Crockpot Oatmeal

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graingirl

272 posts since
Jul 20, 2001

Nov 6, 2006 4:55 PM

Crockpot Oatmeal

Looking for tips on how to alleviate the crusty, dried out bottom and sides of oatmeal when prepared in the crockpot. I've prepared it 2 times and both times had some serious clean-up to do afterwards due to the oatmeal soaking up all the liquid and then crusting to the sides and bottom of the crock. The ratio I've been using is 2 parts liquid (I've been using skim milk) to 1 parts oats. I've tried both quick and whole oats and both resulted in the same crusty sides and bottom. I don't want to add more liquid because it will make the oats way too mushy. As it is now they're a bit softer than is ideal for me, but I'm willing to trade it for the crockpot convenience of feeding our family a warm, hearty breakfast that requires little preparation other than dishing into a bowl. Oh, and I have sprayed the crockpot both times prior to adding ingredients.

kcwoodhead

355 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

1. Nov 6, 2006 5:03 PM

in response to: graingirl

Re: Crockpot Oatmeal

They make crockpot liners now that you could use - you just throw them away when you are done, like lining a baking dish with foil.

I'm not sure which brand they are, but I imagine you could find them near the foil and wax paper and stuff.

annora

68 posts since
Jun 26, 2006

2. Nov 6, 2006 5:12 PM

in response to: graingirl

Re: Crockpot Oatmeal

ah.
2:1 is used with old fashioned oats, if you're making in smaller batches. if you're cooking it in the crockpot, i'd increase the liquid by 1/2 cup.

if you're using steel cut oats, you need 4:1, liquid to oats. and, add a dollop of butter. it'll help prevent that crustiness.

divechief

361 posts since
Aug 14, 2007

3. Nov 6, 2006 6:29 PM

in response to: graingirl

Re: Crockpot Oatmeal

I use steel cut, 4:1 I put my crock pot on a timer and have it run for about 2.5 hours before I wake up.

sweetiepie083

224 posts since
Jul 27, 2005

4. Nov 6, 2006 9:14 PM

in response to: graingirl

Re: Crockpot Oatmeal

mmmmmmm its been awhile since I had my steel cut oats cause I haven't taken the time to make em, but you just reminded me I can make them in the crock pot and by golly that is what this chick is gonna do tonight before heading to bed. Thanks folks.

Tracy

Tim Carmichael

148 posts since
Oct 5, 2007

5. Nov 6, 2006 9:45 PM

in response to: graingirl

Re: Crockpot Oatmeal

I thought oats came in little brown packets you heated up in the microwave...

graingirl

272 posts since
Jul 20, 2001

6. Nov 7, 2006 5:29 PM

in response to: graingirl

Re: Crockpot Oatmeal

quote:<HR>Originally posted by divechief:
I use steel cut, 4:1 I put my crock pot on a timer and have it run for about 2.5 hours before I wake up.<HR>

We don't have a timer on our crockpot. It was a wedding gift 15 years ago and still running strong so I don't intend on getting a new one. Does it really only take 2.5 hours in the crockpot to cook the oats? If that's the case I could probably turn the crockpot on first thing when I wake up, then go run, shower, etc.... Is that on high or low setting??

graingirl

272 posts since
Jul 20, 2001

7. Nov 7, 2006 5:33 PM

in response to: graingirl

Re: Crockpot Oatmeal

quote:<HR>Originally posted by annora:
ah.
2:1 is used with old fashioned oats, if you're making in smaller batches. if you're cooking it in the crockpot, i'd increase the liquid by 1/2 cup.

if you're using steel cut oats, you need 4:1, liquid to oats. and, add a dollop of butter. it'll help prevent that crustiness.<HR>

If I add the extra liquid will it make the oats extra mushy?? They're already quite soft and indistinct. I suppose I can give it another try using more liquid. I'll try adding some butter, although I do use butter all along the crock prior to adding the ingredients. Another thing, if I make a larger batch will that help?

divechief

361 posts since
Aug 14, 2007

8. Nov 7, 2006 8:10 PM

in response to: graingirl

Re: Crockpot Oatmeal

quote:<HR>Originally posted by graingirl:
We don't have a timer on our crockpot. It was a wedding gift 15 years ago and still running strong so I don't intend on getting a new one. Does it really only take 2.5 hours in the crockpot to cook the oats? If that's the case I could probably turn the crockpot on first thing when I wake up, then go run, shower, etc.... Is that on high or low setting?? <HR>

My pot doesn't have a timer either. I just got a cheap outlet timer from a hardware store. It does only take 2.5 hours, but the oats have been soaking all night before it starts to cook. (and, I don't know how much it matters, but my oatmeal crockpot is a little one (1.5 quarts I think)

reboot

398 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

9. Nov 7, 2006 8:13 PM

in response to: graingirl

Re: Crockpot Oatmeal

If you are going to cook overnight, I suggest you use the steel cut oats (sometimes called pinhead oats). At the very least, use large flake oats if you must use the rolled oats. The "instant" and "quick" oatmeal has been preprocessed and the more "instant" it is, the more it has been processed. The processing involves cooking it and crushing. The more instant has smaller pieces and is more likely to turn to mush. The steel cut oats should work well and not become mush. The usual ratio is 4:1 and that is a good starting point. You can adjust to taste. You may find a lower temperature will eliminate the sticking along the sides. Try enhancing with a handful of raisins. Sugar becomes unnecessary.

------------------
gotta run...

justrunmore

11 posts since
Nov 1, 2006

10. Nov 10, 2006 1:10 PM

in response to: graingirl

Re: Crockpot Oatmeal

I want to like oatmeal, really I do. They're good for you and filling and Dr. Oz and Oprah are all about the steel cut version. There's lots of positive reasons to eat them.

But I have a problem with oatmeal. I haven't had it in years because of the texture. It basically reminds me of (warning: grossout ahead) something that's already been eaten, if you get my drift.

Is the steel cut version less mushy? How do you flavor them? I wouldn't have the faintest on how to make them flavorful without wrecking them nutritionally.

Any assistance on this would be appreciated. Thanks!

running large

15 posts since
Sep 11, 2006

11. Nov 10, 2006 1:39 PM

in response to: graingirl

Re: Crockpot Oatmeal

quote:<HR>Originally posted by reboot:
Try enhancing with a handful of raisins. Sugar becomes unnecessary. <HR>

I use the regular rolled oats (have not found steel cut here in the arm-pit of Oklahoma) and throw in an apple, pear, or a bannana (cut up of course). I used to use honey too, but never now. It's MMMM good and only takes a few minutes of boiling to cook.

LeahC044

129 posts since
Sep 5, 2005

12. Dec 26, 2007 3:46 AM

in response to: graingirl

Re: Crockpot Oatmeal

I use large flake oats and I microwave them. The directions are on the package for both a single serving and a whole batch and it's easy, fast, and delicious.. Because they're not instant oats you don't sacrifice the health factor and I can almost always find 5 minutes to spare in the morning to cook it..

I've never tried a crockpot but with the microwave being so fast and easy, I doubt I'll ever have a need to...

Edited to add that with the microwave you can just use a little less liquid to make the oatmeal thicker, and you won't have any problems with crusts.. I always use a little less water than it calls for..

http://This message has been edited by LeahC (edited Nov-11-2006).

scottaz

2 posts since
Sep 12, 2006

13. Nov 11, 2006 1:46 PM

in response to: graingirl

Re: Crockpot Oatmeal

quote:<HR>Originally posted by justrunmore:
I want to like oatmeal, really I do. They're good for you and filling and Dr. Oz and Oprah are all about the steel cut version. There's lots of positive reasons to eat them.

But I have a problem with oatmeal. I haven't had it in years because of the texture. It basically reminds me of (warning: grossout ahead) something that's already been eaten, if you get my drift.

Is the steel cut version less mushy? How do you flavor them? I wouldn't have the faintest on how to make them flavorful without wrecking them nutritionally.

Any assistance on this would be appreciated. Thanks! <HR>

I have never liked regular oatmeal. I would always have to add things like honey and strawberries, maybe some apples or brown sugar. That is, UNTIL I tried steel cut oats. I can eat these right out of the pot, no kidding. THe texture of steel cut oats is more like that of a brown rice, very whole-food tasting.

I usually add a little smart balance, but steel cut oats do not taste like regular rolled oats (rolled oats = Quaker Oats). They take a little longer to cook at approx 30 minutes in the pot (sorry, no microwave).

Try them. You'll see for yourself.

ljwoodw

550 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

14. Nov 12, 2006 2:28 PM

in response to: graingirl

Re: Crockpot Oatmeal

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Nov 6, 2006 4:55 PM

Crockpot Oatmeal

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