Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats with Cinnamon and Peaches
Recipe posted in: Breakfasts, Flex Meals & Snacks, Main CoursesStarting your day with a hearty, nutritious breakfast is essential for fueling your body and mind. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding time to prepare such meals can be a challenge. That’s where the magic of slow cookers comes into play, transforming seemingly ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dishes with minimal effort. Among the many recipes perfect for this method, Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats with Cinnamon and Peaches stands out as a comforting, flavorful and healthy option.
This dish combines the nutty texture of steel cut oats with the natural sweetness of peaches and the warm spice of cinnamon, creating a breakfast that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Slow cooking these ingredients allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a creamy, delicious porridge that’s ready to welcome you as you start your day.
What’s more, this recipe is as forgiving as it is versatile, inviting you to customize it to your liking with additional toppings or sweeteners. Whether you’re a busy professional seeking a quick and nutritious breakfast option, a parent looking to serve your family something both healthy and delicious, or simply someone who cherishes the first meal of the day, Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats with Cinnamon and Peaches will surely become a cherished recipe in your collection.
Let’s dive into how you can prepare this effortless yet satisfying meal, ensuring your mornings begin with a warm, comforting embrace.
How to Cook Steel Cut Oats in a Slow Cooker
Introducing a delightful and healthy breakfast option that effortlessly blends taste with nutrition: Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats with Cinnamon and Peaches. This recipe promises to transform your morning routine with its simplicity and wholesome goodness, serving up to six people with each serving containing just 165 calories.
Perfect for those following the Nutrisystem program, it counts as one SmartCarb and one PowerFuel. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to start their day right!
Crafted with a mindful selection of ingredients, this recipe includes one cup of steel cut oats known for their hearty texture and health benefits. It combines two cups of nonfat milk and one and a half cups of water for a creamy consistency, alongside one teaspoon of vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness.
The warmth of cinnamon and the subtle spice of nutmeg perfectly complement the sliced peaches. Whether you opt for fresh, frozen or canned peaches, this dish is a wonderful way to incorporate fruit into your first meal of the day.
Preparing this dish is as easy as it gets. Begin by spraying your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, place all the ingredients inside and give them a good stir to ensure they’re well combined.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for seven to eight hours or HIGH for four hours, depending on your schedule. Once the cooking is complete, a simple stir is all that’s needed before you can serve this fragrant and inviting breakfast.
This Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats recipe not only offers a delectable and warming start to your day but also ensures a hassle-free preparation. It’s a testament to how easy it is to enjoy a healthy, fulfilling breakfast even on the busiest of mornings.
Endless Variations for a Personal Touch
One of the best aspects of oatmeal recipes is their versatility. They serve as a perfect canvas for a variety of toppings and mix-ins, allowing you to customize your breakfast bowl to suit your taste preferences and nutritional needs. Here are several ways to personalize your oats and keep your mornings interesting:
Fruit Variations
- Seasonal Fruits – Depending on the season, swap out peaches for apples in the fall, berries in the summer or pears in the winter. This not only adds variety but also ensures you’re eating seasonally.
- Dried Fruits – For a chewier texture, consider adding dried fruits like raisins, cranberries or apricots. They’re a great way to pack in more flavor and sweetness.
Nut and Seed Toppings
- Crunchy Additions – Add a crunch to your creamy oats with a sprinkle of chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts or pecans. Seeds like chia, flaxseed or pumpkin seeds also offer a nutritious boost and an interesting texture.
- Nut Butter – Stirring in a spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter or any nut butter of your choice can enrich the flavor profile and add healthy fats and proteins.
Sweeteners and Spices
- Natural Sweeteners – If you prefer your breakfast on the sweeter side, drizzle honey, maple syrup or agave nectar over your cooked oats. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Spice It Up – Don’t shy away from experimenting with spices. Cardamom, allspice or even a dash of clove can offer a new twist on the classic cinnamon and nutmeg combination.
Protein Boosts
- Yogurt or Cottage Cheese – For an extra dose of protein, mix in some Greek yogurt or cottage cheese after cooking. This addition will also make the oats creamier.
- Protein Powder – If you’re looking to increase the protein content further, a scoop of your favorite protein powder can easily be incorporated. Vanilla or a complementary flavor works best with this recipe.
Dairy and Non-Dairy Alternatives
- Milk Substitutes – Easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free by using almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk or any other non-dairy milk of your choice in place of nonfat milk. This substitution can also add an extra layer of flavor.
Extra Toppings for Serving
- Garnishes – Before serving, top your oats with a few fresh peach slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few mint leaves for a refreshing touch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn your breakfast into a decadent treat.
Customize your Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats for endless variations, ensuring you never tire of this nutritious and comforting breakfast option. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create your perfect bowl of oats that’s both satisfying and delicious. Refer to the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide for more information on counting add-ins.
Looking for more delicious oatmeal ideas? Meal prep while you sleep with our favorite overnight oats recipes!
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 165
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 PowerFuel
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 2 cups nonfat milk
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- ½ tsp. nutmeg
- 2 cups sliced peaches (fresh, frozen or canned)
Directions:
- Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place all ingredients into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- Remove lid and stir before serving.