Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats

With New Year's resolution time upon us, meal planning and prepping are noble means to save money and limit food waste. But, they are really tough too. We plan our menu weekly and there are still weeks that I make too much or we change our plans and I don't think to freeze unused ingredients. So, here's an idea, start one meal at a time. I don't mean one single meal, I mean one mealtime -- breakfast. 

We have two breakfast options that we switch between every other week in our household. Both have limitless mix-in combinations and are protein-packed. First, is quiche (check out quiche ideas here and here) and second, is steel cut oats, prepped in the slow cooker. We’ve only tried a few different mix-in options for the steel cut oats and the most successful recipe combo is blueberry banana.

Don’t forget to use a slow cooker liner for fast clean up. Check them out here. 

Here’s what you need…

1-1/2 cups steel cut oats
1/2 cup uncooked quinoa (optional)
1-1/2 cups frozen blueberries
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 15oz can coconut milk (unsweetened)
1 cup applesauce
4 cups water
Sliced almonds or other nuts for garnish

Let’s get started… 

1. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Mixture will be very watery.

2. Cook on low for about 4 hours or until consistency is similar to cooked oatmeal. If possible, stir every hour or so to keep oats from sticking to the bottom of the mixture.

​3. Enjoy immediately or separate into servings with almond garnish and store for breakfasts. Simply reheat in the microwave.

This warm, delightful treat can be the foray into your meal planning or simply your Christmas morning breakfast offering.

Thanks so much for jumping back on board with me this year. Happiest holidays to you and your family! We will be seeing you in the New Year.