Slow Cooker Apple Cranberry Steel Cut Oatmeal

In need of a make ahead oatmeal recipe? Try this Slow Cooker Apple Cranberry Steel Cut Oatmeal. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, cook on low for 2 hours and you have breakfast prepped and ready for the whole week!

 This week I have been all about getting back on the meal prep wagon. I find when life gets a little busy (a.k.a the Holidays) I get lazy and don’t do such a great job of preparing meals for the week, I am sure you can relate. What I find helpful is spending 1-hour a week planning meals, this includes breakfast lunch and dinner.  Once I know what we are going to eat I look through my pantry and fridge to figure out what ingredients I have and what things I need to buy. (I also often plan what I am making based on what food items I already have in the fridge, freezer and panty. I hate wasting food and buying something I already have!) Planning ahead not only save me time, trips to the grocery and money! Oh bonus I often feel less stressed and get to spend more time with my family!

One meal I prep for myself each week is a big pot of steel cut oats. I typically will throw it together on Sunday night and store it in the fridge to eat for breakfast during the week. I usually will add in whatever fruit I have in the fridge along with milk and water and some spices. This week I had a bunch of apples and cranberries left over from the holidays. I love this recipe because all you have to do is throw in all the ingredients, set the slow cooker to low for 2-3 hours (or until all the liquid is absorbed) and breakfast is prepped and ready for the week.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal

• steel cut oats (can also use old fashioned oats, use 2 cups instead of 1 cup)
• milk
• apple cider (can omit and use another cup of water or milk instead)
• apples
• cranberries, fresh or frozen
• cinnamon
• chia seeds (optional)

How Kids Can Help Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal

• measure out oats, milk, apple cider, water, cranberries, cinnamon and chia seeds and add to slow cooker
• wash and dice apples and add to slow cooker
• mix all ingredients together
• set slow cooker to low for 2 hours.

Once the oatmeal cooked and cooled slightly store in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, portion into a bowl and microwave for 2 minutes. If too thick add some water or milk to thin it out. I like mine topped with siggi’s vanilla yogurt and nuts or nut butter for added protein. 

Enjoy!