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I love steel-cut oats. If you have never tried them, you are seriously missing out.
What are steel-cut (Irish) oats? Steel-Cut Oats are minimally processed high protein oats that are cut into neat little pieces on a steel mill. They are one of the healthiest foods you can eat and the texture is just out-of-this-world.
If you've ever wished your mornings came with a built-in hug, Crock Pot Irish Oatmeal is your new best friend. This slow-cooked porridge is the kind of breakfast that smells like comfort, tastes like nostalgia, and keeps you full for hours — without weighing you down. Bonus: it’s effortless. Toss everything in the crock pot before bed, ignore the beeps, and wake up to a pot of breakfast magic.
Why "Irish" oatmeal? Irish oats are typically steel-cut oats — whole oat groats chopped into pieces. They hold their texture, become creamy with time, and have a pleasantly nutty flavor. Slow-cooking them overnight in a crock pot softens them into a porridge that’s velvety but not gluey. Traditional Irish oatmeal often uses milk and a slow simmer; the crock pot replicates that gentle, loving attention while you sleep.
What makes this healthy?
Steel-cut oats are minimally processed, high in fiber, and have a low glycemic index, which helps steady blood sugar and keep you satisfied.
Warm spices like cinnamon, provide flavor without cloying sweetness.
Add-ins like nuts, seeds, and fruit boost protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients for a more balanced breakfast.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Too thick? Stir in warm milk by the 1/4 cup until it’s right.
Too thin? Turn the crock pot to HIGH for 20–30 minutes with the lid off, stirring occasionally.
Sticking on the bottom? A light coat of oil and avoiding high heat helps. If the bottom browns slightly, scoop gently without scraping the pan.
Make it vegan: use plant milk and swap yogurt for mashed banana or extra applesauce. Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder after cooking for a protein boost.
Spice it up: Add grated nutmeg, orange zest, or a star anise for a flavor twist.
Crock Pot Irish Oatmeal
This slow-cooked porridge is the kind of breakfast that smells like comfort, tastes like nostalgia, and keeps you full for hours — without weighing you down.
Ingredients
- 1 C. Steel-cut Oats, Dry & Uncooked
- 4 C. Water
- 1/2 C. Milk (I used unsweetened vanilla oat milk.)
- 1 Apple, Peeled, Cored & Chopped
- 2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
- 1 Tsp. Cinnamon
- 1/2 Tsp. Salt
Instructions
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a crock pot liner. Please, please, don't take this warning lightly! You will be scrubbing for hours... trust me.
- Put all of the ingredients into the crock pot, secure the lid, and cook on low for 8-9 hours (or say...overnight.)
- In the morning, all you need to do is spoon the oatmeal into bowls and top with lots of more fruit (fresh or dried), nuts, brown sugar, syrup, granola, milk, etc... really whatever you want! The possibilities are endless here.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
221Fat (grams)
4 gSat. Fat (grams)
1 gCarbs (grams)
41 gFiber (grams)
6 gNet carbs
35 gSugar (grams)
12 gProtein (grams)
8 gSodium (milligrams)
316 mgCholesterol (grams)
4 mgNutritional Claims: High Fiber • Low Fat • Low Fat Abs • Low Potassium • Kidney Friendly • Plant Based • Vegan • Vegetarian • Pescatarian • Dairy Free • Gluten Free • Wheat Free • Egg Free • Milk Free • Peanut Free • Tree Nut Free • Soy Free • Fish Free • Shellfish Free • Pork Free • Red Meat Free • Crustacean Free • Celery Free • Mustard Free • Sesame Free • Lupine Free • Mollusk Free • Alcohol Free • Kosher • B Healthy • Benessere • Dairy Free Aged
Step-by-Step Photos:
