texture beautifully.
- Customize your sweetness. Add sweetener at the end, so you can adjust to taste.
- Add toppings at the table. This keeps things fun for kids and lets everyone make their oatmeal their own.
- Don’t lift the lid. The slow cooker needs to keep its heat and moisture, so resist the urge to peek!
Substitutions and Variations:
- Dairy-Free: Swap milk and cream for almond, coconut, or oat milk.
- Low-Sugar: Use a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute.
- Extra Flavor: Add a handful of raisins or a pinch of nutmeg for even more cozy flavor.
- More Protein: Stir in a scoop of protein powder after cooking or top with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Make Ahead Tips:
- Prep your ingredients the night before! Measure everything out so all you have to do is dump it in and press start.
Instructions:
1. Prep the crockpot
Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine ingredients
Add the steel-cut oats, water, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt into the crockpot. Stir everything together.
3. Set the timer
Cover the crockpot with the lid, set it to low, and cook for 6–8 hours overnight.
4. Stir and serve
In the morning, give the oatmeal a good stir to mix in any liquids and make it creamy. Scoop into bowls and let everyone add their favorite toppings!
Leftovers and Storage:
Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture.
Conclusion:
And there you have it—an easy, hands-off breakfast that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends, this creamy crockpot oatmeal is a game-changer. Give it a try, and don’t forget to let me know how you topped yours in the comments! Happy cooking! 😊
