Crock Pot Oatmeal (with Flavor Variations)

4.67 from 12 votes

Crock Pot Oatmeal (with Flavor Variations)

Mornings can be hectic, so this make-ahead recipe means one less thing you need to do before you start your day. As an added bonus, this healthy and delicious overnight breakfast recipe will have your house smelling like freshly baked apple pie when you wake up in the morning.

Prep Time5

Cook Time6

Total Time6 5

Course: Breakfast Recipes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: crock pot oatmeal

Servings: servings

Calories: 168kcal

Author: Deanne Frieders

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned oats not quick oats
4 cups water
2 cups milk whole, 2%, or almond milk
¼ teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon butter optional, for richness

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.

To Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water.

To Freeze: Portion cooled oatmeal into muffin tins or containers. Freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.

To Reheat from Frozen: Microwave in 1-minute intervals with 2–3 tablespoons milk or water until creamy.

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.

Nutrition