This crock pot oatmeal is a simple way to make a big batch of warm, creamy oatmeal. Just combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
In about three hours, you will have a comforting breakfast ready to serve. It’s a great recipe for a lazy weekend morning or for meal-prepping breakfast for the week ahead.
Why will you love Crock Pot Oatmeal?
Simmering the oats on a low temperature prevents scorching and allows them to become very tender and creamy without constant stirring.
Using both water and milk gives the oatmeal a rich, creamy texture that you don’t always get from just water.
Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, which means minimal prep and very easy cleanup.
Crock Pot Oatmeal Ingredients
• Oats: This recipe works well with either old-fashioned rolled oats or steel-cut oats. Do not use instant or quick-cooking oats, as they will become mushy.
• Milk: Whole milk will give you the creamiest result, but any dairy or non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk works well.
• Sweetener: We use a combination of brown sugar and maple syrup, but you can use all of one or the other. Honey or agave are also good substitutes.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth, but you could also use a pinch of nutmeg or a pumpkin pie spice blend for a different flavor.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Crock Pot Oatmeal
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by thoroughly greasing the inside of your slow cooker. This is an important step to prevent the oatmeal from sticking to the bottom and sides as it cooks.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add the oats, water, milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt directly into the prepared slow cooker. Give all the ingredients a good stir to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Cook the Oatmeal
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on the LOW setting. Let it cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid. The exact time will depend on your specific appliance.
How to Store and Freeze Crock Pot Oatmeal
Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the oatmeal and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips for Crock Pot Oatmeal
To prevent sticking, be sure to grease the slow cooker insert generously. A disposable slow cooker liner also works well for easy cleanup.
Cooking times can vary between slow cooker models. Check your oatmeal at the 2-hour mark to see how it is progressing.
Adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can use more or less brown sugar or maple syrup.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Oatmeal?
Serve the oatmeal warm with your favorite toppings. Sliced bananas, fresh berries, chopped nuts, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup are all great additions.
Crock Pot Oatmeal Recipe FAQs
Can I cook this overnight?
Most modern slow cookers cook too hot to leave this recipe on LOW for 8 hours, as it would likely burn. This recipe is better suited for cooking in the morning. If your slow cooker has a reliable ‘keep warm’ function, that may be an option after the initial cooking time.
Why did my oatmeal stick to the pot?
Oatmeal is very starchy and can easily stick. It is very important to grease the slow cooker insert well with butter or cooking spray. Using a slow cooker liner is another great option for a no-mess cleanup.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, this recipe works with steel-cut oats. They may require a slightly longer cooking time, closer to the 3-hour mark or a little more, to become fully tender. Check them for doneness before serving.
Crock Pot Oatmeal
Ingredients
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats or steel-cut oats 180g
- 4 cups water 960ml
- 3 cups milk 720ml
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 55g
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup 30ml
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Grease the insert of a 4-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.
- Add the oats, water, milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt to the slow cooker.
- Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- Check the oatmeal near the end of the cooking time. It is ready when the oats are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir the oatmeal well before serving. It will continue to thicken as it stands.
Notes
