Finally! The recipe for my oft mentioned steel cut oats in the crockpot. An overnight sensation resulting in a piping hot, cooked to perfection breakfast in the morning. I make this all the time around here. It’s just too perfect of a breakfast solution for one and all. Mostly for one. Ahem, me.
But the all love it, too. It’s healthy, to boot. Here’s what I do:
You’ll need:
1 cup steel cut oats
(They are whole, chopped oats instead of the flattened, rolled oats you might think of when someone says oatmeal. You can buy them at most grocery stores, sometimes near the other hot cereals, sometimes in the natural food aisle.)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 Tablespoons natural brown sugar
7 cups cold water
To make:
Mix all dry ingredients together.
As late at night as you can possibly muster, put the steel cut oats, cinnamon and natural brown sugar mixture in the crockpot with the water. You can use any 1:7 oats:water ratio, depending on the size of your family and the girth of your crockpot.
Turn crockpot on low.
In about 6 or 7 hours (you will have to experiment with the exact time needed for you), a bounty of perfectly prepared, hearty oatmeal will be ready for your enjoyment. If you cannot stay up that late or get up so early, consider a Christmas tree light timer if your crockpot doesn’t have a built in timer. Then you can have it turn on at 1 am, turn off at 7 am, for example. I have found that the higher oats to water ratio I use, the better things turn out over night. 1:7 seems to be working well for me.
Serve with butter, strawberries and cream, a drizzle of molasses, or honey and milk.
Enjoy!
I was at a restaurant the other day and I had blueberry buckle steel cut oats- they put fresh blues in and when served, they had taken some butter, oats, brown sugar and pan toast it a bit- then added it to the top of the piping hot oats- added a little side of skim milk and topped off with a dollop of fresh whip cream-yummmmmmmmy!
Yum!!!!!
When I make my steel cuts oats overnight, I use two quarts of water to 2 cups of steel cut oats. I put it on low at about 10pm and when I check it at 6am it’s ready to go. I either shut if off or if it needs a little extra time, I leave it on till it’s ready. I then put the leftovers in microwaveable containers and have my oatmeal for the rest of the week. I just add a little water and reheat in the microwave. Hope this helps.
We tried this recipe last night in our crockpot. I reduced the liquid to 4.5 cups (1c milk, 3.5 c water) and added a tsp of salt. It cooked on low for 6 hrs and then warm for another 3 until we got up and around. (Our crockpot turns itself to warm after the cooking time is up) It was PERFECT! We served ours with a little extra brown sugar, a pat of butter and poured some cream over the top. YUM. None of us have had steel cut oats before and I don’t think I’ll be able to eat the other kind now. Thanks for the recipe!
where did you find the steel cut oats
I found the oats at a Natural Foods Market (Akins). Since then I’ve found them at one of our local grocery stores for much cheaper. You can order them online if you can’t find them locally! That’s what I was about to do until I finally tracked them down. http://www.vitacost.com/Bobs-Red-Mill-Steel-Cut-Oats-Cereal
Oh my. I’m a regular reader, never comment, but today, I must.
It’s as if a whole new world has been opened up to me. Steel cut oats in the CROCKPOT, how did that never cross my mind??
My kids absolute favorite b’fast is steel cut oats, but with rushing around for school in the morning, I never the long cooking process early enough for them to actually be able to sit and eat them.
This, my dear, will now be like Christmas every morning in our home.
THANKS for your genius!!
I LOVE steel cut oats. The best way I’ve ever eaten them was cooked in the crockpot like this but I decided to try something besides water. I had a bunch of half-and-half left over (I think it was after Christmas) and I used mostly milk, a good bit of half-and-half, a generous handful of brown sugar, and some vanilla. Oh, my. It has been really hard to go back to cooking them in just water ever since, but I must!
Thanks so much for sharing this–I have recently fallen in love with steel cut oats, but the cooking time is kind of a lot–what a perfect use of the crockpot!
ps, does this serve 7 then?
Man, I was so excited about this I had hubby hunt down steel cut oats and dreamed of yummy oatmeal! Sadly, I had bland oatmeal soup after 7 hrs… I turned crock back on for another hr and a half and STILL runny and thin.
I guess I’ll try again with a tad more sugar/cinnamon and maybe 6:1water/oats vs 7:1?? I’m also gonna be looking for some cheaper oats as a small cardboard can of “Quaker” ones at Publix here was over $4.50 (maybe 4 cups in the entire box?)
I was disappointed, too. I was so hoping for oatmeal like MckMama’s picture. I guess I’ll try less water next time. Please post if you hit upon a ratio that works better for you. It must be the difference in our crockpots.
I had the EXACT same results with the same kind of oats! Runny, thin, and bland! I was sad! Let us know if you perfect the recipe, I haven’t tried them again.
Try throwing in some instant oatmeal or even regular oatmeal and cook it a little longer if it is to runny. Maybe just a smidgen of salt will help and maybe more cinnamon.
Did any of you compare the kind of Crockpot you were using. I have 2 different kinds. A newer larger 6-7 qt one and an old rival that is barrel styled. I love them both for different reasons. I am wondering if that would make a difference. Any input here would help me as I want to make this tonight and would love for it to turn out!
Mine were runny, too. I finally just read the directions on the box, and 1:4 worked perfectly!
Are you sure you used Steel Cut Oats? I’ve never seen them in a Quaker canister? I’m betting you used rolled oats if you ended up with soup.
Quaker just came out with Steel Cut Oats. I saw them last week in the grocery store!
http://www.quakeroats.com/products/oatmeal/steel-cut-oats.aspx
It’s even better if you make it using your crockpot as a double broiler. You don’t end up with any crunchy, hard to clean, edges. Here’s a link that shows you just what I mean: http://annkroeker.com/2008/03/25/overnight-crockpot-steel-cut-oatmeal/
wow! that’s neat! it reminds me to wonder if they still make those liners for the crockpot?? or am i just making that up in my head? hmmm. do you know?
Yes! I just discovered the liners the other day. There were only 4 in a box, though, so it could get expensive. Easy clean-up, though.
okay, so I just read this all the way through … YUMMERS!!
And can I just thank you for the awesome idea of running out (especially since it’s “tis the season) and buying a Christmas Tree timer for my CROCKPOT!! Oh my goodness … BRILLIANT! Thanks!
(uh, er, well, i guess a regular lamp timer would do, now that i process what i just wrote, but nonetheless … never thought of it!!! still … BRILLIANT!!)
I think this one will actually get good reviews in my house! I’m excited to try it! The last oatmeal recipe I tried of yours (I HAD to search for it again to make sure I didn’t dream it up and blame you– http://mycharmingkids.net/2007/04/a-real-breakfast-of-champions/) did NOT get a rave review. In fact, it’s become a big joke in our house. My husband’s opinion: “Like oatmeal isn’t healthy enough already that ya have to add all that stuff?” Ha!
Now I have to talk my husband into turning on the crockpot for me at midnight because I’m NEVER up that late! But I guess first I will have to promise there’s no tofu or ground beans or flax in it. 
Ok, so I clicked on the link I posted and it takes you to a totally different post–weird. But “A Real Breakfast of Champions” was the header, so who knows?! Anyone looking for it can type that title into the “search MckMama” and find it.
Duh! Why did I forget about doing this. We’ve had a desiring oatmeal resurgence around here and this will certainly help with the waiting for the oatmeal crabbies. (Now, I just need something to combat the rest of the day crabbies.)
It looks delicious! I’ve never made my oatmeal in a crockpot. I’ll have to try this!
Do you think you could use milk instead of water in the crockpot? I always make our oats with milk over the stovetop.
Yeah! Thank you thank you thank you.
I tried the steel cut oatmeal once and didn’t really like it but I might have to try it again as you prepared!
Kristen
I love steel oats and make them, stove top version, quite a bit this time of year. Yours look delicious, and I am making them, your recipe, for breakfast tomorrow along with a big pot of Peet’s coffee. i’ll let you know how they turn out.
Question, where did you find the beautiful ripe red strawberries this time of year? When I was at the market this morning the only strawberries they had were pale red and white, so I decided to make a good fruit compote to serve ontop of the oats. I am jealous you found some great strawberries.
(I know you said you are not longer answering commenter questions, but thought I’d reach out and be hopeful:)
What a brilliant idea! I’ll definitely be trying this!
I love them and have been making them for a while now. We do a 1:4 ratio, but I put a smaller corning dish and lid inside the crock pot that also has water in it (like a little water bath) It working great and keeps the moisture in. Since I am still up…I think we will have some in the morning (either that or frozen whole wheat sweet potato pancakes that I froze and will pop in the toaster)
http://tjpppsmith.blogspot.com/2009/06/crock-pot-breakfast.html
Are you kidding me? Are you now stalking me? How on earth did you know that I just bought steel cut oats yesterday at the grocery store and told my husband, upon arriving home from said store, that I would have to look up your recipe for crockpot oatmeal? (<– world's longest run-on question!) Girl, that is just TOOOOOOOO FREEEEEEEEAAAAAKKKY! You made it SO easy I'm going to have to make them tonight!
Even FREAKIER is that I was coming to type nearly this EXACT same comment except that I sat down and made a grocery list including steel cut oats tonight specifically with mckOATS in mind… Then searched high and low for the recipe I scribbled on paper LAST year to no avail and thought man, I hope I can find that dern recipe on her blog tomorrow!! And wham!! Here it is!! How’s that for more run-ons!! Thank you Mckmama!
I think MckMama must have ESPN.
That looks totally delish.
I’ll have to look for steel cut oats the next time I’m at the grocery store … and invest in one of those timers ….. what a great idea!
Does anyone use liners for their CP or just spray it well. How many CP’s do people have and use regularly (I know someone who always has 2 if not 3 going)? No matter how hard I want to like ANY form of oatmeal, etc., I just can’t. I have tried different types and preparations at least once a week for the last 35 years. That’s how badly I NEEDED (hey I was 5 and all the cool kids were eating them) to like them; and it’s good for you. Every weekend, from the time it was safe to take me out after birth, I would do the shopping with my dad every Saturday (he liked to show me off to his buddies—he was 20 at the time). We would select and purchase different flavors as I got older (not many choices back in the dark ages) and lots of toppings but nothing. Anyone else have that problem? Regardless, the recipe is great, and I will pass it on to others.
Hope everyone has a great Thursday.
JS
I have steel cut oats and keep meaning to make them. Thanks for such an easy way to do it!
You’re welcome! I’m just glad I finally got around to photographing a bowl and posting my directions to my blog. I’ve been asked for so long, but when I Tweeted a while ago about putting cinnamon and oatmeal in my crockpot one night and got numerous requests to post about my oatmeal, I finally got my act together. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as we always have!
We serve cooked breakfast, usually oatmeal, sometimes cream of wheat or red river (which apparently isn’t available in US?).. every morning.
Mckmama, I think you may have just changed our mornings entirely. WHY DIDN”T I THINK OF THIS? We *only* use a crockpot about 6 times a week. sighhhh. Thanks!
I LOOOOVE Red River! I have seen it (and bought it) in the States a few times in the past few years. My mom made it for me (and grits and oatmeal and Cream of Wheat) a lot growing up.
I grew up eating Red River cereal too! That and Sunny Boy!
I grew up in the NWT, and now live in Abbotsford, BC. Where are you from?
I live in London, Ontario. I’ve never had Sunny Boy. Actually, I’d never heard of it! NWT must have been an interesting childhood – very different from growing up in southern ontario, for sure!
Okay, I am def. gonna be trying this once we get done moving…I don’t wanna move =( Okay, or maybe before, because I’m not sure I wanna wait that long. =) Thank you for the recipe!!!!
Well, you just decided what we are having for breakfast! Thanks!
By far my favourite cold morning breakfast! Looks yummy!
Do you ever have any leftovers? This sounds awesome, but I only have myself, so making a full crockpot of oatmeal just for me for one morning is a little ridiculous. Does the oatmeal reheat well? I think I’d make a full crockpot on Sunday and portion it out for the coming week. Any advice?
I have reheated leftovers…you can up the water so they do not dryout. I have also used leftovers in baking vs. the rolled oats. You can also use a smaller amount (1/4 cup oats and 1 3/4 cup of water). Also, you can fill your crock pot with a few cups of water, add a smaller corning dish that will fit inside, put the lid on the corning dish and the crock pot. This will make a water bath for the oats and allow it to not dry out with a small amount and for you to cook less. Hope this helps.
I reheat oatmeal and the steel oats in the microwave all the time. I just add what milk I would be using and microwave it or a couple minutes or so.
Try this recipe with your leftover oatmeal! Make and freeze!
Oatmeal Muffins
1 C. WW flour
1 C. brown sugar (if your oatmeal is already sweet cut this in half and DON’T use honey. It doesn’t work)
1 t. each baking powder and baking soda
1/2 t. cinnamon
Mix all dry ingredients. Make a well in the center and add …
1/2 C. oil
2 eggs
1 C. leftover oatmeal
1/2 C. raisins
1 t. vanilla
Mix all together. Fill muffin pans and bake about 18 minutes at 350
What a great idea! My dr wants me to eat “real” oatmeal (not instant) and this would be the perfect solution!!
yummy!!!!!! hey, i wanted to email you, but didn’t see your email on your site! anyway, i know you love custom handmade items and I am a designer for children’s clothing and am doing a giveaway for a pair of girls leggings
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Blessings!
Jill
What perfect timing! My husband has to get up super early tomorrow and this will be the perfect easy breakfast for us. Thanks!
Every time I see Oprah talking about steel cut oats I say I’m going to try them and I never do! Now I will since I have this awesome recipe!!
Mmm mmm mmmm, I love steel-cut oats! I always hated oatmeal until I tried the steel-cut oats. I usually buy the McCann’s Quick and Easy oats, you can cook them on the stove in 5-7 minutes. My favorite way to eat them is with brown sugar, cinnamon, and raisins but I’ve been testing out some new stuff lately…the other day I added some vanilla and craisins…pretty good!
I am the same way! I always HATED oatmeal growing up and refused to eat all together if that is what was being served. I am a southern girl all the way…grits for me!!! However…..when I tried steel cut oats a few years back I fell in love. It’s the only type of oatmeal I will eat!
YUM this looks delicious!!! I want to make some right now:) (maybe it’s my pregnancy hunger!)
Thank you, thank you, thank you Jennifer for posting the recipe!!!! I’ve been searching for it here because we really want to try it. We just tried steel cut oats and will never go back to regular oatmeal. I’m going to see how it tastes with homemade chunky applesauce mixed with it. Yummmm!
Oh this looks so yum! I must try and experiment with it. I love adding milled flax to oatmeal and some chopped pecans. We just harvested over 13 pounds of pecans off our neighbors tree and used a shelling service to get all the nutmeat out. they are soooooooo good. Off to go find some steel cut oats now.
why have I never thought about this before in the crock pot, it does sound yummy. I may play with this. my husband leaves at 5am so I may have him turn it on high and see if 2.5 hours would cook them
Does this turn out really, really, cooked? We like our oatmeal still sorta crunchy, if that makes any sense and I’m wondering if less water or less cooking time is needed. THANKS
Whenever I’ve done steel cut oats in the crockpot, it turns out too cooked and starchy for me. Another really tasty way to do them, is to toast them in 1 Tbsp butter on your stovetop, then add in 3 cups water and cook for about 25 minutes. The oats end up being crunchier, and having a nuttier flavor (but I can’t take credit…I use Alton Brown’s recipe. It’s on the Food Network site).
yumm. the only thing is my crockpot cooks really fast..will have to do it during the day first,..thanks! much love and blessings~ erin
Yum, that Iooks soooo good!
Is there anything one can’t cook in a crockpot? It’s the greatest invention ever! I LOOOVE my crockpot but never thought to make oatmeal! What a fun treat for a Saturday morning. Mmmm. Thanks for the recipe!
I’ve heard of this and thank you for the recipe. I’ll have to try it sometime.
I wish I liked oatmeal because that looks really yummy!
I was beginning to think I was the only person on Earth who does NOT like oatmeal. Just can’t manage to gag the stuff down. Maybe I’ll have to give it another try . . . sigh.