You may be familiar with instant oats and stovetop versions, but have you ever made oatmeal using a slow cooker? This beloved breakfast food, which is packed with both protein and fiber, reaches new heights when prepared using the popular kitchen appliance that is known to amp up the flavors of foods. Even better, slow cooker meals often require little to no prep time, which equals less time spent in the kitchen.

If you love oatmeal and are searching for some exciting new ways to reinvent it, we’ve got you covered. From unexpected versions that incorporate savory ingredients like bacon and avocado to oatmeal dishes that are inspired by delicious pies, keep reading for 21 creative slow cooker oatmeal recipes to try.

This tasty oatmeal, which calls for dried tart cherries, slivered almonds, and grated apples, is a wholesome way to start off any morning. It is also the perfect recipe to make ahead—store single-serving containers of it in the refrigerator and just pop it in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.

Get the recipe from The Yummy Life.

If you’re a fan of pumpkin pie then you’ll love this simple slow cooker pumpkin pie oatmeal recipe, which can be enjoyed year-round. Try topping it with maple syrup, chopped nuts, and nut butter for a hearty morning meal.

Get the recipe from Eating Bird Food.

This savory oatmeal, which is loaded with sliced avocado, crispy bacon, steamed spinach, and grated parmesan, proves that oats don’t always have to be prepared sweet. Enjoy it with breakfast eggs or serve it as an unexpected side at lunch or dinner.

Get the recipe from Cotter Crunch.

Banana and coconut milk come together to create a unique oatmeal recipe that may just become your new favorite breakfast. The secret of this recipe is to use very ripe bananas, which are sweeter and have a more dynamic flavor than underripe ones.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Get the recipe from The Yummy Life.

If you are bored with your oatmeal, you’re going to want to try this exceptional recipe, which is full of exciting ingredients like chopped pineapple, toasted coconut flakes, and shredded carrots. It’s like a healthier carrot cake in a cup!

Get the recipe from Foxes Loves Lemons.

This slow cooker peach cobbler oatmeal uses coconut sugar, coconut cream, fresh peaches, and soothing cinnamon to create a dish that is out of this world. Try making it for your next at-home brunch with family or friends.

Get the recipe from The Healthy Maven.

Vegan caramel sauce, gluten-free oats, and a tablespoon of instant coffee help make this oatmeal one for the books. Be sure to add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra boost of energy and flavor.

Get the recipe from The Big Man’s World.

Hot chocolate is reinvented in this slow cooker hot cocoa oatmeal recipe, made using unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, maple syrup, and almond milk. Each serving has just 253 calories and is packed with 8 grams of protein.

Get the recipe from Fit Foodie Finds.

If you think butternut squash doesn’t belong in oatmeal, think again. This inventive recipe—which features diced butternut squash, maple syrup, ground ginger, and nutmeg—is a warming way to start any morning.

Get the recipe from Live Eat Learn.

Even though this festive gingerbread oatmeal features winter spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, it can be enjoyed at any time of year. Serve it alongside fried eggs, hash browns, and crispy turkey bacon for a filling breakfast.

Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.

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Be sure to top this creamy coconut steel-cut oats recipe with fresh strawberries, juicy blueberries, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, and honey, for a truly decadent breakfast dish. Each serving is also packed with 8 grams of protein, making it a hearty way to start the day.

Get the recipe from Fit Foodie Finds.

This crockpot matcha oatmeal recipe, which requires only five minutes of prep, has a whopping 13 grams of protein in each serving. It also works great for meal prep, as it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, and in the freezer for up to three months.

Get the recipe from Show Me the Yummy.

Sneak a bit more fruit into your family’s meals with this cozy oatmeal recipe. Made using steel-cut oats, chopped apples, maple syrup, and unsweetened almond milk, this easy dish tastes like homemade apple pie (but healthier!)

Get the recipe from The Healthy Maven.

Canadian maple syrup steals the show in this apple maple oatmeal recipe that’s chock full of sweet vanilla flavor, aromatic cinnamon, and honey crisp apples. With nearly 8 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, this filling oatmeal dish will help fuel you all day long.

Get the recipe from Kim’s Cravings.

This incredible oatmeal, which is made with date caramel and topped with chocolate chips, is not only mouth-wateringly good but is also a treat you can enjoy any time of the day. Each serving contains 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.

Get the recipe from Fit Foodie Finds.

Kick it up a notch by adding dried cranberries and eggnog to ho-hum oatmeal. With 5 grams of fiber and only 6.5 grams of sugar per serving, this easy oatmeal recipe is a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Get the recipe from The Yummy Life.

Need an exciting breakfast recipe to liven things up a bit? Look no further than this make-ahead banana blueberry steel-cut oatmeal made using frozen blueberries, ripe bananas, honey, and unsweetened vanilla almond milk.

Get the recipe from Kim’s Cravings.

Peanut butter and bananas are a match made in food heaven, so why not try out both together in this crockpot oatmeal recipe that requires only 15 minutes of prep? This easy recipe may just become a family favorite.

Get the recipe from Julie’s Eats and Treats.

Whipped maple cream adds a unique touch to this apple cinnamon steel-cut oats recipe, which works great for breakfast or even a late-night snack. Add in some chopped nuts, cinnamon, and shredded coconut to really make this dish pop.

Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.

This recipe, which requires just 10 minutes of prep time, is teeming with smooth almond butter, sweet honey, and a touch of vanilla bean. At 258 calories and 10 grams of protein per serving, this scrumptious slow-cooked oatmeal is a healthy way to start the day.

Get the recipe from The View From Great Island.

RELATED: The Most Popular Slow Cooker Dish in Every State

Put that canned pumpkin that’s lurking in the back of your kitchen cupboard to good use with this pumpkin caramel oatmeal recipe. Filled with warming spices like ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon, this perfect pumpkin recipe lasts several weeks in the fridge or up to six months in the freezer.

Get the recipe from My Whole Food Life.

What are you waiting for? Go have a bowl of the perfect homemade oatmeal.