This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Kitchen Girl.
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
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Kitchen Girl.
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.
Kushigalu says
Comforting breakfast recipe. Thanks for the detailed step by step instructions here.
Traci says
Of course and thanks for sharing 🙂 Enjoy!
Holley says
I love this easy, warm and comforting breakfast in the morning! I also have fun picking many different toppings!
Anjali says
This has been one of my go-to breakfast recipes for a while - it always turns out well and is tasty and filling!
Sandra says
Our family loves steel cut oats and these directions were perfect. Loved your suggestions for toppings too!
imsen says
love the recipe! def gonna make it soon!
Traci says
Yay! I'm glad you can enjoy this. Cheers!
Nancy in N.C. says
Thanks for this post! Oatmeal is a favorite breakfast here, and one thing I like to add after it has finished cooking (beside bittersweet chocolate chips, chia seeds, wheat germ, flax meal, berries, and nuts) is pureed pumpkin! It is delicious and a great way to slide a veggie into our breakfast meal!
The Kitchen Girl says
You're so welcome, Nancy 🙂 Love the pumpkin puree on ALL the things, but def oatmeal...YUMMM! Thanks for the review too!
Mikayla says
We're team steel oats in our house too! That texture is just the best! We love all your flavor suggestions, your recipe has been super helpful for breakfast time!
Traci Antonovich says
Yay, thanks Mikayla! So glad to hear it! 🙂
Annissa says
Steel cut oats are like a whole different world from regular oatmeal! So much better. Those add-ins look amazing. I love the idea of pomegranate seeds.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Annissa! Yes, pomegranate seeds are SO good in steel-cut oats. Eat all the superfoods 🙂
Dahn says
I love all the toppings you put on this, I definitely prefer steel cut oats to rolled oats but either one makes a fine breakfast
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Dahn! Yes, I prefer steel-cut oats, but it's really about the toppings 😉
Ashley says
Yum!!! Made these and set out all the topping options for a an oat bar for our family brunch the other day. Great recipe!
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome, Ashley! That's how we love to do it 🙂 Glad you enjoy!
Lisa Bryan says
Thanks for informing on the different types of oats!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Lisa! So happy to do it 🙂
Debra says
I'm with you.....sugary instant packages, just no! Great comparison of steel cut vs. rolled oats...and I'm going to try your method for cooking them. Love the assortment of toppings you suggest....I would go for something in each and every category!
Traci Antonovich says
Yay Debra...can't wait for you to try it in the Instant Pot, and with some new toppings! It's the only way we make it now 🙂
Trish Bozeman says
My husband makes a giant batch of steel cut oats every Sunday night to have for breakfast during the week. I eat them for breakfast too just because they are easy and already made, but I need to find ways to enjoy oatmeal more. I'm loving all of your topping suggestions! Can't wait for berry season.
Traci Antonovich says
We do the same, Trish! Steel cut oats are part of our breakfast meal prep rotation. Always SO easy! And yes, eat ALL the berries 😉
Dana says
This is fabulous! I've really been wanting to try Instant Pot oatmeal. I've been on an oatmeal kick lately, and making a huge batch that I can just refrigerate is perfect. Breakfast for the week! 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Dana! I think you're going to LOVE steel cut oats in the Instant Pot...and I can't wait to see your creations 🙂
Marisa F. Stewart says
I agree with you 100%. Although we've been on team Oatmeal for a long time. But once we tasted the steel cut oats we wondered why we hadn't tried the other one before. What a difference. We love the texture of steel cut oats and your flavoring of them with this recipe sounds excellent.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much, Marisa! Flavoring steel cut oats is the FUN part 🙂
Lisa says
Traci -- I just bought a container of steel cut oats and was looking for some inspiration -- you've given it to me, so I thank you! I love your instant pot method for these oats. I just got an IP last year, but have yet to try it in this manner. I usually do an overnight steel cut oats -- bringing the oats and water to a vigorous simmer for one minute, then putting the lid on it and taking it off the heat to rest overnight. They are perfect -- but obviously require some forethought. Your method is more expeditious!
Traci Antonovich says
Lisa...thank you! I have a feeling you are going to love cooking steel cut oats in the Instant Pot. It's crazy convenient with no babysitting a pot on the stove. Hope you love this as much as we do 🙂
Gloria says
LOve the texture of steel cut oats. So "meaty". They are healthy and delicious. You can add so many things to jazz them up. I like to make a huge pot to easily warm up during the week.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Gloria...yes, meaty is well-said! That's why we love them so much 🙂
Julie Menghini says
I've been team oatmeal my whole life but I got to say, like you, once I tried the steel cut I was sold. I love it and buy a big ole bag. I make several servings at a time so I have it every morning for a week. No one bothers it because they think it's health food LOL. I love all of the beautiful toppings on your recipe and will definitely be putting it in my instant pot too!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Julie, you're right! It IS such a "health food" decoy...too funny! Steel cut really are ALL about the toppings too, aren't they? 😉
Daniela says
I have granola for breakfast every single day, and I was just thinking that I need to change up my morning routine. And then I ran into this wonderful recipe of steel cut oats! I love that it's so easy to make and store, so you can make a big batch on Sunday and eat it throughout the week. Definitely going on my list of things to cook this weekend!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha Daniela, I eat granola for breakfast every day too...on the days I don't eat steel cut oats LOL. Hope you lovvvve this recipe like we do! 🙂
Nicole Triebe says
Steel cut oatmeal is my favorite weekday breakfast option! Love your tips!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Nicole...we love it too! 🙂
Chris Collins says
This truly looks like the perfect breakfast! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Chris...steel cut oats really do make the perfect breakfast 🙂
Emily says
What beautifully composed bowls! I love your pictures. I hope I can make my oatmeal bowls half as pretty as yours.
Traci Antonovich says
Awww thanks Emily...you're too kind 🙂
Adriana says
Perfect breakfast with all the fixings. Nice to add the berries too. LOveing you pictures all looks so scrumptious.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Adriana! Always love hearing that 🙂
Kelly Anthony says
Next time I'm at the grocery store I'm going to pick up some steel cut oats instead of rolled and make this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Traci Antonovich says
Yay Kelly! So glad to hear it...and hope you love it like we do! 🙂
Sandi says
I am loving the step by step directions. I am psyched to try it!