Merry Morning Oatmeal
This Merry Morning Slow Cooker Oatmeal is a cozy breakfast that lets you get on with your morning. Old-fashioned oats, dried cranberries, cinnamon and milk cook together while you make coffee, open presents or enjoy a little peace before the house gets busy. Just 2 minutes of prep, then the slow cooker takes over—no standing at the stove required.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–2½ hours on HIGH or approximately 5 hours on LOW
- Servings: 4–5
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1–2 tsp ground cinnamon, to taste
- 4 cups milk
- 2 tsp maple syrup, plus more to taste when serving
- 1 Tbsp chopped pecans, optional topping
Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the ingredients.
Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add the oats, dried cranberries, salt, cinnamon, milk and maple syrup. Stir gently to combine.
Step 2: Cook.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–2½ hours or LOW for approximately 5 hours, until the oats are tender and the oatmeal reaches your preferred consistency. Start checking at 2 hours on HIGH, as slow cookers vary.
Step 3: Stir and serve.
Stir the oatmeal before serving. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. Spoon into bowls and top with the chopped pecans and extra maple syrup, if desired.
🍋 Simply Made Suggestions
- Use the right oats: Choose old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe. Quick oats and steel-cut oats need different cooking times.
- Adjust the sweetness: The dried cranberries add sweetness, so taste before adding extra maple syrup.
- Change the fruit: Replace some or all of the cranberries with chopped dried apricots, dried cherries or dried blueberries.
- Choose your liquid: Use water instead of milk for a less creamy oatmeal, or try 2 cups milk and 2 cups water.
- Add some crunch: Top individual bowls with chopped walnuts, almonds or extra pecans.
- Try coconut: Sprinkle a little shredded coconut over each bowl before serving.
- Plan your timing: This is a morning slow cooker recipe. Avoid leaving it cooking overnight for 8 hours, which can overcook the rolled oats.
🍋 Before You Go…
Planning breakfast for a houseful? Serve this oatmeal alongside our Sausage Potato Casserole for a sweet and savory spread. Our Banana Breakfast Split and Strawberry Kiwi Parfait are easy options for anyone who prefers a cold breakfast. Want more festive morning breakfast ideas, check our our entire collection of Christmas Breakfast Ideas to try this holiday season!
Merry Morning Oatmeal
Equipment
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1-2 tsp cinnamon
- 4 cups milk
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add the oats, dried cranberries, salt, cinnamon, milk and maple syrup. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–2½ hours or LOW for approximately 5 hours, until the oats are tender and the oatmeal reaches your preferred consistency. Start checking at 2 hours on HIGH, as slow cookers vary.
- Stir the oatmeal before serving. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. Spoon into bowls and top with the chopped pecans and extra maple syrup, if desired.
Notes
- Birch Benders Keto sugar-free brand used
Nutrition
Disclaimer: All nutrition values are per serving and approximate. They will vary depending on products and quantities used.
