The following originally appeared on 2/16/09 at Exit 51.
Alton Brown’s Overnight Oatmeal
My introduction to the Food Network came courtesy of Alton Brown and Good Eats. In thirty minutes, he not only presents multiple recipes, but he explains the “why” of it all. I guess I’m not the only person who wants to understand the how and why of the kitchen. Did I mention he makes it entertaining? Props and skits illustrate concepts or give brief history lessons. At the end of a show, I feel like I’ve really learned something and I get new recipes too. Five years of college and all I can show you is an unframed degree and student loan payment coupons….I definitely think I’m getting a better value from Mr. Brown.
Since those early days with AB, I’ve branched out to other FN personalities, but Alton remains a favorite. One recipe that I go back to over and over is his Overnight Oatmeal. I’ve made this so many times, and it’s so simple, that I no longer pull out the recipe. With only a few minutes of active prep and a crock pot set to low, I can have a week’s worth of breakfast at the ready. For a non-morning person such as myself, this is gold.
In a different life, maybe I would have the time, or inclination, or personal chef to make a full on breakfast each and every day. But as it is, I’m lucky to get out of the house dressed and fed each morning. So anything that saves me time is welcome. And unlike packaged cereals, I know EXACTLY what is in the food. No trans fat this, or high fructose corn syrup that. No guessing needed.
Really, what’s not to love about this recipe? It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s open to countless interpretations. It may not be the most glamorous dish to hit your table, but not every meal has to look like it came from the five star kitchen of the celebrity chef du jour.
AB’s recipe is below. I use whatever dried fruit I happen to have on hand – dried apples or dried peaches work very well. You use what you like. I also add about one half cup of unsweetened applesauce to the crock pot to give a little more moisture. If you have a cinnamon stick, throw it in crock pot. Just be sure to remove it before serving. Serve with a bit of brown sugar, preserves, jam, or syrup for a hint of sweetness. Leftovers keep in the fridge for about a week. To reheat, thin with a bit of milk, stir to combine, and microwave for about 90 seconds.
Alton Brown’s Overnight Oatmeal
- 1 cup steel cut oats (not quick cooking)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup dried figs
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and set to low heat. Cover and let cook for 8 to 9 hours.
Stir and remove to serving bowls. This method works best if started before you go to bed. This way your oatmeal will be finished by morning.
Bon Appetit Hon 
I’ve never tried this recipe but have always wanted to. Never thought of refrigerating it for the week, duh. Alton was my gateway drug into food network and cooking in general.
Thanks to Mr. Brown, we ALWAYS have a container of crock pot oatmeal in the fridge. You should too.
I love how it cooks overnight while you’re slumbering! I’m not a morning person, so the sad truth is that I never eat breakfast. Ay, me!
Jenna, breakfast is a struggle for me because I’m not a morning person either. But having this oatmeal at the ready in the fridge is a easy way to make sure I fuel up for the day.
I can never remember what size CrockPot he uses in the show – we have a large one for dinners and a smaller one for dips or warming – and this would be fab for the smaller one, so long as it didn’t bubble over.
Lizzy, I personally would recommend that you make this in the larger, dinner sized, crock pot. All that liquid may very well overwhelm your smaller crock pot…and waking up to find a mess in your kitchen is no way to get your day off to a good start.