Overnight Breakfast Porridge

Start your morning with a comforting bowl of Overnight Breakfast Porridge — warm, creamy, and naturally satisfying. This make-ahead breakfast practically cooks itself while you sleep, leaving you with a cozy, ready-to-eat meal as soon as you wake up. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome start to your day, an easy weekend brunch idea, or a nourishing meal prep option, this recipe brings flavor, texture, and comfort together in one spoonful.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Morning Magic – The slow cooker does all the work while you rest — wake up to perfectly creamy oats every time.
• Customizable & Wholesome – Made with oat milk, fresh pear, and walnuts, it’s easy to adapt to your taste or dietary needs.
• Naturally Sweet & Comforting – Light brown sugar and honey add a gentle sweetness without overpowering the oats.
• Perfect for Busy Schedules – Prepped in minutes and ideal for meal planning or feeding a family.
• Restaurant-Worthy Texture – Steel-cut oats slowly cook into a rich, velvety porridge that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

Ingredients Needed

For the Oat Base

• 2 cups oat milk (or any preferred milk such as almond, soy, or whole milk)
• 2 cups cold water
• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 1/4 cup (55 g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt

For the Toppings (per serving)

• 1 red pear, thinly sliced (reserve a few slices for garnish)
• 4 Tbsp toasted walnuts, chopped
• 4 Tbsp golden raisins
• 4 Tbsp heavy cream
• 4 tsp chia seeds
• 4 tsp honey
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

💡 Tip: Prepare the toppings in advance so you can quickly assemble in the morning.

How to Make Overnight Breakfast Porridge

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In your slow cooker, mix together the milk, water, steel-cut oats, brown sugar, butter, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.

🕐 Why this matters: Mixing first ensures the oats cook evenly and prevents clumping or scorching.

Step 2: Slow Cook Overnight

Set the slow cooker to Low and cook for 7 to 8 hours, or until the oats are soft and the texture is thick and creamy.

🔍 Visual cue: The porridge should be smooth and rich, with the oats holding their shape but tender to the bite.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the warm porridge into four bowls. Top each with pear slices, 1 tablespoon each of walnuts, raisins, and cream, plus 1 teaspoon each of chia seeds, honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

🍯 Mini tip: Drizzle the honey just before serving to enhance the aroma and sweetness.

Step 4: Make Ahead Option

Cooked porridge (without toppings) can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Let it cool, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or water and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until creamy again.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Ideas: Serve with a few extra pear slices, a drizzle of cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a café-style finish.
• Add Some Color: Top with pomegranate seeds, sliced banana, or a handful of fresh berries.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Tip: Stir in a bit of milk or oat milk when reheating to restore the silky texture.

Helpful Notes

• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and swap the honey for maple syrup.
• Texture Tip: Prefer thicker porridge? Reduce the liquid slightly or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace walnuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.

Conclusion

This Overnight Breakfast Porridge transforms your mornings with minimal effort and maximum comfort. The creamy oats, sweet pears, and crunchy walnuts create a perfectly balanced breakfast you’ll look forward to every time. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or treating yourself to a slow weekend morning, this recipe is a true breakfast hero.

If you try it, don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating below — it helps others find and love this recipe too!
✨ What toppings do you like to add to your morning porridge? Share your favorites in the comments or tag us on Pinterest or Facebook!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats?

Steel-cut oats hold up better during overnight cooking, but you can use rolled oats for a softer, creamier texture. Reduce cooking time to about 2–3 hours on Low.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes — just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free and check your other ingredients for cross-contamination.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Simmer all base ingredients on the stovetop over low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until creamy.

Can I freeze Overnight Breakfast Porridge?

Yes. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat with extra milk to loosen the texture.

How can I make it more protein-rich?

Stir in a scoop of protein powder, Greek yogurt, or nut butter after cooking for an added boost.