There’s nothing better than waking up to a warm, hearty breakfast that’s already made—especially when it’s this creamy, cozy slow cooker steel-cut oatmeal! It’s the ultimate family-friendly breakfast because everyone can customize their bowl with their favorite toppings. I’ve been making this for years, and trust me, it’s a lifesaver on busy mornings. Set it up the night before, and you’ll wake up to the smell of cinnamon-y goodness wafting through your kitchen. Plus, it’s super healthy and keeps you full all morning. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, your choice!)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings: Fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, honey, peanut butter, or shredded coconut.
Pro Tips
- Spray your slow cooker! A little cooking spray will save you from scrubbing stuck-on oatmeal later.
- Use a timer if your slow cooker has one. Steel-cut oats cook in about 7–8 hours, so you can time it perfectly for when you wake up.
- Double the batch! Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy breakfasts all week.
- Stir before serving. It’ll look separated when it’s done, but a quick stir makes it creamy and smooth.
- Make it your own. Let the kids choose toppings to make their bowls extra fun and personalized.
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking spray
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Substitutions and Variations
- Milk: Use any milk you like—almond, oat, soy, or regular dairy milk. Or skip it entirely and use all water.
- Sweetener: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup, honey, or a sugar-free alternative.
- Spices: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice for a flavor twist.
- Add-ins: Stir in raisins, chopped apples, or shredded carrots before cooking for extra flavor and texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep all the ingredients in your slow cooker the night before, then just turn it on before bed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
How to Make Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Add steel-cut oats, water, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the slow cooker. Stir everything together.
Step 3: Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours, or until the oats are creamy and tender.
Step 4: Stir and Serve
Once cooked, stir the oatmeal to combine everything evenly. Scoop into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to make it creamy again.
Conclusion
There you have it—an easy, delicious, and comforting breakfast ready when you are! Your family will love waking up to this warm, homemade treat, and you’ll love how simple it is to make. Give it a try and let me know in the comments how you customized your bowls or if you have any questions. I’d love to hear from you! 😊
