If there’s one breakfast I rely on for busy mornings, it’s oatmeal. Making it in the slow cooker makes mornings even easier. This simple Crock Pot Oatmeal is creamy, comforting, and highly customizable — an ideal “set it and forget it” breakfast for hectic school days, busy households, or crisp fall mornings.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Hands-off cooking: Your slow cooker does the work while you sleep or get ready.
- Family-friendly: Everyone can top or mix in what they like.
- Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- Customizable: Keep it simple or try any of the flavor ideas below.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned oats — use rolled oats, not quick oats. Quick oats get mushy; steel-cut oats require much more time.
- Water
- Milk — whole, 2%, or a plant-based milk like almond are fine.
- Salt — a pinch enhances flavor.
- Butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
Step 1: Grease the slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray to reduce sticking.
Step 2: Add the oats, water, milk, salt, and butter to the crock pot and stir to combine.
Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 2½–3 hours or on the WARM setting for 6–8 hours (times vary by slow cooker).
Stir before serving. If the oatmeal is too thick, thin with a splash of milk.
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
- Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots)
- Sweeteners (honey, brown sugar, maple syrup)
- Warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice)
Make It Your Own: Flavor Variations
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal — Stir 2 small peeled, diced apples, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup into the base before cooking. Top with extra apple slices, pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Brown Sugar & Cinnamon — After cooking, mix in 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla.
Berries & Cream — Fold in 1 cup fresh or frozen berries after cooking and finish with a spoonful of yogurt or cream.
Tropical — Add ½ cup crushed pineapple and ¼ cup shredded coconut before cooking. Finish with banana slices and toasted coconut.
Peanut Butter Banana — Stir in 2 tablespoons peanut butter after cooking and top with banana slices and a drizzle of honey.
Storage and Reheating
To reheat, add a little milk or water and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until creamy.
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat with a splash of milk.
Farm Girl Tip
Know your crock pot. Some units cook hotter than others. Make a small test batch to find the ideal timing and setting for your slow cooker.
FAQs
Yes, but cook time and liquid amounts change. Steel-cut oats usually need 6–8 hours on low and absorb more liquid. Increase water and reduce milk to achieve the best texture.
Stored in an airtight container, leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.
Generously spray the slow cooker sides with cooking spray or use a liner. If your cooker runs hot, use the “WARM” setting overnight instead of “LOW.”
Yes. Make sure your slow cooker is large enough (a 6-quart or larger crock pot is recommended). Cook time may be slightly longer with a larger volume.
Other Oatmeal Recipes
- Baked Blueberry Oatmeal
- Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
Recipe
Crock Pot Oatmeal (with Flavor Variations)
Deanne Frieders | This Farm Girl Cooks
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats not quick oats
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups milk whole, 2%, or almond milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon butter optional
Method
- Grease your slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine 2 cups old-fashioned oats, 4 cups water, 2 cups milk, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon butter in the crock pot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2½–3 hours or on WARM for 6–8 hours, depending on your slow cooker.
- Stir before serving and add a splash of milk if the oats are too thick.
- Spoon into bowls and add toppings or try one of the flavor variations.
Farm Girl Tips
- Use old-fashioned oats only — quick oats cook too fast and become mushy.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, use the WARM setting overnight instead of LOW.
To Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water.
To Freeze: Portion cooled oatmeal into containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat with a bit of milk.
To Reheat from Frozen: Microwave in 1-minute intervals with 2–3 tablespoons milk or water until creamy.
Variations: See the flavor variations above for apple cinnamon, brown sugar & cinnamon, berries & cream, tropical, and peanut butter banana options.
Nutrition
Calories: 168 kcal
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 6 g
Made this recipe?
Let me know how it turned out and leave a review!
Seen on Meal Plan Monday and Weekend Potluck