Learn how to make steel cut oats in a slow cooker, which results in a shockingly creamy porridge – with minimal dairy. All for $.21 per serving!

One of the most affordable food items you can incorporate into your diet – if you want to save money on food – is oats.

This goes for all types of oats: Quick, old-fashioned, and steel cut. 

My favorite of all is making steel cut oats in a slow cooker. Here’s why:

Minimal effort: This cooking method could not be easier. You simply place the ingredients in a slow cooker before bedtime, and 8 hours later you’re greeted with a Crock Pot full of warm, perfectly cooked steel cut oatmeal.

It’s super creamy: I can’t explain why, exactly, this Crock Pot cooking method results in really creamy oats. Once you taste it, you’ll be convinced the oats were slow cooked in heavy cream and butter, when in reality, all that was added was water and 2 tablespoons of butter.

It’s make-ahead: You can make a big batch of steel cut oats at the beginning of the week and eat it for several days. Just store refrigerated in a covered container, and eat cold or reheat in the microwave.

It’s cheap: This recipe is shockingly cheap to make. The entire recipe costs about $1.28, which works out to about 21 cents per serving.

• 1 1/2 cups steel cut oats: $1.08
• 2 tablespoons butter: $.20

Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats: The Method

While steel cut oats are great when cooked on the stovetop, cooking them in the slow cooker is my preferred method, for the reasons listed above.

Scroll down for detailed recipe, but here’s the process in a nutshell:

• Slow cooker is coated with butter or non-stick cooking spray
• Oats, water, salt, and butter are added to the slow cooker
• The oats cook on low overnight (for 7 to 8 hours)
• Give the oats a quick stir, and they’re ready to eat

Topping And Serving Suggestions

These creamy steel cut oats can be eaten plain, but I prefer to eat them loaded with toppings and add-ins, such as:

• Nuts: Sliced almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios
• Fruit: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, bananas, apples, peaches
• Nut (or non-nut) butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter
• Sweetener: Honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, brown sugar, jam, Nutella
• Seeds: Chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds
• Other toppings: Cacao nibs, chocolate chips, cinnamon, dried cranberries, dried blueberries

Variations

This is a basic recipe for making Crock Pot steel cut oats. Once you master how to make steel cut oats in a slow cooker, you can experiment with other similar recipes that incorporate additional ingredients and flavorings.

Slow cooker apple oatmeal is a variation on this recipe, calling for chopped apples, milk, and cinnamon. This recipe incorporates banana, ground flaxseed, and vanilla.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you put steel cut oats in a slow cooker overnight?

A: Yes. Steel cut oats are ideal for overnight cooking because they hold their texture and don’t turn mushy. Cook them on low for 7–8 hours, and they’ll be ready to eat in the morning.

Q: What’s the best water-to-oats ratio for slow cooker steel cut oats?

A: A good rule of thumb is 4 cups water for every 1 cup of steel cut oats. This creates creamy oats without becoming soupy. You can add a little extra liquid when reheating if needed.

Q: Do slow cooker steel cut oats need milk?

A: No. This recipe uses only water and butter, yet still turns out rich and creamy. You can add milk or a non-dairy milk later when serving, if you like.

Q: How do you keep steel cut oats from sticking or burning in the slow cooker?

A: Generously grease the slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray before adding the oats. Cooking on low (not high) and avoiding extended warm time helps prevent sticking.

Q: Can I make slow cooker steel cut oats dairy-free or vegan?

A: Absolutely. Simply omit the butter or replace it with coconut oil or vegan butter. The oats will still be creamy thanks to the slow cooking process.

Q: How long do cooked steel cut oats last in the refrigerator?

A: Cooked steel cut oats keep well for 4–5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes them great for meal prep.

Q: How do you reheat steel cut oats?

A: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen them back up. Stir well before serving.

Q: Can you freeze slow cooker steel cut oats?

A: Yes. Let the oats cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen.

Q: Can I add fruit or spices before cooking?

A: Yes – apples, cinnamon, vanilla, or mashed banana can be added before cooking. Delicate toppings like berries or nuts are best added after cooking.