Crockpot Overnight Oatmeal
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Feb 19, 2026 I make slow cooker overnight oatmeal with steel-cut oats, so the oats cook low and slow until perfectly tender and creamy. It’s an easy breakfast for busy mornings because I can prep it ahead and wake up to a warm, hearty, fiber-packed breakfast. It’s a large recipe, so I can enjoy it right away, keep it warm in the slow cooker for my family until they’re ready to eat, and also save some for the next morning.
Crockpot Overnight Oatmeal
My family has been on a serious oatmeal kick lately, and not the instant packet kind. Nope, they specifically request what they call “real oatmeal.” And honestly, I don’t blame them. Steel-cut oats are hearty, wholesome, and keep you full all morning, instead of leaving you hungry an hour later. The only problem is that steel-cut oats take time to prepare… Time I don’t always have, as I’m rushing everyone out the door. Therefore, I’ve started making steel-cut oatmeal in the crockpot. The kids wake up to a hot creamy crock of oatmeal they top with all their favorite add-ins, and I get to sleep a little longer. Like my oat banana bread, this is one of those breakfasts that feels comforting but also gives you real fuel to start the day strong.
Jen – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Awesome!! I used whole milk because that’s all I had at the time, but it was still great. I was wondering if you have ever frozen leftovers in individual portions? Thanks. Jen
Table of Contents
Sommer’s Recipe Highlights
Nutrient-Packed – So I already mentioned that oats are high in fiber, but did you know they also contain protein, are rich in vitamins and minerals, and help control blood sugar levels? Adding milk to the crockpot oats not only makes the oatmeal extra rich and silky in texture, it also adds an extra serving of protein.
Workout Friendly – You can enjoy this satisfying power-packed bowl of steaming goodness as a pre or post workout meal, and it keeps you full without weighing you down. I like to have a bowl about an hour before my workout so I have plenty of energy to push myself. It’s also nice to have a post-workout bowl of oatmeal loaded with fresh berries, toasted nuts, and a sprinkling of coconut. Like my cold high protein overnight oats, it tastes like a treat, but doesn’t undo all my hard work!
A Make-Ahead Dream – I put my crock on at bedtime and cozy breakfast will be ready and waiting for me first thing in the morning. Sometimes I keep it on warm throughout the day for when the kids come home, or I’m craving a snack. Oatmeal is a great anytime meal!
Key Ingredients
- Steel cut oats – Also called Irish oats, are whole unprocessed oats cut into pieces. They have a nutty flavor and rustic texture.
- Milk – I use whole milk, but 2% will work. You can also use soy ot nut milk if needed.
- Apple pie spice – I like to use a baking spice blend to flavor the oats, because it has cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warming spices in it. Pumpkin pie spice will also work.
- Sea salt – Everything tastes better with a good inch of salt. It brings out the best flavor of the oats and spices.
How to Make
Find the full recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
I start by giving the inside of my 6-quart slow cooker a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. This makes cleanup so much easier later. Then I add all the ingredients right into the crock and give everything a good stir to make sure it’s evenly combined.
Next, I cover the slow cooker, set it to LOW, and let it do its thing for 9–11 hours. This is why I love making it overnight. I wake up to perfectly cooked, warm oatmeal with zero effort in the morning. Before serving, I give it one more stir to make it creamy and smooth.
Then comes the fun part: toppings. I load mine up with whatever I’m craving—fresh berries, sliced bananas, toasted nuts, coconut, dried fruit, honey, or a sprinkle of brown sugar.
Pro Tip: Setting out a few topping options lets everyone build their own perfect bowl, which makes breakfast feel a little extra special.
Variations
- Chocolate – Add a 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to make this morning porridge chocolatey.
- Coconut – Mix 1/2 – 1 cup shredded coconut into the oats for a sweet tropical note.
- Alternative Toppings – If you are not feeling the fresh fruit, sprinkle the top with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, sugar sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Storage
Let the oatmeal cool completely, then scoop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or slowly in the crockpot. You might need to add a splash of extra milk to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not really. When you put any sort of “quick oats” (more processed oats) in the crockpot, they tend to turn to mush quickly, which negates the need for the crockpot. Because steel-cut oats naturally take a long time to cook, this is the perfect type of oat for the slow cooker. Plus, they’re more nutritious, and in my opinion, taste better!
You can add diced apple or raisins to the slow cooker. However, I wouldn’t keep them in the crock the entire night. I would stir these into the oatmeal about an hour before serving.
Yes, you can freeze cooked oatmeal. Put it in an airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months. Then thaw it completely before reheating.
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Crockpot Overnight Oatmeal
Video
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry steel cut oats (Irish oats)
- 6 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 8 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
Instructions
- Spray the crock of a large 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Pour all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir.
- Cover the crockpot and turn on LOW for 9-11 hours. Stir again and serve the oatmeal warm topped with your favorite oatmeal add-ins: berries, bananas, toasted nuts, coconut, dried fruit, honey, brown sugar, etc.
I’ve been seeing a lot of oatmeal recipes lately, and They all call for steel cut oats, which I cannot seem to find anywhere. Can I use regular oats instead? ( I don’t mean the quick-cook or instant oats, just regular oats.)
Hi Jami,
The steel-cut oats are best for overnight oats, because they need more time and can be in the crockpot for hours. If you want to use old-fashioned oats, I would just make oatmeal in the morning, so it’s not overly mushy.
Sounds really good but I am the only one eatting it. Is there a way to make a smaller recipe? I have a small crockpot. Thank you!
Hi Susan,
Our recipe form has a servings slider in it to adjust the measurements according to the size of recipe you would like to make. Hope this helps!
Awesome!! I used whole milk because that’s all I had at the time, but it was still great. I was wondering if you have ever frozen leftovers in individual portions? Thanks. Jen
Hi. i have everything except soy milk. What could I use instead? Thanks.
Hi Jen,
You can use any kind of milk you like! Almond milk is a good option.
Made this for the first time and AMAZING! Any tips on how long to reheat in the microwave?
Hi Claire!
Scoop the oatmeal into bowls then microwave on high heat for 1 minute. Stir. Then if you find it needs a little longer, microwave in 30-second increments until hot.
Oh my goodness!!! This is the best slow cooker oatmeal recipe I have ever tried. I was skeptical about the amount of liquid, but it was perfect. I forgot this was even steel cut oats when it finished. It was creamy and smooth. I did two things different. I did not have cooking spray so I buttered the crock pot. And I didn’t have almond milk, but I had pea milk so I used that, still turned out perfect.
I see this makes 12 servings, but what is the serving size?
Hi Julie,
Each serving is about 3/4 cup. However, it varies with evaporation, depending on how tight your slow cooker lid is.
Can you use a liner? A co-worker says she places a bowl inside the crockpot then fills the pot with water halfway up the bowl otherwise the oatmeal burns along the edges. Is that necessary?
Hi Ann,
I’ve never used a liner, so you definitely don’t need it. :)
I just want to make sure the ratio of fluid to oats is correct b/c it seems like there’s a lot more liquid vs oats compared to normal oat recipes. I use 6 C soymilk and 8 C water for 3 C oats? Thanks!
HI Miffin,
Yes, that is correct! The oats will absorb a lot of moisture overnight. :)
Does Original Unsweetened Almond Milk work with this recipe?
Hi Jane! Yes, you can definitely use almond milk. :)
For men do not use Soy Milk. Soy isn’t good for anyone really, but especially men. It raises estrogen levels. Switch out the Soy milk for Almond, or Coconut milk.
I’ve made this recipe several times, with Oat Milk and had nothing but amazing results. My coworkers ask for it a lot.
I would leap out of bed for this!