Making Oatmeal in a Crockpot: Simple, Easy and a Sure Fire Favorite
Cooking old fashioned oatmeal in the crockpot gives you a chance to enjoy the smells while you get other tasks completed. There is a sense of accomplishment knowing - you know what you are eating next, that it will be nice and hot and can feed the entire household.
Oatmeal in a Crockpot for Crowds
Nothing is more delicious than the comfort of a warm bowl of oatmeal, it’s like a cozy blanket or a bear hug. The fact that this easy breakfast is healthy and satisfying are pretty darn good reasons to serve it often.
For some reason, cooking oatmeal in a slow cooker seems more homey than boiling water and oats on the stove. It is so nice that you can make old fashioned oatmeal in a crockpot and have it come out creamy and delicious, rather than tasting like mush.
Cooking oatmeal overnight? Yes or No
No. This recipe cooks for just 4 hours, so it is NOT a recipe where you can cook the oatmeal in a crockpot overnight. If you are an early riser, you can put the crockpot on, throw in a load of laundry, do your morning workout or walk, get ready for the day and then return to the kitchen smelling the wonderful aroma of apples and cinnamon. Dish yourself and your family up a warm bowl of oatmeal goodness.
Ingredients for Oatmeal with Apples
I struggle with the mouthfeel of steel-cut oats, so that ingredient doesn’t work for me. Old fashioned rolled oatmeal is my jam. If you feel the same way you will be pleased to see you can cook oatmeal in a crockpot using old-fashioned oats.
How do you make oatmeal in a crockpot
Essentially you need double the amount of liquid that you have of uncooked oats, so 3 cups of oats require 6 cups of liquid of your choice. I used part milk and part water.
The moisture in the fresh apples helps hydrate the craisins. The cooking spray helps to keep serving and cleanup easy!
Mealtime conversation starters
Did you know that being social is a great way to relieve stress as well as improve relationships? Conversations while eating have the added benefit of helping you to eat slower, which is an important habit to acquire when trying to live a balanced and healthier lifestyle.
These benefits include:
- Better digestion
- Better hydration
- Easier weight loss
- Great satisfaction with your meal
So let’s get talking! Ask, or text this question:
What ONE question would you like to ask a person from your past and what would you ask?
Oatmeal in CrockPot with Apples and Cranberries
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Equipment
- slow cooker (crock pot)
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats uncooked
- 3 apples cut into bite sized pieces (you decided if you want to peel or leave unpeeled)
- 1¼ cups dried cranberries (craisins)
- ½ cup brown sugar (or substitute maple syrup)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups milk (or any milk alternative of your choice)
- 4 cups water
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Add the diced apples and dried cranberries, and toss well to coat.
- Spray a 3-4 quart slow cooker with cooking spray (trust me, you will regret it if you forget).
- Put oatmeal in crockpot with apples. Add the liquids: milk, water, and vanilla extract. Stir. The apples will float to the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Dish into bowls and serve with additional milk if desired or toppings such as chopped walnuts. (toppings not included in the nutritional label).
Video
Hand Size Portions
Hand Portions
When you look at the nutritional values of a meal to log what you are eating, that is called tracking macros. A lot of people use this method to reach their health goals.
Looking at hand portion size and using this method to gauge how and what you eat is also a great method to help you reach your health goals. Many people who use this method often think this form of tracking meals is easier and more sustainable for a lifetime.
Want to learn more about hand portion size and how to use it to reach your goals? Check out the article How to Get Started with Hand Portion Sizes.
Michelle Johnson Jerome is an expert on busting through perfectionism. She is passionate about helping others live life with purpose and joy. By drawing on her extensive experience as a nutrition coach, personal trainer, and yoga instructor she helps develop a realistic approach to goal setting that allows you to make progress and stop obsessing over mistakes.
Find other articles written by Michelle on her coach profile. Discover your "easy button": learn how to manage life's unpleasant parts so you can move forward, reach your goals, and live your best life.
