This savory oatmeal with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh scallions is a deliciously hearty way to start your morning. The slow cooker does all the work, giving you a creamy and flavorful breakfast without the hassle.
What makes this dish even better is the way the bacon crisps up, adding a salty, crunchy contrast to the smooth oatmeal. The melted cheddar brings a rich, creamy texture, while the scallions provide a burst of freshness. This is the ultimate breakfast for those who want something savory and satisfying. Perfect for busy mornings or as a weekend treat!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups steel-cut oats
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4 cups chicken broth
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4 strips of bacon, chopped
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3 scallions, thinly sliced
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a slow cooker, combine the steel-cut oats and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for about 6-7 hours, or until the oats are tender and the mixture has thickened.
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While the oats are cooking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and drain on a paper towel.
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Once the oatmeal is ready, stir in the cooked bacon, scallions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve the oatmeal hot with a sprinkle of extra scallions and cheese on top.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 hours | Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Savory Slow Cooker Oatmeal with Bacon, Scallions, and Cheddar: A Comforting and Hearty Breakfast
When we think of oatmeal, the first thing that comes to mind is often a sweet breakfast option – think of the comforting flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, or fresh fruits. However, savory oatmeal is a growing trend, and for good reason. Savory oatmeal offers a nutritious, filling, and adaptable breakfast that combines the creamy texture of oats with rich, umami-packed flavors. A perfect example of this is the Slow Cooker Savory Oatmeal with Bacon, Scallions, and Cheddar. This hearty dish is a game-changer for breakfast lovers who crave something more savory to start their day.
The Joy of Savory Oatmeal
Savory oatmeal is a dish that pairs perfectly with both the comforting creaminess of oats and the delightful textures of ingredients like cheese, vegetables, and proteins. While the classic sweet oatmeal has its place in breakfast routines, savory oatmeal allows you to enjoy the humble oat in a whole new light. The oats themselves provide a solid, filling base that can be paired with a variety of ingredients to suit your tastes.
In this recipe, the combination of savory ingredients such as bacon, scallions, and cheddar brings depth of flavor to the otherwise neutral taste of the oats. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to throw everything in and let it cook while you go about your morning. There’s no need to watch the pot or stir constantly – just set it and forget it, and you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously comforting breakfast.
Why Slow Cooker Savory Oatmeal?
Using a slow cooker for this recipe is a real game-changer for breakfast prep. Slow cookers are perfect for creating dishes like this oatmeal because they allow the flavors to meld together slowly and deeply, creating a rich and satisfying final dish. Slow cooking oats in broth (instead of water) gives the oatmeal a deeper, more savory flavor and a creamy consistency that’s hard to achieve with quicker methods. The best part is that the slow cooker’s set-it-and-forget-it method frees up time for you to prepare other things while breakfast cooks itself.
This savory oatmeal is also incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer it with bacon, sausage, or even vegetarian toppings, the slow cooker will work its magic and provide you with a base of creamy, tender oats that complement any add-ins. Plus, with minimal hands-on time, it’s the perfect option for busy mornings or meal prep.
The Flavorful Combo of Bacon, Scallions, and Cheddar
Let’s talk about the star ingredients of this recipe: bacon, scallions, and cheddar cheese. Bacon is undeniably the key ingredient when it comes to adding that irresistible smoky, salty flavor to the oatmeal. When cooked, it crisps up and adds a satisfying crunch to each spoonful, perfectly contrasting with the soft texture of the oats. Bacon also renders some of its fat during the cooking process, which contributes to the richness of the oatmeal.
Scallions (also known as green onions) bring a sharp, fresh flavor to balance the richness of the bacon and cheese. Their subtle bite adds an important layer of complexity to the dish, and their vibrant green color makes the dish even more appealing. The scallions also provide a slight freshness, cutting through the heaviness of the other ingredients.
And then there’s the cheddar cheese the perfect melting cheese to top off this dish. Sharp cheddar gives the oatmeal a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with the smoky bacon and fresh scallions. The cheese melts beautifully into the oatmeal, making every bite creamy and indulgent. You can opt for mild cheddar if you prefer a milder flavor, or go for sharp cheddar for a more pronounced taste.
Customization and Variations
While the combination of bacon, scallions, and cheddar is absolutely delicious, one of the best things about this savory oatmeal recipe is how easily it can be customized. There are countless ways to make this dish your own, depending on your dietary preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.
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Protein Options:
If you want to switch up the protein, feel free to swap out the bacon for other savory options. Crumbled sausage, smoked turkey, or even diced ham would work wonderfully in this dish. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can skip the bacon entirely and use plant-based alternatives like tempeh or tofu for added protein. -
Cheese Choices:
While cheddar is a classic choice for this savory oatmeal, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a spicy pepper jack could give the dish a unique flavor. You can also mix multiple types of cheese for a richer taste. -
Additional Veggies:
You can easily add more vegetables to this dish for extra nutrients. Try sautéing mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers and stirring them into the oatmeal towards the end of the cooking time. You could even try adding tomatoes or kale for a burst of color and flavor. -
Spices and Herbs:
To elevate the flavor, consider adding a pinch of black pepper, red pepper flakes, or garlic powder to the oatmeal. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a lovely fragrance and depth of flavor. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also bring extra heat and complexity to the dish.
The Benefits of Oats in Your Diet
Oats are a highly nutritious grain, rich in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. They also provide a steady release of energy, making them a great option for breakfast. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, oats are a wholesome choice for anyone looking to fuel their day with a nutritious meal.
In this savory oatmeal recipe, the addition of protein from the bacon and cheese makes it a balanced meal, providing both carbs and protein to keep you satisfied throughout the morning. The use of chicken broth as the cooking liquid also adds flavor without unnecessary fats, making this oatmeal a flavorful but relatively light option.
Perfect for Busy Mornings or Meal Prep
One of the most appealing aspects of this savory oatmeal is that it’s perfect for busy mornings or meal prep. Preparing breakfast in the slow cooker means you can wake up to a hot, ready-to-eat meal with minimal effort. If you’re a meal prep enthusiast, this recipe also holds up well for storing and reheating. Just make a large batch in the slow cooker at the start of the week and enjoy a comforting breakfast each morning.
If you’re meal prepping, you can even customize the oatmeal for different days, such as adding different proteins or vegetables for variety. Portion out the oatmeal into containers for an easy grab-and-go breakfast that’s full of flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Savory Oatmeal with Bacon, Scallions, and Cheddar is the ultimate comforting breakfast that brings together the creamy texture of oats with the savory flavors of bacon, cheese, and fresh vegetables. With its hands-off slow-cooker method, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a filling meal to start your day or a dish to impress guests, this oatmeal is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.
Not only does it offer a delicious and hearty meal, but it also provides nutritional benefits, with the oats offering fiber and protein, and the bacon and cheddar adding rich, satisfying flavors. This savory oatmeal can be enjoyed as-is or customized with your favorite ingredients, making it as versatile as it is delicious. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a warm, savory breakfast, don’t overlook the power of savory oatmeal it’s a cozy, filling, and satisfying way to start your day.