Start your day right with a warm, comforting bowl of slow-cooked goodness! In this post, I share my Crock Pot Oatmeal recipe—a simple, make-ahead breakfast idea that's as versatile as it is delicious.
Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekend brunches, this recipe transforms pantry ingredients into a delightful breakfast that promises a cozy start to your day!
Let me show you how to make this easy breakfast recipe that's perfect for large family gatherings or busy mornings.
The magic happens overnight in the slow cooker, where oats blend with milk, water, and a hint of cinnamon to create a creamy, hearty meal you can enjoy first thing in the morning.
Oatmeal for breakfast can sound a little boring, but you'll soon change your opinion once you wake up to the smell of this delicious, creamy recipe. And you really won't believe how easy it is to make in the crock pot.
I also offer ideas for personalizing your bowl with your favorite toppings, whether it's fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey, so you can tailor it to your taste.
Table of Contents
- Why you'll LOVE this recipe:
- Tips for Cooking Oatmeal in the Crock Pot
- Helpful Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Recipe Ingredients
- Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- Benefits of Enjoying Oatmeal for Breakfast
- How to Print:
- Storage and Reheating Tips
- More Breakfast Recipes to LOVE
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Why you'll LOVE this recipe:
Overnight Convenience: Let it cook while you sleep, ensuring a warm and ready breakfast for busy mornings.
Creamy Texture: The slow-cooking process creates an irresistibly rich and hearty bowl of oatmeal.
Customizable Flavor: Easily add your favorite fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for a personalized twist.
Simple & Affordable: Made with basic pantry ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly option without sacrificing taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare a large batch to enjoy a nutritious breakfast all week long!
Tips for Cooking Oatmeal in the Crock Pot
- Add the ingredients to the crock pot as listed in the directions.
- Do not stir the ingredients after adding them to the crock pot.
- When you open the crock pot in the morning, you'll notice that the oatmeal at the top of the crock pot will look a little crunchy while the oatmeal at the bottom of the crock pot might be a little mushy. Don't worry! All you need to do is stir the contents and everything will blend beautifully.
- Make sure you add a little sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and a few tablespoons of milk before serving.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining
vancasso Bonita 27 Oz Cereal Bowls Set of 6, Blue Ceramic Bowls for Kitchen, 6 Inch Soup Bowls, Dishwasher & Microwave SafeDarware Sugar and Creamer Set, Milk Carton Shaped White Ceramic Cream Jug and Sugar Bowl
Check out my list...
My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
Recipe Ingredients
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. For exact amounts and to easily shop for everything, click the Instacart button in the recipe card below to add the ingredients straight to your cart!
- Apples
- Brown Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- Milk
- Water
- Pinch of salt
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Swap out dairy milk for almond, soy, or coconut milk (or a blend with water) for different flavors and creaminess.
- Use steel-cut oats for a nuttier texture (though you'll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time), or mix in a portion of quick oats towards the end for a softer finish.
- Stir in dried fruits (like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates) or fresh fruits during the last 30 minutes of cooking. T
- Top with nuts, seeds, or even a swirl of peanut butter for extra texture and protein.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Begin by layering the first four ingredients in the bottom of the crock pot that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Then add the oatmeal, milk and water. Do not stir. It's really important that you resist the urge to stir everything together.
Step 2: Set the crock pot to low and cook for 6 hours. If your crock pot has a timer, I would set the timer to start cooking around midnight and program it to cook on low for 6 hours.
LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
❤️Tap the heart icon in the lower right corner to add it to your personal recipe box for easy access anytime.
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Benefits of Enjoying Oatmeal for Breakfast
- One cup of cooked oatmeal contains about 150 calories, four grams of fiber and six grams of protein.
- Enjoying a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast can also help you control your weight by keeping you feeling fuller longer.
- There are so many ways you can enjoy oatmeal!
How to Print:
- Click the photo above or click HERE to print the Oatmeal Hacks Printable.
- A new window will open in Box.com and can download the printable.
- Once the photo is downloaded, you’ll be able to print it out using whichever print program you have for your computer
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Allow the oatmeal to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Tips: When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to restore its creamy texture.
More Breakfast Recipes to LOVE
📖 Recipe Card
Crock Pot Oatmeal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt to the bottom of your crock pot that's been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Then add the oatmeal, milk and water.
- Do not stir the mixture.
- Set the crock pot to low and cook for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, remove the lid and stir everything.
- Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar and a few tablespoons of milk.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2013 with new photos and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
courtney says
The oatmeal does make a pretty good amount, but lacks a lot in taste...If I were to ever make it again I would not use the water, I would double my milk...
The Bashful Nest says
I love oatmeal but I have never made it in a crock pot. This would be great for a brunch too. Hope you have a great week
xoxo. Michelle. thebashfulnest.blogspot.com
Sue says
Love oatmeal, this is a must try.
Sue
The Mom Chef says
Yummmm! That looks so delicious. I've kept my old crock pot along with the new one just because the old cooks more slowly. I may just have to give this a go with this recipe. Thanks for sharing it.