I grew up on Southern sweet potato pie, so when I say the spices matter, I mean it. Using real sweet potatoes makes the oatmeal extra creamy and adds natural sweetness. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bring the warm, familiar flavors of sweet potato pie to your breakfast bowl. After more than a decade of sharing home-cooked recipes, I believe breakfast should be treated with the same care as dinner: simple ingredients, clear steps, and plenty of flavor.
Sweet Potato Oatmeal Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes (peeled and cooked or canned, mashed)
- Oatmeal: rolled oats or steel-cut oats
- Milk: any milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
- Water (optional, to adjust consistency)
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon and nutmeg
- Sugar or preferred sweetener (adjust to taste)
How to Make Sweet Potato Oatmeal (Two Ways)
Full measurements and a printable recipe are provided in the recipe section below. This oatmeal can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Both methods yield comforting, cozy breakfast bowls.
- Stovetop method (uses cooked, mashed sweet potato)
- Slow cooker or crockpot method (combine raw sweet potato pieces with oats and liquid)
Optional add-ins and toppings to boost flavor and texture:
- Chopped nuts or pecans
- Protein powder (adds creaminess and protein)
- Maple syrup, honey, or other sweeteners
- Yogurt, banana slices, or fresh berries
- Shredded coconut or granola for crunch
Sweet Potato Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 13 oz), peeled and diced into ½–1 inch chunks
- 1 cup oatmeal (rolled oats or steel-cut oats)
- 2 cups milk (any kind)
- 1 cup water (can substitute for milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons sweetener or sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Spray the slow cooker lightly with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Add the diced sweet potato, oats, milk, water, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweetener to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- For rolled oats: cook 2½–3 hours on High or 5–6 hours on Low. For steel-cut oats: cook 3–4 hours on High or 6–8 hours on Low. Slow cooker times vary; check toward the end and adjust for your preferred texture.
- Once cooked, open the lid and mash the sweet potato pieces against the side of the cooker or use a potato masher to incorporate them into the oatmeal for a creamy texture.
- Taste and add more sweetener if needed. If the oatmeal is too thick, thin with a splash of milk or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Stovetop Method (Uses Cooked and Mashed Sweet Potato)
- Cook the oats according to package instructions using the liquid recommended on the packaging (ignore the exact liquid amounts above if you prefer package directions).
- After cooking, stir in vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, sweetener, and the cooked mashed sweet potato until well combined. Heat through and serve warm with toppings.
Notes
To prepare cooked sweet potatoes for the stovetop method, bake at 425°F for about 60 minutes (or until tender), air fry at 400°F for 35–50 minutes, or boil for 15–20 minutes until tender. Mash and stir into the oatmeal.
Scale spices and sweetener if making a smaller batch. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to preference.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
Old-fashioned rolled oats and steel-cut oats both work well. Avoid quick or instant oats unless you’re using the stovetop method and adjusting cooking time.
No—the skin is edible and adds fiber. Peeling yields a smoother, creamier texture if that’s your preference.
Slow cooker times depend on oat type (rolled oats: 2½–3 hours High / 5–6 hours Low; steel-cut: 3–4 hours High / 6–8 hours Low). Stovetop timing follows your oat package and cooking method for the sweet potatoes.
The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla creates that classic pie flavor. Adjust the spices to taste.
Add your preferred sweetener to taste. If too thick, stir in milk or water; if too thin, cook a bit longer so the oats absorb more liquid.
Yes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
Toppings and Ideas for Add-Ins
Top your bowl with granola, chopped pecans, sliced banana, fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, a scoop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of shredded coconut. For more protein, stir in a scoop of protein powder after cooking.
More Oatmeal and Breakfast Recipes
Try other comforting breakfast recipes like slow cooker apple oatmeal, instant pot steel cut oats, pumpkin baked oatmeal, or protein-packed banana muffins. These make great companions to sweet potato oatmeal for seasonal variety and meal prep.
More Sweet Potato Recipes
Sweet potatoes are versatile—use them in pies, casseroles, cornbread, soups, chili, or on toast with avocado. They’re excellent roasted, mashed, or baked and pair beautifully with warm spices and savory seasonings alike.