Slow Cooker Cranberry Almond Oatmeal

Slow Cooker Oatmeal has been one of my family's favorite breakfasts for over three years now and my kids request this Cranberry Almond version more than any other. We truly do love oatmeal, as evidenced by over 40 oatmeal recipes here on the blog! Cooked on the stove, in the oven, or in a crock-pot; oatmeal is likely to be on our menu multiple times a month.

At first glance, crock-pot oatmeal might seem like a very long wait for breakfast, but I promise that it isn't long at all. One hour is all it takes and you'll have a  delicious hot cereal ready to eat.

The benefit of not having to watch the stove or do anything in the kitchen right before eating makes this perfect for busy mornings! I typically add the oatmeal ingredients to the Crock-Pot as I start our coffee in the morning. By the time the kids are up and ready for school, the oatmeal is ready to serve.

Slow Cooker Oatmeal is not simply oatmeal made in a crock-pot. The texture is different, closer to a warm muesli cereal than a traditional stovetop oatmeal. As the oatmeal slowly cooks, the nuts soften and the dried fruit gives a natural sweetness to the oatmeal. I like to add a spoonful of brown sugar to the crock-pot, but it isn't required at all.

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