Slow Cooker Irish Oatmeal

Ginny McMeans

Published:

February 10, 2019

Last Modified:

March 23, 2023

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Wake up to Slow Cooker Irish Oatmeal. Throw it all in the crockpot in less than 5 minutes and when you get up in the morning, drizzle on a little maple syrup and enjoy a deliciously hearty breakfast.
Slow Cooker Irish Oatmeal is filling a blue porcelain bowl with maple syrup floating on top.

Wouldn’t you like a nice warm healthy breakfast waiting for you when you wake up in the morning? Me too!

Slow Cooker Irish Oatmeal takes under 5 minutes to put together and you wake up to heaven in the morning. Geez, I think I am going to make this again tonight.

Use the steel cut type of oatmeal because it really is ‘the best’. You can double the recipe and even freeze individual servings with maple syrup drizzled on top.

What Are Steel Cut Oats (aka Irish Oatmeal)

Steel cut oats are whole oat groats that are chopped up into smaller pieces.
Their texture is relatively similar to coarse cracked wheat and makes marvelous thick oatmeal.
Because these oats are minimally processed, it takes a little longer to prepare them than instant or rolled oats, usually about 20 to 30 minutes.
They are also a perfect match for the slow cooker.
Steel Cut Oats are sometimes packaged as “Irish Oats,” because some of the finest milled oats are grown and produced in Ireland.
The humid climate and temperature of Ireland contribute to the slow ripening of the grain, allowing it to yield healthier and plumper oats.

Oats have been a staple on the Irish Breakfast Menu, in like, forever, especially in the form of creamy porridge.

Sometimes you can even find it as a gourmet option in restaurants and finer hotels.

Ready to vacation in Ireland?

Or, if it’s that time of year, you can stay here and start off your St. Patrick’s Day festivities with a nice big bowl.

What Does Irish Oatmeal Taste Like?

Steel-cut oats have a deliciously creamy and chewy texture with an almost nutty-like flavor.
Because they are firmer than rolled oats, they will still have a bite to it once cooked.
It is a preferred choice for those who want a heartier feel to their oatmeal and as a change-up to rolled oats.

I can talk about Irish oats a lot. It’s just special. You can even bake with it.

Check out this Irish Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe because I think you’re really going to want to make them too.

Here’s a peek!

Health Benefits and Facts about Irish Oats

It’s an excellent choice for breakfast because it is high in protein and that equals a high energy breakfast.
Irish oats are also a great way to fuel your body because they contain complex carbohydrates that leave you feeling full for hours.
Oats are rated as a low GI food (Glycemic Index), keeping your blood sugars low and your energy level steady.
They’re rich in other vitamins and minerals too, including vitamin B’s, magnesium and iron, making them nutrient-dense food.

You can change it up too. I usually use maple syrup as in the photos but you can change the toppings to suit your whim.

Serving Suggestions

You can pour dairy free milk over cooked Irish Oatmeal.
Chopped apple makes for a great fruit addition.
Raisins sprinkled on top would be good to add a natural sweetness that a lot of people love in oatmeal.

Can You Freeze Slow Cooker Irish Oatmeal?

Yes!

TO FREEZE:

If you’ve made extra, it will keep in the fridge for three days or freeze once the oatmeal has cooled.

You may freeze it using any of the methods shown in my article Preparing Food for the Freezer

TO DEFROST:

Put into the refrigerator the night before and warm through in the microwave stirring every 15 seconds.