Overnight Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats

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Want an easy, tasty breakfast? Try overnight slow cooker steel cut oats! You can make a big batch that’s ready when you wake up. Just toss oats, milk, bananas, and spices in your slow cooker before bed. In the morning, you’ll have a warm, filling meal that tastes like banana bread.

This recipe is super simple. You don’t need to watch it cook or stir it. The slow cooker does all the work while you sleep. When you wake up, add your favorite toppings like nuts, raisins, or maple syrup. It’s a great way to start your day!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make overnight slow cooker steel cut oats:

• 1.5 cups steel cut oats
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups milk (any kind)
• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt

Optional toppings:

• Banana slices
• Chopped toasted walnuts
• Raisins
• Chocolate chips
• Maple syrup
• Peanut butter

You can customize the toppings based on your preferences. The recipe makes about 6 servings. Be sure to use steel cut oats – quick, instant, or rolled oats won’t work for this slow cooker method.

Instructions

Get ready for a delicious breakfast with minimal effort! Here’s how to make overnight slow cooker steel cut oats:

1. 
   

   Gather your ingredients: steel cut oats, water, milk, mashed bananas, flaxseed meal, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add all ingredients to your 4-6 quart slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine.

   
   
3. 
   

   Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 7-8 hours overnight.

   
   

If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for 4 hours instead.

4. 
   

   In the morning, remove the lid and stir the oatmeal. The oats should be soft but still have a bit of chew.

   
   
5. 
   

   Serve your oatmeal warm with your favorite toppings. Try chopped walnuts, raisins, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

   
   

You can also add sliced bananas or a spoonful of peanut butter for extra flavor.

Enjoy your warm, creamy oatmeal that tastes like banana bread in a bowl!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily tweak this overnight oatmeal recipe to suit your tastes. Try swapping the bananas for applesauce or pumpkin puree for a different flavor profile.

Don’t have flaxseed meal? Use chia seeds instead, or simply omit it. The oats will still turn out great.

For a dairy-free version, replace the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based alternative you prefer.

Spice it up by adding:

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp cardamom

Mix in some dried fruit for extra sweetness:

• Raisins
• Cranberries
• Chopped dates

Want more protein? Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder after cooking. You can also top your oats with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

For a decadent twist, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mix before cooking. Top with a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a dessert-like breakfast treat.

Remember, you can always adjust the sweetness to your liking. Add a bit of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Try adding different fruits, nuts, or spices for variety.

For extra flavor, toast the oats in a dry pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This brings out their nutty taste.

Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat portions in the microwave with a splash of milk.

Freeze individual servings in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To prevent sticking, lightly grease your slow cooker insert with butter or cooking spray.

If you like thicker oatmeal, use less liquid. For a thinner consistency, add more milk or water.

Don’t lift the lid while cooking. This lets heat escape and can affect cooking time.

Toppings to try:

• Fresh berries
• Sliced almonds
• Chia seeds
• Honey or maple syrup
• Coconut flakes

Remember to unplug your slow cooker and let it cool before cleaning.