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This steel cut oats recipe shows you how to cook regular or quick-cooking oats on the stove. A hearty, nutritious bowl of this oatmeal is primed for toppings and family-loved!
Try my peanut butter overnight oats next!
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What are steel cut oats
Steel cut oats are whole oat groats cut into small pieces using steel blades. They are less processed than rolled or instant oats. The chewy texture and nutty flavor make any oatmeal breakfast deliciously hearty and filling.
Why you'll love this recipe
- It's a wholesome, filling breakfast.
- Made with quick-cooking or regular steel cut oats.
- You only need 3 ingredients + any toppings you prefer.
- Endless flavoring options equal happy family members.
- Easy to make for any cooking level.
- It's creamy comfort food that feels like a treat.
- Steel cut oatmeal brings fiber, protein, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins into your day.
Ingredient notes
- Steel cut oats - Look for quick-cooking or regular steel cut oats. I have included instructions for both varieties in the recipe card.
- Water - Plain water or any milk variety can be used, including non-dairy milk.
- Salt - Adding salt to oatmeal helps remove the bitterness of the oats and brings out the flavors of any additional ingredients.
- Toppings - The toppings for this oatmeal are endless, as you'll see in the list below.
How to cook steel cut oats
Step 1. Bring water to a boil in a pot over high heat. *Reduce water to 2 cups total for the quick-cooking variety. Add salt, if using. Stir in the oats.
Step 2. Reduce the heat and simmer until thick and creamy, stirring as needed. Simmer for 15-20 minutes for regular steel-cut oats and 7-10 minutes for quick-cooking oats. Note: If the oatmeal becomes too thick while cooking, add splashes of water or milk to adjust the texture.
Step 3. Serve oatmeal warm with your favorite toppings. I used a kid-friendly (and personal favorite) topping combination consisting of dark brown sugar, maple syrup, walnuts, and cinnamon. You'll find my complete list of oatmeal toppings in the next section.
Steel cut oatmeal toppings
There are many delicious toppings you can add to this oatmeal to enhance flavor and nutritional value. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh or dried fruits, such as berries, bananas, apples, raisins, coconut, or dates
- Seeds, such as chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or hemp seeds
- Nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, or cashews
- Nut butters, such as almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter
- Spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom
- Sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or jam
- Dairy ingredients, such as yogurt, milk, or non-dairy milk, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk
- Chocolate toppings, such as chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or carob chips.
- Proteins, such as a soft or hard boiled egg, smoked salmon, or your favorite protein powder.
Recipe tips
Making steel-cut oats is a simple process, and I've included a few tips to ensure the best results.
- Buying tip. Not all steel cut oats are gluten free, so look for certified labels if you have gluten restrictions.
- Use the correct water-to-oat ratio. The ratio for the quick-cooking variety is 1 cup oats to 2 cups water. The ratio for regular steel oats is 1 cup oats to 3 cups water.
- This recipe does not require soaking steel cut oats. If you wish, place oats in 3 times as much water for 8 hours at room temperature, then drain before cooking.
- This recipe uses minimal salt. Of course, it's optional, but it does help balance the flavors. Use as much or as little as you like.
Storage and reheat instructions
Allow steel cut oatmeal to cool completely. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 30 days and thaw overnight. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk, then heat on a medium setting on the stove or in the microwave, stirring as needed.
Breakfast recipes you'll love
- Banana Bread Muffin Recipe
- Dutch Baby Pancake
- Yogurt and Granola Breakfast Bowl
- No Crust Quiche
- Blueberry Zucchini Bread
📖 Recipe
Creamy Steel Cut Oats Recipe
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Video
Note about scaling
When scaling, the light gray ingredient notes after the comma don’t change. Adjust as needed.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Water, *see recipe note
- ⅛ teaspoon Sea Salt, optional
- 1 cup Quick Cooking Steel Cut Oats, or regular steel cut oats
Toppings
- milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, walnuts, and cinnamon, or preferred toppings
Instructions
- Bring WATER to a boil in pot over high heat. *Use ONLY 2 cups water for Quick-Cooking steel cut oats.
- Add SALT, if using. Stir in STEEL CUT OATS.
- Step 2. Reduce heat and simmer until thick and creamy, stirring as needed.Simmer 7-10 minutes for the quick-cooking variety.Simmer 15-20 minutes for regular steel cut oats.Note: If the oatmeal becomes too thick while cooking, add splashes of water or milk to adjust the texture as needed.
- Serve steel cut oatmeal warm with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Notes
Equipment
- 2-quart saucepan or dutch oven
Nutrition
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on brands, ingredients, and portions.
Walter Lee says
I didn’t realize you could add Proteins, such as a soft or hard boiled egg, smoked salmon into oatmeal …….outside of
the normal toppings I thought it would be a weird combination that’s why I would never think of that …
I might try it out but Can you comment ?
Ty for this recipe!
Traci says
You’re so welcome! And yes, savory oatmeal is totally a thing. The steel-cut oats are mild and creamy, so they work really well with proteins like soft-boiled eggs or even smoked salmon. It’s similar to a grain bowl, just warm and cozy. If you give it a try, start with a small portion and add what you enjoy. Let me know how it goes!
Deb says
So good!
Traci says
Glad you love it!! Thanks for trying my recipe and for leaving this review. Enjoy!!
Bonnie says
Did you recently change/ update the recipe? I recall it used to have directions for adding dates and syrup or molasses? It was our favorite!
Traci says
Hi Bonnie, I'm planning to republish that recipe again, but in the meantime, you can add 1/2 cup of chopped dates when starting the oats and add maple syrup, to taste. Hope that helps! Feel free to contact me, if you like. Thanks so much!
Jan says
I love these steel-cut oats, but making them in a pressure cooker if you have one available is so much easier, and no watching a pot to make sure it doesn't boil over.
Traci says
Yes! I totally agree about the not watching part. Although I love oats on the stove too, depending on my day. Thanks for sharing!
Jeff says
Just polished off another helping of your steel cut oatmeal. I even used the exact toppings you included in the photos and wow! Just so good!
Traci says
Yes!!! You cannot go wrong with those classic toppings! I'm glad you love it as much as I do 🙂