Slow-Cooker Oatmeal

Crock-Pot Oatmeal Tips

What's the difference between old-fashioned, rolled and steel-cut oats?

Each kind of oats is as healthy for you as the next, but with slight differences in texture and cooking time. Both old-fashioned and rolled oats are flattened to cook faster than steel-cut oats. You'll find that steel-cut oatmeal takes 20-30 minutes to cook, and your finished dish will have a chewier, more toothsome texture than other kinds of oatmeal. Learn more about different types of oats.

What should I put in oatmeal?

Use seasonal fruits and berries for sweetness, and reach for nuts and seeds (like chia, flax or sunflower) to add texture and more protein. To really mix things up, skip the sugar and treat your oatmeal as a savory breakfast grain bowl topped with a soft-cooked egg, spinach and bacon.

What are some alternative sweeteners I can use?

You can mix in applesauce to sweeten your oatmeal, or top each bowl with agave nectar, honey or maple syrup.

What are some nondairy milks I can use?

Replace the whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a flavorful dairy-free oatmeal. Health tip

Using whole milk makes a rich breakfast treat. Switch to reduced-fat or fat-free to cut fat and calories.