Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats

Slow-cooker steel-cut oats make a large batch of warm, hearty breakfasts with very little hands-on work. Portion them for the week, then customize each bowl with protein powder, nut butter, fruit, or chopped nuts.

A QUICK NOTE

Steel-cut oats continue to thicken as they cool. Stir in water or milk when reheating, then add the protein powder after the oats are hot so it mixes smoothly.

INGREDIENTS

• Slow-cooker liner, or oil or butter for greasing

• 2 cups regular steel-cut oats

• 4 cups water

• 3 cups low-fat plain Fairlife milk or milk of choice

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup sugar-free maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ cup Swerve brown sugar replacement

• Protein powder in the flavor of your choice, for serving

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS

• Chopped nuts

• Nut butter

• Additional sweetener

DIRECTIONS

1. Insert a slow-cooker liner, or grease the bottom and sides of the slow cooker with oil or butter.

2. Add the steel-cut oats, water, milk, cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and brown sugar replacement. Stir to combine.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

4. To serve, stir in a small amount of water or milk until the oats reach your preferred consistency. Mix in protein powder and any optional toppings.

5. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk and microwave until hot. Stir well, then add the protein powder.