Creamy Steel Cut Oats Recipe

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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!

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.

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• Banana Bread Muffin Recipe
• Dutch Baby Pancake
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• No Crust Quiche
• Blueberry Zucchini Bread

📖 Recipe