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!
Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 cup milk (of choice)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup water
- 2 medium apples (diced)
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
Add all ingredients to slow cooker. Mix to combine. Set to low for 2 hours and let cook.
