Overnight steel cut oats is simply one of the easiest recipes to make in the crock-pot. It only required two ingredients.
It has been a few years since we have gotten away from eating cereal 6 days a week, and since Dr. Oz is such a proponent of steel cut oats, I thought I’d give it a try back then.
Steel cut oats have become one of our family breakfast staples. I love that I can prepare the oats the night before, slow cook it overnight, and wake up to a hot breakfast without exerting any effort the morning of.
I’ve actually have never made steel cut oats on the stove, but have always made them in the crock-pot. It’s so easy to do, and takes less than five minutes of preparation the night before.
In addition, they are so quick to prepare. I have even brought my crock pot on different trips and have been able to serve a hot, healthy breakfast for the masses. Very cool!
You could easily do a oatmeal breakfast bar for a large group. I love serving this when we’ve had company, too. Steel cut oats are so easy to customize because people can add their favorite toppings. And of course, for a patriotic flare, use strawberries, or strawberry jam (here is a 3 ingredient raw blender jam recipe that comes together in minutes), blueberries, and almonds.
Topping options:
- walnuts
- cashews
- pecans
- almonds
- honey
- maple syrup
- agave
- organic sugar
- jam
- cranberries
- raisins
- cinnamon
- bananas
- blueberries
- strawberries
- blackberries
- add your favorite here____________(the list is endless!!)
So are steel cut oats better for you than regular oatmeal? YES, but they are very similar. They are less processed than rolled oats, they have a lower glycemic index, and they may cause you to feel more satisfied for longer because they have more soluble fiber. Plus, they hold up great in the crock-pot because they are so sturdy!
**Updated April 2012: If you have a WinCo in your area, steel cut oats are $0.53/lb. at WinCo in the bulk section, so for pennies a serving, you can have a hardy meal. For $0.27 I can serve breakfast for 5 people for 2 days with leftovers. That’s less than $0.135 a meal or $0.027 a person (less than $0.03/person)!! Of course the toppings add more cost, but you get the picture.
The Recipe: Crock-Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe
Crock-Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups steel cut oats
- 7-8 cups of water we always use 7 cups
- optional 3 T TriMix (1 T Wheat Germ, 1 T Wheat Bran, 1 T Oat Bran)
- optional flax seed
Instructions
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Grease the bottom and sides of the slow cooker really, really well.
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Place all of the ingredients in the slow cooker (I don't even stir it).
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Cook on low for 8-10 hours on the lowest setting. My sister-in-law accidentally discovered that this cooks on "warm" overnight, too with SOME crock-pot that cook hotter, so that's what we do now because there is minimal oatmeal sticking to the sides. Clean up is much easier if you crock-pot burns hot.
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Stir really well, and serve with your favorite toppings.
Updated 7/14. This serves our family of 5 with one more day’s worth of leftovers.
What are your favorite oatmeal toppings?
Do you want another breakfast idea in the crock-pot? You could try Overnight Crock-pot Breakfast Cobbler.
Are you planning to road trip soon? Save money, and road trip your crock-pot.
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Do you grease with buter, Pam, Crisco?
I used avocado oil yesterday. I often use olive oil. Just grease well!
What do you use to grease the crockpot?
Hi Lorrene. I grease the crock-pot with coconut oil or olive oil. Hope that helps, and thanks for visiting!
This sounds great! Silly question though: do you put the toppings in overnight or add in the morning? Thanks!
Hi Lindsay, Toppings are always added in the morning. I hope you enjoy!
I love this idea…now to find me some gf steel cut oats! Featuring your idea this week on AFW, thanks!
Hi Tessa. Thanks so much for featuring the steel cut oats!!
I’ve always wanted to try oatmeal (sounds like I need to try steel cut oats) in the crock pot. And I love all your ideas for toppings. Can’t wait to try it out. Thanks so much for sharing. Enjoy your day!
Hi Brooke. You can vary the toppings a lot to get different flavor. We love this. You are welcome. Thanks for visiting!
Oh, yum! I love steel cut oats and my crock pot but have never thought about combining the two to make something this awesome. Can’t wait to give it a try! Stopping by from Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays 🙂
Hi Amy, Steel cut oats work really well in the crock-pot because they are sturdy, unlike the rolled oat counterpart. Hope you have a great day, and thank you for stopping here!
Great recipe! However, I am the only one who will eat this in my family. Do you think it could be frozen in portion sizes without compromising taste?
Hi Wendy, I never freeze it, so I don’t know. I do refrigerate the leftovers and reheat it. The steel cut oats are best served fresh in my opinion. I would try freezing it and reheating it with some water or milk. I may try freezing a portion next week when I make them. Thanks for visiting!
Do you think you get the benefits of soaking the oats since they’re cooking so low so long? Or would the anti-nutrients still be present? I’ve been soaking overnight which reduces the cook time in the morning, but it still takes quite a while.
Hi Erin,
I don’t know about getting the benefits of soaking overnight. There is no acid medium, so I am guessing there is a little to no benefit. I should look this up. Thanks for visiting!
Sounds delicious! I pinned this to make later!
Hmmm. I’ve never had steel cut oats. I’d like to try them sometime. Thanks for sharing this recipe – it seems easy!
I’m glad you linked up at Romance on a dime!
This looks so good and comforting! Love the slow cooker option. Have a blessed week and come back soon~
Oh how I love this idea! I’m wild about oatmeal anyway…and dressing it up with fruit/nuts…and cooking it overnight? What could be better!? Thanks so much for linking up at Weekend Potluck. Please come back again next week.
I love steel cut oatmeal. I used to eat it on a regular basis but got away from it. You have provided such an easy way to fix them and have plenty on hand for all week. Thanks!
Hi Debbie, It really does feel effortless! I just love waking up to the warm meal and doing zero cookin in the morning! Thanks for visiting!
We love maple syrup and a spoonful of nut butter!
Such a delicious healthy breakfast…and I love all the options you’ve shared for toppings….mmmmmmm.