Easy Steel Cut Oatmeal Overnight Crockpot Recipe

If you're not already familiar with steel-cut oats, they are whole grain groats, the inner part of the oat kernel, that are cut into pieces. This is in contrast to old-fashioned or quick oats which are steamed and rolled. So steel-cut oats are the whole grain, making them extra healhy AND extra yummy. I really prefer the taste and texture of steel-cut oats. The taste is a bit "nuttier" than regular oatmeal and it has a great substantial, chewy texture.

This recipe is a simple way to prepare steel-cut oats so that they are hot and ready for you when you wake up in the morning. The recipe can be adjusted to make as much or as little as you want.

Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats

For each cup of steel-cut oats used, add 2 1/4 cups water, 1/4 tsp salt and 1 Tbsp butter. Dump this all in a crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. (Depending on your crockpot you may develop a crust around the outside of the crock, I find this happens the most when I use my mini crockpot to make just 1 cup of oats -greasing the sides of the pot with butter or cooking spray help reduce this.)

These taste great served with milk (dairy, soy, almond, etc.), brown sugar, nuts and dried or fresh fruit.  Some of my favorite combos  are brown sugar, raisins and walnuts or brown sugar, fresh raspberries and sliced almonds. 

If you make a big batch, simply place what you don't use the first day in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.  To reheat, simply add milk or water, stir and heat in the microwave.

NOTE:  I always buy my steel cut oats from Vitacost.  They have great prices and if you're a new  customer you get a FREE $10 credit toward your first order!