Slow-Cooker Steel-Cut Oats

Wake Up to Effortless Comfort with Slow-Cooker Steel-Cut Oats

Imagine starting your day with a warm, creamy bowl of steel-cut oats, perfectly cooked and ready to eat the moment you wake up. This slow-cooker recipe makes breakfast not only convenient but also irresistibly indulgent.

The secret lies in modern slow cookers’ auto-warm feature, ensuring the oats maintain their rich, risotto-like texture without overcooking. Whether you prefer sweet or savory toppings, this versatile dish sets the stage for endless culinary creativity.

From honey and butter to zesty tahini or savory cheddar, these oats are your canvas. With minimal effort, this recipe transforms a humble grain into a hearty breakfast worth waking up for.

Slow-Cooker Steel-Cut Oats: Ingredients That Set the Foundation

• Steel-Cut Oats: The hearty star of this recipe, delivering a chewy, nutty texture and a comforting base for endless toppings.
• Kosher Salt: A subtle enhancer that balances the oats’ natural flavors, allowing every bite to shine.
• Water: The essential element that transforms oats into a creamy, risotto-like breakfast delight.

Recipe Tips

1. Choose the Right Slow Cooker:
   Ensure your slow cooker has an auto-warm function to prevent overcooking. This feature is essential for achieving creamy, risotto-like oats without sticking or burning. If your cooker lacks this, monitor the cooking time closely.
2. Experiment with Water Ratios:
   The water-to-oats ratio significantly impacts texture. For a creamier consistency, consider replacing 1 cup of water with milk or a plant-based alternative. Avoid reducing the liquid too much, as it might result in undercooked oats.
3. Prep Toppings in Advance:
   Enhance the ease of your breakfast by preparing toppings the night before. Pre-chop fruits, measure out nuts, or even mix savory ingredients like shredded cheese and spices. This keeps your morning stress-free and ensures a quick serve.

Pin

What to Serve with Slow-Cooker Steel-Cut Oats

1. Fresh Seasonal Fruit:
   Complement the creamy oats with slices of banana, berries, or citrus for a fresh burst of flavor and added nutrients. Fruits enhance the dish with natural sweetness and vibrant colors.
2. Savory Add-Ons:
   Pair your oats with crispy bacon, a poached egg, or sautéed vegetables. These toppings add protein and umami, creating a well-rounded, savory breakfast option.
3. Warm Beverages:
   A steaming cup of coffee, spiced chai, or matcha pairs wonderfully with the oats. The beverages enhance the comforting experience and round out the meal for a cozy morning treat.

Pin

FAQ

1. Can I use quick oats instead of steel-cut oats?
   Steel-cut oats are recommended for their hearty texture and slow-cooking compatibility. Quick oats may become too mushy during extended cooking times.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Absolutely! Replace water with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative without compromising creaminess.
3. How do I store leftovers?
   Refrigerate any leftover oatmeal in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or water to regain its creamy texture.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, but ensure your slow cooker can accommodate the extra volume. Adjust the cooking time slightly and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Pin

Slow-Cooker Steel-Cut Oats

This method provides an effortlessly prepared, hot breakfast that’s ready as soon as you start your day. Achieving perfectly cooked steel-cut oats hinges on utilizing the auto-warm feature of modern slow cookers, which activates after the set cooking time ends. This ensures the oats are tender and creamy without overcooking. Cooking on low for two hours followed by six hours on warm produces a texture reminiscent of risotto, with a pleasant chew. Alternatively, you can cook the oats on low for four hours for a quicker preparation, though exceeding this time risks overcooking. This recipe offers a versatile base that can be tailored to either sweet or savory preferences, inviting endless creative topping combinations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Total Time 8 hours hrs

Course Appetizer, crockpot recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 cups water
• Toppings of your choice optional, see below for ideas

Instructions

 

• In a slow cooker with a capacity of 6 to 8 quarts, combine the steel-cut oats, kosher salt, and water. Stir to mix thoroughly.
• Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 2 hours. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the slow cooker to automatically switch to the warm setting. Let the oats continue to cook on warm for an additional 6 hours until they achieve a creamy and tender consistency.
• If time is limited, the oats can be prepared on low for 4 to 5 hours in total. Avoid extending the cooking time on low to prevent the oats from overcooking.
• Serve the oatmeal immediately by ladling it into bowls. Add your preferred toppings for a personalized touch.

Notes

For toppings, explore a variety of options such as tahini and za’atar, crispy shallots with lime juice, or shredded Cheddar paired with pickled red onions. Sweet additions like coconut milk with turmeric and brown sugar, or honey with flaky salt and butter, can elevate the dish as well.

Keyword Slow-Cooker Steel-Cut Oats