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Here’s what you need for this tasty breakfast: - 1 cup steel cut oats - 4 cups water or almond milk - 2 medium apples, peeled and diced - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon nutmeg - ¼ cup maple syrup or honey - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans - ¼ teaspoon salt - Optional toppings: additional diced apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of Greek yogurt Gather these ingredients before you start. Steel cut oats give a chewy texture, while the apples add sweetness. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and spice to the dish. Maple syrup or honey adds natural sweetness. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. You can customize the toppings based on your taste. Enjoy the process of preparing this delightful bowl of oats! - Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker First, grab your slow cooker. Add 1 cup of steel cut oats. Pour in 4 cups of water or almond milk for a creamier taste. Next, add 2 medium apples, peeled and diced. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. Drizzle in ¼ cup of maple syrup or honey for sweetness. Finally, toss in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir all the ingredients well. - Setting the Cooking Time and Temperature Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If you are short on time, you can set it on high for 3 to 4 hours. This helps the flavors blend perfectly. - Stirring for Consistency After cooking, remove the lid and stir the oats. This helps create a nice, even texture. If you like your oats creamier, add a splash more water or almond milk. Mix well until you reach your desired consistency. - Serving Temperature Serve the oats hot in bowls. This dish is perfect for breakfast or a cozy brunch. - Recommended Toppings for Garnishing You can top your oats with more diced apples for crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds extra flavor. A dollop of Greek yogurt brings creaminess and protein. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings! For the best taste, choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These apples add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Their firm texture holds up well during cooking, ensuring you enjoy bites of apple in every spoonful. To make your oats creamy, use almond milk instead of water. It adds richness and flavor. If you prefer water, just add a splash more at the end. This simple step gives you a velvety texture that elevates your breakfast. You can save time by prepping your ingredients the night before. Peel and dice the apples, and measure your oats and spices. Just toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning. This way, you can enjoy a warm meal without any hassle. Set your slow cooker to cook overnight. It can work while you sleep! When you wake up, your oats will be ready. This way, you start your day with a warm and hearty breakfast, making it a perfect morning treat. {{image_2}} You can use almond milk instead of water. Almond milk adds a rich, creamy taste. It also boosts the nutrients in your oatmeal. If you want a lighter dish, stick with water. Both choices work well. You can swap maple syrup for other sweeteners. Honey offers a nice flavor, too. Agave nectar or coconut sugar also work well. Each sweetener changes the taste just a bit. Choose what you like best! Adding dried fruits or berries can enhance your oats. Raisins, cranberries, or blueberries add sweetness and texture. Just toss them in before cooking. They will plump up nicely as they cook. You can also incorporate other spices. Try ginger or cardamom for a new twist. A pinch of vanilla extract can add a lovely aroma. Mix and match to find your favorite flavors. The options are endless! - Best Containers for Storage: Use air-tight glass or plastic containers. These keep your oats fresh. Avoid metal containers, as they can react with food. - Refrigeration and Freezing Tips: Store leftover oats in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them in portions. They last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. - Best Methods to Reheat Oats for Optimal Texture: To reheat, use the microwave or stove. For the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of water or almond milk to keep them creamy. If using the stove, warm them over low heat, stirring often. This helps maintain a smooth texture. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook these oats on the stovetop. Use a pot, add ingredients, and bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring often until creamy. How long do steel cut oats last in the fridge? Steel cut oats stay good in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and ready for quick breakfasts. Can I use quick oats instead of steel cut oats? I do not recommend using quick oats for this recipe. Quick oats cook faster and have a different texture. Steel cut oats give a heartier, chewier bite that enhances the dish. What are the health benefits of steel cut oats? Steel cut oats are rich in fiber, which helps digestion. They also provide long-lasting energy and keep you full longer. Plus, they contain essential vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice. Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the dry ingredients and store them in a container. In the morning, add water or almond milk to your slow cooker, and it will be ready for you. Is it possible to make this recipe vegan? Yes, this recipe is easily vegan. Just use almond milk instead of regular milk and maple syrup instead of honey. The oats will still be delicious and creamy! This blog post covered how to make a delicious slow cooker oatmeal dish. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I also shared variations and storage options. Effective meal prep makes breakfast easy and tasty. Each step lets you create something special. Enjoy the wholesome flavors, and get creative with toppings. Oatmeal can fit many diets and tastes. Remember to store leftovers well for later enjoyment. You now have all you need to succeed in this recipe!

Cinnamon Apple Steel Cut Oats Slow Cooker

Start your day with a warm bowl of Cinnamon Apple Steel Cut Oats Delight! This hearty recipe combines steel cut oats, diced apples, and a hint of cinnamon for a delicious breakfast that's both nutritious and cozy. Perfect for meal prep, simply toss everything in a slow cooker and let it do the work! Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy a comforting start to your morning. #BreakfastRecipes #HealthyEating #OatmealLove #SlowCookerRecipes
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Ingredients
  

1 cup steel cut oats

4 cups water (or almond milk for creaminess)

2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

¼ teaspoon salt

Optional toppings: additional diced apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of Greek yogurt

Instructions
 

In the slow cooker, combine the steel cut oats, water (or almond milk), diced apples, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup (or honey), walnuts or pecans, and salt. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

    Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your time availability.

      Once cooked, stir the oats to ensure an even texture. If you prefer a creamier consistency, add a splash more water or almond milk and mix well.

        Serve hot in bowls, topped with additional diced apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a dollop of Greek yogurt, if desired. Enjoy this warm, hearty breakfast that fills you up and warms your soul!

          Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours | Servings: 4