Especially when you don’t have a lot of time to spend preparing food in the morning.
Slow cooker porridge is ideal, as you can prepare it the night before and let it cook while you sleep.
And what could be nicer than waking up to freshly made porridge without having to put time aside in your morning routine to make breakfast. Especially on a chilly winter’s morning.
This recipe makes enough porridge for 6 people, so there is enough for the whole family to eat a satisfying breakfast to start the day.
This is such a flexible meal. Each person can choose their own topping. And if your slow cooker has a ‘keep warm’ function, then they can help themselves at whatever time they usually have breakfast.
Keep reading to find out how to make the perfect slow cooker porridge.
All the ingredients go into the slow cooker and cook low and slow until the porridge is ready.
You don’t need to use the stove or any pots or pans, which means that the clean up is super easy.
Is Porridge Good For You?
Porridge is one of the best breakfasts you can eat, especially if you top it with fruit to create a balanced meal.
Oats are a whole grain which means that they contain lots of essential nutrients for your body. Even better, oats are a nutrient dense food which means they contain lots of the things your body needs in very few calories.
They are also a great source of fibre, keeping your digestive system healthy.
Oats help you to regulate the amount of sugar in your blood, contributing to the prevention of diabetes.
Furthermore, porridge helps to prevent heart disease, and is a great choice of breakfast if you are trying to lose weight.
If you want to keep your porridge as healthy as possible, try to use a low fat milk and low sugar toppings.
The basic recipe for porridge doesn’t really need to be altered. However, you can change the milk to make this recipe vegan or to fit with different dietary requirements.
Soy milk – soy milk is very versatile and won’t affect the flavour of your porridge, so it is a great switch if you want to make vegan porridge.
What Toppings Can You Use On Your Porridge?
You might think that porridge is a boring breakfast, but you can jazz it up with whatever toppings you fancy.
Here are some great ideas for creating exciting and varied porridge flavours.
Bakewell tart porridge – Use almond milk to give the porridge a sweet flavour, and add a teaspoon or two of almond extract. Stir fresh or tinned cherries (stones removed) through the porridge, and sprinkle with toasted almonds.
Peanut butter jelly porridge – Use nut milk like hazelnut milk or cashew milk. Stir a few tablespoons of organic peanut butter through the porridge before serving (rough or smooth). Sprinkle with fresh raspberries or use a dollop of raspberry jam in the centre of the porridge. You could also sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top. This can also be done with any other kind of nut butter depending on what you prefer.
Nutella porridge – Use hazelnut milk to make the porridge. Stir through a few tablespoons of Nutella before serving, and sprinkle with chopped, toasted hazelnuts.
Coconut porridge – Use coconut milk to make the porridge. If you want to be indulgent, add a tablespoon or two of coconut cream. You can also use coconut extract if you want a big hit of coconut flavour. Sprinkle with shredded, unsweetened coconut.
Apple pie porridge – Use whatever milk you fancy, but preferably something that will make the porridge nice and creamy. Add a few teaspoons of cinnamon to the porridge. You can add fresh apples half way through cooking, or use pre-stewed apples or tinned apple pie filling. If you want the porridge to be nice and sweet, use a teaspoon or two of vanilla extract as well.
Gingerbread porridge – Use whatever milk you fancy. Add a teaspoon of ground ginger to the porridge, and a teaspoon of ginger extract. (if you don’t have both, double up on one). Add two teaspoons of vanilla extract, and cinnamon and nutmeg to taste. You can also sprinkle it with crushed ginger biscuits.
These are just a few ideas for how to top your porridge.
There are so many different flavours you can try to adapt this slow cooker porridge recipe. So don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients and find the combinations that work for you.
Follow our slow cooker porridge recipe for a step-by-step guide to a delicious, hearty and easy to make breakfast
Ingredients
3cupsRolled Porridge Oats
2cupsMilk
5cupsWater
1tablespoonSalted Butter
to tasteSalt
Directions
The first thing you need to do is prepare the inside of the slow cooker pot. Take the butter and use a piece of kitchen paper to wipe it over the inside of the pot to create a thin layer of butter. This will prevent the porridge from sticking as it cooks.
Next, take the rest of the ingredients and put them in the slow cooker. Cook on a low heat for 8 hours.
After 8 hours, your porridge will be ready to serve.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
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Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
