Delicious Crockpot Irish Oatmeal Recipe for Breakfast

Listen up folks, I’ve got something special for you today – a recipe for the most delicious and nutritious Irish oatmeal you’ve ever tasted. But wait, there’s more! This recipe is made in a crockpot, which means you can set it and forget it while you tackle your busy day.

Irish oatmeal, also known as steel cut oats, is a whole grain powerhouse that has been a staple in the diets of people in Scotland and Ireland for centuries. It’s packed with fiber and protein to keep you full and satisfied all morning long. And when prepared in a slow cooker, it comes out perfectly creamy with just the right chewiness.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Cooking oatmeal in a crockpot? That sounds impossible!” But trust me on this one – this recipe is foolproof and requires only a few simple ingredients. So why don’t you grab your crockpot and let’s get started on this delicious and nutritious Irish oatmeal recipe that will have you coming back again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I could extol the virtues of this Crockpot Irish Oatmeal Recipe all day long, but let me just say this: it is absolutely delicious. The combination of steel cut oats, water, brown sugar, cinnamon and honey creates a warm and comforting breakfast that will make getting up in the morning worth it.

But the real magic of this recipe is in the slow cooker. It allows you to cook your steel cut oats overnight or during the day while you are at work, so breakfast is ready as soon as you wake up or come home. Plus, it frees up precious stove space for other dishes that need to be cooked during busy mornings.

And let’s talk about the versatility of this recipe. You can substitute raisins or diced apples for the sweeteners and toppings to change up the flavor profile. Want to add some crunch? Add some toasted nuts on top. Or make it a bit lighter by using almond milk instead of water.

Lastly, this recipe is perfect for those who want a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor. Oats are high in fiber and keep you fuller longer, which means you won’t be reaching for unhealthy snacks mid-morning. Plus, it’s a great way to start off the day with complex carbohydrates—the building blocks of a balanced diet.

Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Irish Oatmeal Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it.

Ingredient List

To make crockpot Irish oatmeal recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups steel cut oats
• 8 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk (or almond milk)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
• Cooking spray
• Optional: raisins, chopped apple, cinnamon maple syrup for serving

Note: It is important to use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats or quick-cooking oats for the right texture. Also, be sure to spray the slow cooker with cooking spray before adding in all ingredients.

The Recipe How-To

Now that we’ve covered the reasons why you’ll love this Crockpot Irish Oatmeal Recipe, let’s dive into the how-to. I promise this recipe is super simple to follow and yields wonderfully creamy, steel-cut oats.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of steel-cut oats
• 8 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cinnamon stick or 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1 apple, cored and chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Coat the crockpot with cooking spray.
2. Add the oats, water, salt, and cinnamon stick to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or overnight, depending on preference.
4. In the morning, remove the cinnamon stick and stir in brown sugar or honey if using.
5. To serve, portion out the oatmeal into bowls and sprinkle with cinnamon and your choice of toppings like raisins and chopped apple.

Note: If you prefer a creamier texture, replace half of the water with milk or almond milk.

This recipe can easily be doubled, especially if you’re feeding a crowd. Just make sure to use a large enough crockpot and increase cooking time to accommodate the larger volume.

Substitutions and Variations

When it comes to cooking, there’s always room for improvisation and experimentation. This Slow Cooker Irish Oatmeal recipe is no exception. Here are some suggested substitutions and variations that will add a little bit of fun to your morning routine.

If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them for chopped apples or dried cranberries. The apples will give the oatmeal a subtle sweetness, while the cranberries will add a bit of tartness to balance out the flavors.

For those who want a little bit more sweetness in their oatmeal, try using maple syrup instead of honey or brown sugar. The richness of the syrup pairs well with the nuttiness of steel-cut oats.

If you’re looking to add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon on top of your oatmeal before serving. You can also substitute cinnamon for other spices such as nutmeg or cardamom.

If you prefer your oatmeal to have a creamier texture, replace some or all of the water with almond milk or coconut milk. This substitution will give the oats a velvety consistency which compliments well with the chewiness of the steel-cut oats.

In addition, if you don’t have access to steel-cut oats overnight, rolled oats make an acceptable substitution but be sure to reduce cooking time by at least 2 hours.

Lastly, for those who want an actual taste like apple pie for breakfast, adding diced apple macerated with cinnamon and brown sugar can transform this recipe into an Apple Pie Oatmeal Dish!

Don’t be afraid to play around with ingredients that might suit your tastes better when making this crockpot Irish oatmeal recipe. Remember that cooking is about having fun and exploring new flavors!

Serving and Pairing

Once your crockpot Irish oatmeal is done, it’s time to serve and enjoy! I recommend adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top to enhance the flavor. The sweetness from the honey or maple syrup compliments the natural nuttiness of the steel-cut oats.

You can also add some toppings to make it even more delicious. One of my favorite combinations is raisins and chopped apples that give the dish a fresh and fruity dimension. Or if you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, try sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or whipped cream.

Crockpot Irish oatmeal is perfect for breakfast, but it’s also versatile enough to eat at any time of day. I love having it as a comforting snack before bed! You can pair it with some scrambled eggs and sausage for a protein-packed breakfast or some juicy roasted chicken breasts for a hearty dinner.

If you prefer lighter options in the morning, pour some oat milk over your oats for a creamy texture that’s dairy-free. Almond milk is another great dairy-free option that pairs well with cinnamon and maple flavors.

Overall, this dish is very customizable when it comes to serving and pairing options. Try different toppings and see what you like best!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

The great thing about this crockpot Irish oatmeal recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy mornings. If you’re planning on making it for breakfast the next morning, simply cook the oatmeal as directed and then let it cool completely before storing it. You can keep the oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

If you’re looking to make this recipe even more convenient, consider making a big batch and freezing individual portions. To freeze, ladle the oatmeal into airtight containers or freezer bags and lay them flat in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and heat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra liquid.

When reheating the oatmeal, you may need to add some additional water or milk to loosen it up, as it will thicken as it cools. Simply stir in a little liquid at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Another great way to use up leftover oatmeal is by turning it into overnight oats. Simply mix together 1 cup of leftover cooked steel-cut oats with 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy) and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir in additional sweeteners or flavorings if desired, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve topped with chopped nuts, sliced fruit or dried fruit for an easy and delicious breakfast option.

No matter how you choose to store or reheat this delicious crockpot Irish oatmeal, you’ll be able to enjoy its comforting warmth and nourishing properties any time of day, whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a lazy weekend morning at home.

Tips for Perfect Results

Cooking steel cut oats in a slow cooker can be tricky, but here are some tips that will help you get perfect results every time.

Firstly, use cooking spray or butter to coat the inside of your crockpot before adding the ingredients. This will prevent the steel cut oats from sticking to the sides and bottom of the pot while they’re cooking.

Secondly, make sure to use steel cut oats instead of rolled oats in this recipe. Rolled oats have been processed differently and will not hold up as well under the long cooking time required for this recipe.

Thirdly, don’t open the lid of your slow cooker too often while the oatmeal is cooking. Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes and it will take longer for the oatmeal to cook. You should also resist stirring the oatmeal too often as this can cause it to become mushy.

Fourthly, add raisins or chopped apple pieces during the last 30 minutes of cooking so that they don’t turn into a soggy mess.

Fifthly, if you like your oatmeal on the sweeter side, try using honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar. You would likely want to add them later than when you initially cooked as sweeteners can break down when exposed to a high temperature for an extended period.

Sixthly, you may also substitute almond milk (or other non-dairy milk) for regular milk if desired. This substitutes add a nutty flavor into the dish and can give it certain twist according to your preference.

Lastly, remember that slow cookers vary in their low heat setting temperatures, but usually within 7-8 hours on low is sufficient to produce delicious results. Keep an eye out so you don’t over-cook your oatmeal which could lead to an unpleasant mushiness rather than a warm nutty flavor on your palate when you sink your teeth into it.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the crockpot Irish oatmeal recipe is the perfect way to start your day with a nutritious breakfast that is packed with flavor. With ingredients like cinnamon, honey, and raisins, this recipe will leave you satisfied and energized for whatever comes your way.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations, whether it’s using almond milk instead of water or adding in some sliced apples for an apple pie twist. The possibilities are endless!

And with the convenience of the slow cooker, you can easily make this recipe ahead of time and store it for later use. This means that even on your busiest mornings, you can still have a delicious breakfast that will keep you fueled throughout the day.

So what are you waiting for? Give this crockpot Irish oatmeal recipe a try today and taste the difference a hearty breakfast can make!

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