Overnight Breakfast Porridge
“Wake up to warmth – the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it breakfast!”
Ingredients
- 2 cups steel-cut oats
- 6 cups milk (any kind)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup mixed berries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- Honey for drizzling
- Extra milk for serving
Instructions
- Grease the slow cooker: Add a small amount of butter or cooking spray to the inside of your slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- Combine all ingredients: Add steel-cut oats, milk, maple syrup, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Set and forget: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set to LOW heat and cook for 8 hours (or HIGH for 4 hours). Do not lift the lid during cooking – this is crucial!
- Check and stir: After the cooking time is complete, the oats should be thick and creamy. Stir well to combine any settled liquid.
- Add final toppings: Stir in the chia seeds. Spoon into bowls and top with fresh berries, walnuts, a drizzle of honey, and a splash of extra milk.
- Storage notes: Porridge will thicken as it cools. Add a splash of milk when reheating individual portions in the microwave.
Pro Tips for Perfect Overnight Porridge
- Don’t lift the lid while cooking – the steam is essential for proper cooking
- Use the LOW setting for creamier results – 8 hours gives best texture
- Grease the slow cooker well to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy
- Prep the toppings the night before – set up a toppings bar for easy morning assembly
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days – reheat portions as needed
Delicious Variations
- Apple Pie Version: Add 1 cup diced apple and extra cinnamon before cooking
- Banana Bread Porridge: Add mashed banana and a swirl of almond butter
- Chocolate Morning: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder and chocolate chips for topping
- Tropical Twist: Use coconut milk, add diced mango and shredded coconut
- Protein Boost: Add protein powder after cooking or use protein-enriched milk
Serving & Storage
Morning Assembly: Set out toppings in small bowls – fresh berries, sliced bananas, nuts, seeds, honey, and extra milk for a build-your-own bar.
Meal Prep: Cook a big batch on Sunday. Portion into containers for grab-and-go breakfasts all week.
Reheating: Individual portions Microwave 1-2 minutes with a splash of milk. Add more milk if too thick.
Storage: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months – thaw overnight in the fridge.