Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal with Peaches

I adore recipes that allow me to assemble the ingredients well in advance so that there is little work at meal-time. This baked oatmeal is one of those fabulous recipes. A hearty, healthful breakfast is just a few simple steps away. Assemble the oatmeal at night prior to heading to bed. Toss some fresh fruit into the mix in the morning. Pop the dish into the oven. Brew up some coffee. And, grab some spoons!

 

Using steel cut oats is key here (they are easily found in the cereal/oats section of most supermarkets these days). They hold up well in the fridge overnight amidst the creamy, perfectly-spiced liquid and have such an awesome texture once baked up in this sensational breakfast dish.

Fresh peaches are used here, but this baked oatmeal works great with any fruit that I've tried (blueberries are another favorite add-in for us in this recipe). And, frankly, I think this recipe would work even if you didn't add any fruit into the mixture.

I bring together a little shredded coconut, chopped nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and maple syrup to really enhance the oats. I, also, mix a little quinoa in with the steel cut oats, but it can be omitted if you're not a fan or don't have it on hand. (Just replace the quinoa with additional oats.)

To serve, scoop some of the baked oatmeal into a bowl, top with a sprinkling of brown sugar (or a drizzle of honey) and pour on a little milk or cream right before digging in.

Serves 4 - 6.

Slow Cooker Overnight Morning Glory Steel Cut Oatmeal

Yes, I'm posting yet another overnight oatmeal recipe. I can't help it. I'm addicted. Steel cut oats are truly one of my favorite breakfast ingredients. Making them in the slow cooker is a no-brainer for me. I get them going right before heading to bed and then we wake up to a hot, hearty breakfast. There's no fuss, no hassle and no work when I'm still half-asleep, but needing breakfast ready for the family around six in the morning. I just keep the oatmeal on warm and it's ready as everyone trickles in to grab a bowl before heading out for the day.

I based this version on the ingredients in my Morning Glory Muffins recipe. The muffins are a favorite of mine from my childhood. They are chocked full of apples, oats, dried fruit, nuts {if desired}, carrots, zucchini and lots of fabulous spices. They have so many great things going for them ...  lots of healthful ingredients and tons of flavor.

I strongly urge you to give steel cut oats in the slow cooker a try. Your life will never {ever} be the same. And, one of the great things about making oatmeal this way is that it can be reheated easily throughout the week on other busy mornings if you have leftovers.

NOTE: This may look like a long list of ingredients. However, most of them, I believe, are items many of us keep on hand.

Yields 3 - 4 hearty servings.