Good Morning! Whenever I make steel cut oats, it is a good morning. I love the nutty flavor and the texture of steel cut oats. I love switching up the toppings to keep breakfast interesting and my kids enjoy that part too. Compare it to one of those frozen yogurt places, where you can put gummy worms, chocolate chips, and brownie bits into your frozen yogurt except it’s in oatmeal. I always have gummy bears on hand for oatmeal… I’m totally kidding! We keep it pretty nutritious for breakfast but hey, who knows, maybe that will be the newest trend.
Breakfast is the most Important Meal of the Day
I’m not exactly sure who “they” is, but I’ll roll with it. They say, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” I could argue that every meal is important because I love to eat every meal. However, I’d have to agree with that statement. For example, let’s say I eat part of a leftover brownie for breakfast one morning. Of course, this example is strictly hypothetical. Anyway, I notice that I’m more sluggish and more on edge for the remainder of the day. Could what I eat for breakfast change my mood? From personal experience, I give an unequivocal, “Yes!”.
When I eat something like Steel Cut Oats topped with fruit and nuts, I feel good and more energized to tackle my day. Also, I love that this oatmeal is very filling. I can eat a bowl of the steel cut oats and feel very satisfied with just the one bowl.
Stove Top Vs. Crock Pot
Let’s talk about Crockpot steel cut oats verses preparing them on the stove. It’s more convenient to cook them in the crockpot over night and we do this a lot. My kids enjoy the crockpot version more because it’s a little more creamy, thicker and the oats are smooth.
I really like the crockpot version as well, yet, I have to say I’m on team “stovetop”. I love the that the oats have a little crunch or bite to them and the “nutty” flavor is more evident. The down side to the stovetop version, is that they take about 30 minutes to cook. Both ways are great, you just have to weigh the pros and cons.
Classic Steel Cut Oats
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
- 2 Cups Steel Cut Oats
- 6 Cups Water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 Cups Almond Milk or cow's milk
Toppings
- toasted chopped almonds, toasted sweetened coconut, blueberries, raspberries, cinnamon apples, brown, sugar, maple syrup
Instructions
- Toast Oats in Coconut Oil for 5-7 Mins until Aromatic over medium-high heat.Add Water and Salt. Bring to a boil on high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Add Almond Milk and return to simmer for 10-15 minutes or desired thickness.
- Toppings: toasted chopped, almonds, toasted sweetened coconut, blueberries, raspberries, cinnamon, apples ,brown, sugar, maple syrup
Using your Crockpot to make Steel Cut Oats
The crockpot steel cut oats is really convenient. I love that my kids can serve up a bowl of oatmeal all on their own! It’s a huge victory for this mom of 6! Here’s an important tip, remember to oil the sides! It can be a horrible sticky mess if you don’t prep the sides. Also note, that there will a layer of overcooked oatmeal at the bottom of the crockpot. Don’t worry, you didn’t do anything wrong, that occurs because the oats aren’t being stirred around in the crockpot. Just toss the layer in the trash when you’re cleaning up!
Crockpot Steel Cut Oats
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Water
- 1 Cup Steel Cut Oats
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Oil the sides of your crock pot with canola oil, coconut oil, or butter.
- Poor in the water, oats and salt into the crockpot. Set on low and cook for 8 hours. We like to have it cook overnight.
