Simply Crockpot • Breakfast
These crockpot steel cut oats are creamy, hearty, and perfect for busy mornings. Toss everything into the slow cooker,
wake up to a warm, wholesome breakfast, and customize each bowl with your favorite toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wake up to breakfast already done.
- Creamy texture with wholesome ingredients.
- Easy to customize with fruit, nuts, or spices.
- Perfect for meal prep all week.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups steel cut oats
- 5 cups water (or 4 cups water + 1 cup milk)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or coconut oil (for greasing)
Ingredient notes:
• Use steel cut oats (not quick oats) for the best texture.
• Milk makes it creamier—water keeps it lighter.
• Sweeten at the end if you prefer more control.
Instructions
- Grease the inside of the slow cooker with butter or coconut oil.
- Add oats, water, milk, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar (if using).
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.
- Stir well, then mix in vanilla.
- Serve warm with toppings (fruit, nuts, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey).
Tip: If the oats look thick in the morning, stir in a splash of milk to loosen.
Tips & Variations
- Apple cinnamon: Add 1 diced apple and extra cinnamon.
- Banana nut: Stir in mashed banana + chopped walnuts.
- Protein boost: Add Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder after cooking.
- Less sticking: Grease well and don’t skip the salt.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm with a splash of milk/water to restore creaminess.
FAQ
Can I use quick oats?
Not recommended—quick oats turn mushy over long cook times. Steel cut oats hold their texture best.
Do I have to add sweetener?
No—keep it unsweetened and let everyone sweeten their own bowl with fruit or honey.
How do I prevent sticking?
Grease the pot well and avoid cooking on HIGH. LOW overnight works best.
More Easy Slow Cooker Breakfasts
Want more make-ahead breakfast ideas? Check out our breakfast hub for simple slow cooker morning recipes.