Description
This comforting Crockpot Steel Cut Oatmeal with Butternut Squash is a wholesome and hearty breakfast option that blends creamy steel-cut oats with naturally sweet, tender butternut squash. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and subtly sweetened with maple syrup and vanilla, it offers a cozy, flavorful start to your day. The slow cooker method makes preparation effortless, allowing the ingredients to simmer slowly and develop rich flavors overnight or while you go about your morning routine. Top with pecans, brown sugar, and coconut milk for extra texture and indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Butternut Squash, peeled and diced
- 1 cup Steel-Cut Oats
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 3 cups Water
Optional Toppings
- Pecans, to taste
- Brown Sugar, to taste
- Coconut Milk, to taste
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Place the diced butternut squash, steel-cut oats, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and water into the slow cooker. Stir all ingredients together to combine evenly.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or choose the high setting and cook for 5 to 7 hours. The oats should be soft and the butternut squash fork-tender by the end of cooking.
- Mash the Squash: Use a potato masher or a large spatula to roughly mash the cooked butternut squash within the oatmeal. Stir well to evenly incorporate the mashed squash throughout the oatmeal, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and serve warm. Top with pecans, brown sugar, and coconut milk according to your preference. Enjoy your cozy, nutritious breakfast!
Notes
- You can prepare this oatmeal the night before and have it ready to enjoy fresh in the morning.
- If the oatmeal is too thick after cooking, stir in a little extra water or coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for variety.
- Maple syrup can be adjusted for sweetness or replaced with honey if preferred.
- Make sure to stir the ingredients well before cooking to prevent sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 5 to 7 hours (high)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker oatmeal, steel cut oats, butternut squash breakfast, healthy oatmeal recipe, cozy fall breakfast, vegetarian oatmeal
