If there’s one breakfast I can count on to feed my crew on busy mornings, it’s oatmeal. And when I can make it overnight in the slow cooker? Even better. This easy Crock Pot Oatmeal is creamy, cozy, and endlessly customizable — the perfect “set it and forget it” breakfast for busy farm families, school mornings, or chilly fall days.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Hands-off cooking: Your slow cooker does all the work while you sleep.
- Family-friendly: Everyone can add their favorite toppings or mix-ins.
- Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples you probably already have.
- Customizable: Make it plain, or try one of the flavor ideas below!
Tip: For another slow cooker breakfast check out my crock pot cinnamon roll casserole.
Ingredients
- old-fashioned oats - not quick oats, only old-fashioned/rolled oats. Quick oats get mushy, and steel-cut oats need more time.
- water
- milk - whole, 2%, or almond milk all work)
- salt - a touch of salt makes a big difference in this recipe
- butter (optional, for richness)
Instructions
Step 1: Grease your slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add the oats, water, milk, salt, and butter to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 2½ to 3 hours or WARM overnight (6–8 hours), depending on your slow cooker model.
Stir before serving. Add a splash of milk if the oats are too thick.
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
- Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apricots)
- Sweeteners (honey, brown sugar, maple syrup)
- Warm spices (nutmeg, allspice, cardamom)
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Make It Your Own: Flavor Variations
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal - Add 2 small apples, peeled and diced, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup to the base before cooking. Top with: extra apple slices, pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Oatmeal - Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla after cooking.
Berries & Cream Oatmeal - After cooking, stir in 1 cup fresh or frozen berries and a dollop of yogurt or cream.
Tropical Oatmeal - Add ½ cup crushed pineapple and ¼ cup shredded coconut before cooking. Top with banana slices and a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal - After cooking, stir in 2 tablespoons peanut butter and top with banana slices and a drizzle of honey.
Storage and Reheating
To reheat: add a little milk or water and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Farm Girl Tip
Know your crock pot. Some cook hot! Try a test batch to learn your ideal cook time.
FAQS
You can, but the cook time will change. Steel-cut oats take longer — about 6–8 hours on low — and absorb more liquid. If you use them, increase the water to 6 cups and reduce milk to 1 cup for best texture.
It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of milk or water to bring it back to that creamy texture.
You can spray the sides generously with cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner. Another trick: use the “warm” setting overnight instead of “low” if your slow cooker tends to run hot.
Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6 quarts), and know that cook time may increase slightly.
Other Oatmeal Recipes
- Baked Blueberry Oatmeal
- Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
Recipe
Crock Pot Oatmeal (with Flavor Variations)
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease your slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Add 2 cups old-fashioned oats, 4 cups water, 2 cups milk, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 Tablespoon butter to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2½ to 3 hours or WARM for 6–8 hours, depending on your slow cooker model.
- Stir before serving. Add a splash of milk if the oats are too thick.
- Spoon into bowls and add your favorite toppings or one of the flavor variations.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned oats only — quick oats cook too fast and get mushy.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, use the WARM setting overnight instead of LOW.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal - Add 2 small apples, peeled and diced, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup to the base before cooking. Top with: extra apple slices, pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. Calories and other nutritional values vary depending on which brands were used.
Seen on Meal Plan Monday and Weekend Potluck
Gabi says
When reading your delicious recipe I wished I had a slow cooker. But I will try your breakfast treat anyway and replace steel cut oats with rolled oats. I love your addition of apple cider:)
Deanne Frieders says
Thank you Gabi!
Michelle says
Perfect way to wake up in the morning. I love apples and cinnamon together!
Deanne Frieders says
I agree Michelle!
Calleigh | The Fork Bite says
Yes! I love this recipe because it's so easy to throw in the crockpot at night and wake up in the morning with a warm and healthy breakfast ready.
Deanne Frieders says
Yes, it's a great way to wake up! 🙂
Jenn says
This looks like the perfect recipe for dold winter mornings. I'm going to try this one out soon!
Deanne Frieders says
Awesome Jenn!
Deanne Frieders says
Sounds great Jenn!
Judy says
Can I use water instead of cider....I'm trying to cut out as much sugar as possible.... recipe sounds good though
Julia says
It's hard to find steel cut oats where I live but when I do, I will be making this in my slow cooker! It looks delicious.
Deanne Frieders says
Thank you Julia!
Gabi says
When reading your delicious recipe I wished I had a slow cooker. But I will try your breakfast treat anyway and replace steel cut oats with rolled oats. I love your addition of apple cider:)
Michelle says
Perfect way to wake up in the morning. I love apples and cinnamon together!
Jenn says
This looks like the perfect recipe for dold winter mornings. I'm going to try this one out soon!
Julia says
It's hard to find steel cut oats where I live but when I do, I will be making this in my slow cooker! It looks delicious.