A warming two-ingredient slow cooker porridge that’s perfect for chilly winter mornings.
Simply set the slow cooker on low overnight and wake to thick, creamy porridge ready to serve. Top with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, chocolate or your favourite spreads. (For another simple alternative try banana porridge.)
My children adore slow cooker porridge and I do too — it saves time in the morning and is wholesome and filling. I set the cooker up before bed, place bowls and spoons nearby, and the kids help themselves when they wake.
One of the best little treats is the slightly caramelised chewy edge left in the slow cooker basin — a secret reward for the chef.
👩🍳 If you love porridge, you might also enjoy my indulgent Biscoff porridge or Nutella porridge variations.
✔️ Why you’ll love this recipe
- Thick, creamy texture that feels indulgent.
- Simple, healthy oat-based breakfast the whole family will eat.
- Set-and-forget: cooks overnight in a slow cooker or crockpot.
- Easy to customize with many flavour combinations.
- Leftovers reheat well for quick breakfasts later in the week.
🛒 Ingredients
For the basic slow cooker porridge you only need two ingredients:
- Oats — use old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture. Avoid quick-cook and jumbo oats.
- Milk — dairy milk works well; swap for almond, oat or soya milk for a dairy-free or vegan version.
🔪 How to cook porridge in the slow cooker
The full recipe card with exact ingredient quantities and step-by-step instructions is included below.
- Put the rolled oats into the base of the slow cooker basin.
- Pour in the milk and stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Serve with your favourite toppings.
Top tips
- Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best slow-cooked texture. Quick oats become mushy and jumbo oats don’t absorb liquid as well.
- I use cup measurements here, but any consistent cup will work. Keep the ratio of oats to liquid about 1:4. (1 cup oats ≈ 80g, 4 cups milk ≈ 946ml.)
- For a slightly looser porridge, replace half the milk with water.
- Lightly wipe the inside of the slow cooker basin with butter or a little oil to help prevent sticking.
🍴 Serving suggestions
Here are some favourite toppings and combinations:
- Fresh berries — blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
- Sliced banana
- Fruit compotes such as stewed plums, roasted rhubarb or blueberry compote
- Nuts and seeds
- Chocolate chips or a spoonful of Nutella, peanut butter, jam, or Biscoff spread
- Dried fruits — apricots, sultanas, raisins
- Sweeteners — brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or golden syrup
- Warm spice — cinnamon
I often make this for a cosy Christmas Eve breakfast and decorate the top with festive fruit pictures.
📖 Variations
- Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a peeled, chopped eating apple before cooking — the apple softens and adds sweetness.
- Use oat, almond or other plant milks to make a vegan-friendly version.
- Use skimmed milk if you prefer a lower-calorie option.
🥡 Storage
Store: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the texture.
Freeze: Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Fully defrost in the fridge before reheating.
❓ FAQs
Yes. Oatmeal and porridge refer to the same basic dish: oats cooked in water or milk until soft.
Modern slow cookers are designed for long, unattended cooking and are safe to leave on overnight when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Many models switch to a keep-warm setting after the cook time ends.
😋 Related recipes
More breakfast ideas to try.
-
No Bake Almond Butter Protein Balls
-
Easy Plum Compote
-
Mixed Berry Compote
-
Air Fryer Creme Egg Croissant
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Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker Porridge
An easy two-ingredient slow cooker porridge recipe that’s perfect for cold mornings.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats (approx. 80 g)
- 4 cups milk (approx. 946 ml) — or plant milk for a vegan option
Instructions
- Place the rolled oats in the bottom of the slow cooker basin.
- Pour in the milk and stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Serve warm with your preferred toppings.
Notes
Serving suggestions:
- Fresh berries, sliced banana, or warmed fruit compote
- Nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, or spreads like Nutella or peanut butter
- Dried fruit, sweeteners such as maple syrup or honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon
Variations:
- Add apple and cinnamon before cooking for an apple porridge.
- Use oat or nut milk for a vegan version.
- Use skimmed milk for a lighter option.
Nutritional information (approximate)
Calories: 301 kcal | Carbohydrates: 34 g | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 12 g | Fiber: 3 g