Delicious Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Rice: Your Ultimate Cozy Morning Meal

Are you tired of the same old oatmeal for breakfast? Looking for a warm, comforting, and incredibly easy meal to kickstart your day, especially on chilly mornings? Look no further! This Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Rice is a delightful departure from your usual breakfast routine. It’s a wholesome dish, generously studded with tender apples, infused with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and allspice, making it the perfect bowl of warmth and goodness to greet the day.

This recipe was originally published in December 2015 and has been thoughtfully updated with new photos, text, and an improved recipe to ensure you get the best possible breakfast experience.

Why Choose Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Rice?

I know what many of you might be thinking: “Rice… for breakfast?” It might sound unconventional at first, especially if you’re accustomed to traditional breakfast cereals or pastries. However, I urge you to trust me on this one. If your breakfast routine has become monotonous, particularly with oatmeal, brown rice offers a fantastic, nutrient-dense alternative. When prepared in the slow cooker with sweet apples, aromatic cinnamon, and a hint of allspice, it transforms into a warm, inviting, and truly satisfying dish that’s far from bland.

This breakfast rice provides a wonderful balance of complex carbohydrates from the brown rice, natural sweetness and fiber from the apples, and cozy spices that awaken your senses. It’s an ideal choice for a wholesome meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the morning.

For those special mornings, perhaps a holiday like Christmas, if you’re exploring other delightful breakfast ideas, consider something like a hearty Biscuits and Gravy Casserole, festive Gingerbread Pancakes (a cherished family favorite!), or even these unique and flavorful Bean and Cheese Breakfast Tacos! But for everyday comfort and ease, this slow cooker breakfast rice truly shines.

The Magic of a Slow Cooker Breakfast

One of the greatest advantages of this cinnamon apple breakfast rice is the convenience of using a slow cooker. Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of a freshly cooked meal, without having lifted a finger in the morning rush! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before, place them in your slow cooker, and then program it to start cooking a few hours before you plan to wake up. This “set it and forget it” method is a game-changer for busy individuals, families, or anyone who cherishes those extra minutes of sleep.

If you’re concerned about leaving butter out overnight, simply omit it from the initial preparation. You can easily stir in the butter at the end of the cooking process, right before serving, to achieve that touch of richness. This flexibility ensures your breakfast is not only delicious but also perfectly suited to your preferences and safety considerations.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Breakfast Rice

Crafting this delicious breakfast rice requires just a few simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the delightful flavor and comforting texture of the dish.

• Brown Rice: This is the foundation of our breakfast. It’s essential to use brown rice for this recipe, as other types of rice, such as white rice or wild rice, will not yield the same creamy yet toothsome texture, nor will they absorb the flavors in the same way. Brown rice also offers more fiber and nutrients, making it a healthier choice. I’ve experimented with other varieties with limited success, so stick with brown rice for the best results.
• Apples: The stars of the show! Use any type of apple you enjoy eating – Granny Smith for a tart kick, Honeycrisp for a crisp, sweet bite, or Fuji for balanced sweetness. You can choose to leave the peel on for extra fiber and visual appeal, or peel them if you prefer a smoother texture. Dicing them into small, uniform pieces ensures they cook down perfectly and blend into the rice.
• Apple Juice: Instead of plain water, apple juice is used to cook the rice, infusing every grain with a deeper apple flavor. This simple swap significantly elevates the overall taste profile, creating a more cohesive and delicious dish. You could also use apple cider for an even richer, more complex flavor.
• Cinnamon, Allspice, and Vanilla: These spices are the heart of the “cinnamon apple” experience. Cinnamon provides warmth, while allspice adds a subtle complexity that hints at autumn and winter. Vanilla extract rounds out the flavors, adding a sweet and aromatic touch. Feel free to customize your spice blend! Nutmeg and a pinch of ground clove would also be wonderful additions, enhancing the cozy, comforting essence of this breakfast.
• Butter (Optional): A small amount of butter adds a lovely richness and creamy mouthfeel to the finished dish. If you prefer to keep it dairy-free or lighter, you can certainly leave it out, or substitute with a touch of coconut oil for a different flavor profile. Remember, if you’re making this overnight, you can stir in the butter after cooking to ensure freshness.

Making and Reheating Your Breakfast Rice

Simple Steps to a Delicious Morning

Preparing this dish couldn’t be easier. Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s mostly a matter of letting your slow cooker do all the work. Here’s a quick overview of the cooking process:

1. Combine: In your slow cooker, combine the uncooked brown rice, apple juice, diced apples, cinnamon, allspice, and vanilla. Stir everything gently to ensure it’s well mixed.
2. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on HIGH for 3 hours. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific appliance, so it’s always a good idea to know your slow cooker.
3. Serve: Once cooked, the rice should be tender and the apples soft. If you opted to leave out the butter, stir it in now until melted. Spoon the warm breakfast rice into bowls and prepare to add your favorite toppings!

Reheating Leftovers: Keeping it Creamy

This breakfast rice is excellent for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch and enjoy it for several days. As the rice sits and cools, it will naturally thicken. To bring it back to its original creamy consistency when reheating, you’ll want to add a little extra liquid.

• Before Reheating: Stir in a splash of additional apple juice or milk (dairy or non-dairy, like almond milk or oat milk). Start with about ¼ cup per serving and add more if needed until you reach your desired consistency.
• Stovetop Method: Place the desired portion of breakfast rice in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently, adding liquid as needed, until it is warmed through and creamy.
• Microwave Method: Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl, add your chosen liquid, and heat in 30-60 second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Serving Suggestions and Customizations

One of the best parts about this Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Rice is its versatility. It’s a delicious meal on its own, but it also serves as a fantastic base for a variety of toppings and additions to suit your taste and nutritional needs.

• Add Protein: For a more complete and satisfying meal, especially if you’re looking to boost your protein intake, consider stirring in a scoop of unflavored protein powder or a dollop of Greek yogurt after cooking. Alternatively, serve it alongside some scrambled eggs, a fried egg, or even a side of turkey bacon or sausage.
• Topping Ideas: The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings!
  • Crunchy: Granola, chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds), toasted coconut flakes, or a sprinkle of seeds (chia seeds, flax seeds) add a delightful texture.
  • Sweet: A drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar can enhance the sweetness. A sprinkle of brown sugar or a dollop of fruit preserves would also be lovely.
  • Freshness: Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries) or additional fresh apple slices provide a burst of color and a refreshing contrast.
  • Creamy: A splash of milk (dairy or non-dairy), a spoonful of whipped cream, or a dollop of coconut cream can add extra creaminess.

Tips for Success and Troubleshooting

While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve perfect results every time:

1. Know Your Slow Cooker: Slow cookers can vary significantly in how quickly and intensely they cook. My recipe calls for 3 hours on HIGH, which has consistently yielded perfectly tender rice for me. In fact, sometimes closer to the 2.5-hour mark is ideal to prevent it from becoming too mushy. If you know your slow cooker tends to cook on the slower side, you might need to extend the cooking time to 4-5 hours. Always check the rice for tenderness, and if it’s too firm, add a bit more liquid and continue cooking until desired consistency is reached.
2. Do Not Substitute Brown Rice: As mentioned, brown rice is crucial for this recipe. Its specific grain structure and cooking properties are essential for the desired texture and absorption of flavors. Other rice types will not work the same way.
3. Adjusting Consistency: If your breakfast rice appears too thick after cooking or reheating, simply stir in additional apple juice, milk, or even a little water until it reaches your preferred consistency. If it’s too thin, you can try cooking it uncovered for a short period on high (if your slow cooker allows) or stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds to thicken it.
4. Make Ahead / Overnight Prep: For ultimate convenience, place all ingredients (except butter, if you’re concerned) into your slow cooker insert the night before. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert back into the slow cooker unit and set your programmable timer to start 3 hours before you plan to wake up. This ensures a hot, fresh breakfast with minimal morning effort.

Health Benefits of Brown Rice and Apples

Beyond being delicious and convenient, this Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Rice is packed with health benefits. Brown rice is a whole grain, meaning it retains its bran and germ, which are rich in fiber, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals like magnesium and selenium. The fiber content aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can support weight management.

Apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber, including soluble fiber which can help lower cholesterol. They also provide essential vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, and various antioxidants that contribute to overall health and immune function. Paired with the anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon, this breakfast is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a boost for your well-being.

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