12 Delicious Slow Cooker Breakfast Ideas for Lazy Cooks

Advertiser Disclosure ▾

This page contains affiliate links from which we receive a compensation. Like many publications Wise Bread is supported by affiliate commission from partner companies whose products appear on our site. This may influence which products we write about and the location and order in which products appear. We aren't able to cover every product in the marketplace.

Wise Bread Picks

• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards

I'm sure many of us are seasoned veterans when it comes to using our slow cookers to simmer up soups, casseroles, and other dinner favorites. But have you ever thought to extend the ease to breakfast?

It's a whole new world of deliciousness coupled with some savvy time savings. The following basic breakfast recipes are highly adaptable, satisfying, and cook while you sleep. (See also: 35 Slow Cooker Recipes for Busy Vegetarians)

1. Overnight Oatmeal

Here's a new twist on oats. This Apple Pie Oatmeal comes together by combining cubed apples, steel cut oats, spices, milk, and brown sugar. Cook for three hours before turning the heat to medium overnight. The long warming process lets the flavors mingle till morning. You could easily use other fruit in place of the apples in an equal ratio.

2. Breakfast Burrito

This Scrambled Tofu Breakfast Burrito looks protein-packed and sustaining. You'll cook the filling in the pot before scooping into tortilla shells. The green peppers, onions, tofu, and black beans get loads of flavor from cumin, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder. If you're not vegetarian, you could easily substitute breakfast sausage for the tofu.

3. Frittata

Rather than scrambling eggs, make this easy Crock Pot Frittata. This recipe is highly adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand, but the author featured kale, red pepper, and feta — a winning combination in my book. Just mix all the ingredients together in the pot and cook on low for around three hours. Keeps well in the fridge for several days.

4. Cinnamon Rolls

No way! Overnight Cinnamon Rolls sound like heaven, and I can't wait to make this recipe myself. After mixing together the dough and filling components, you'll grease your crock pot, roll and slice, and let everything rest overnight in the fridge. In the morning, turn the pot on and cook for around an hour.

5. Applesauce

Getting kids to eat fruit and veggies in the morning is tough. Make it easier with Pumpkin Cinnamon Applesauce. Chop up apples and crack a can of pumpkin puree and combine in the pot with cinnamon, lemon, water, sugar, and vanilla. Kids might not like so much spice, so feel free to use less and to skip the sugar entirely.

6. Spiced Latte

If you'd rather make a drink to go with your breakfast mainstay, this Pumpkin Spice Latte will surely fit the bill. Stir together five cups of strong black coffee, milk, whipping cream, canned pumpkin, sugar, and spices. Let cook on high for two hours.

7. Morning Casserole

Start your day the hearty way with this Breakfast Casserole. You'll layer frozen hash browns, cooked sausage, shredded cheese, and green onions before tossing in a dozen eggs whisked with milk, salt, and pepper. Cook for four hours on high. Vegetarians can use TVP or other sausage-like substitute or simple leave out that part in favor of more veggies.

8. French Toast

Now for a sweet twist. This Crock Pot French Toast is nothing more than bread, eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar. I think the key here is using really delicious French bread whenever possible. It will hold up better than standard sandwich slices.

9. Cheesy Grits

The classic southern staple — Cheesy Grits — makes a great side for breakfast. And these guys are irresistibly creamy without any addition of milk or cream. Let grits cook on low with water, salt, and butter overnight. Note: This recipe only works with stone ground grits.

10. Baked Apples

The author of this Baked Apples recipe has them slotted for dessert. With ingredients so healthy, they'd make a fine breakfast, especially if served with Greek yogurt on the side. After removing most of the apple's core, you'll fill them with raisins, walnuts, honey, cinnamon, and a little melted butter. Toss them in the pot with water and cook on low for four hours. (See also: 15 Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Desserts)

11. Breakfast Stew

This nutritious Breakfast Stew will be your new winter staple in the morning. Start with a base of butternut squash. Then mix in apples, apricots, zucchini, raisins, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, persimmon, and kale. Yes, kale! Quinoa and almond milk round out the rest of this super healthy vegan meal.

12. Pancake Bake

Try using Bisquick in a new way with this Slow Cooker Pancake Bake. You'll combine the popular baking mix with milk and an egg before pouring it into your crock pot. A cinnamon and sugar mixture adds some flair to this recipe, but you could also use fresh fruit or chocolate chips.

What's your favorite breakfast slow cooker recipe? Please share in comments!