Overnight Crockpot Oatmeal
Make mornings easier with delicious slow cooker oatmeal. Add your favorite toppings and wake up to a warm and satisfying breakfast.
Add your choice of raisins or dried cranberries to this convenient crockpot oatmeal, or leave it plain with cinnamon and vanilla. You may make this the night before and wake up to a delicious breakfast. You could also make it during the day, refrigerate it, and heat it in the morning.
It’s ideal for busy mornings or feeding a crowd without hovering over the stove. Add your favorite toppings like cinnamon sugar, cream, or chopped nuts, or keep it simple with just a splash of milk. You can also make it during the day and reheat individual portions throughout the week.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Hands-off and convenient. The slow cooker does all the work while you sleep or go about your day.
Hearty and satisfying. Steel-cut oats make a creamy, chewy, and nourishing breakfast.
Customizable. Add-ins and toppings are easy to switch up based on what you have.
Ingredient Notes
- Steel-cut oats: Use only steel-cut oats for this recipe—rolled or quick oats will become mushy.
- Water: Plenty of liquid is needed for the oats to cook slowly and fully hydrate.
- Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle apple flavor.
- Brown sugar: Optional—adjust or omit based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Dried cranberries: Coarsely chopped so they plump and distribute evenly.
- Half-and-half: Stirred in at the end for richness and creaminess.
- Cinnamon sugar and garnish: Optional for extra sweetness and a warm spiced finish.
Steps to Make Overnight Crockpot Oatmeal
- Grease the inside of the slow cooker insert with butter or nonstick spray.
- Mix the oats, water, applesauce, brown sugar (if using), and cranberries.
- Pour the mixture into the crock and cover.
- Cook on low for 6 to 9 hours, depending on your slow cooker.
- Stir in the half-and-half and let cook 10 minutes longer.
- Serve with optional toppings like cinnamon sugar, dried cranberries, or milk.
Tips for Crockpot Oatmeal
- Use a programmable slow cooker or one with a warm setting to avoid overcooking.
- Spray or butter the insert well to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- For smaller batches, reduce the ingredients and use a smaller slow cooker or a heatproof bowl in a water bath inside a larger one.
- Make ahead during the day and reheat portions for quick weekday breakfasts.
Recipe Variations
- Apple cinnamon version. Use chunky applesauce and add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Maple walnut oatmeal. Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and stir in chopped walnuts before serving.
- Berry version. Swap cranberries for dried blueberries or a berry blend.
- Non-dairy option. Use coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk in place of half-and-half.
- Savory twist. Skip the sugar and fruit and stir in shredded cheese, herbs, or cooked sausage.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with milk, cream, or half-and-half for extra richness.
- Top with nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, or maple syrup.
- Add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for protein.
- Pair with toast, hard-boiled eggs, or fruit for a complete breakfast.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Cool the oatmeal completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen.
To reheat: Add a splash of milk or water and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until hot.
Overnight Crockpot Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 cups steel-cut oats
- 6 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar , optional
- 1 cup coarsely chopped dried cranberries, or equivalent substitute
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- Cinnamon sugar and dried cranberries for garnish, optional*
Instructions
- Butter the inside of the slow cooker crockery insert or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine the oats, water, applesauce, brown sugar (if using), and cranberries. Pour into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 9 hours.
- Add the half-and-half; blend well. Cook for 10 minutes longer.
- Garnish the oatmeal with cinnamon sugar and dried cranberries; serve with milk.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
