Creamy Overnight Oats Recipe With Steel Cut Oats

These overnight oats with steel cut oats recipe are a must make for anyone who enjoys oats for breakfast or likes to meal prep. Easy overnight oats are one of my favorites for those grab and go healthy breakfast ideas, or even a mid-day snack. Fill in with fresh fruit, peanut butter, nuts, and more.

For those who love easy breakfast recipes. You can add any toppings you want and change the recipe every time you make it.

Want more delicious recipes to try out?  Why not make these Easy Blueberry Oatmeal Bars as a great oat-based snack? Another easy version is my Apple Oatmeal Bars.

Also, consider trying these slow cooker apple cinnamon oatmeal for a flavorful oatmeal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe…

• Versatility at its finest: This overnight oats recipe can easily be customized to match any flavor profile you crave, from fruity and sweet to nutty and savory.
• Time-saver: Preparing your oats the night before means you can save precious time the next morning for a quick, nutritious start to your day.
• Nutrition-packed: Steel cut oats are a great option and loaded with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients that help keep your energy levels stable throughout the day.
• No cooking required: The beauty of overnight oats lies in their simplicity – no need to turn on the stove or microwave, as they’ll be perfectly tender by morning.

What Are Steel Cut Oats?

Steel cut oats, also known as Irish oats or pinhead oats, are a type of oatmeal made from whole oat groats that have been chopped into smaller pieces with steel blades. Unlike rolled oats, which are steamed and flattened, steel cut oats have a chewy texture and a nutty flavor. So try these steel cut oats for overnight oats!

What’s In This Overnight Oats With Steel Cut Oats Recipe?

• Steel Cut Oats: The foundation of this recipe, steel cut oats are less processed than rolled oats, offering a delightfully chewy texture and a hearty, nutty flavor that holds up well in overnight recipes.
• Milk: Almond milk is a great plant-based option that adds a light, nutty flavor, but feel free to use any milk of choice that suits your dietary preferences or needs, enhancing the creaminess of the oats.
• Agave: A natural sweetener derived from the agave plant, agave syrup adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors of the other ingredients. You can substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or any sweetener you prefer.
• Chia Seeds: Chia seeds not only thicken the mixture, giving it a nice consistency by morning but are also a powerhouse of nutrients, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein.
• Toppings: The versatility of toppings like peanut butter, bananas, chia seeds, cacao nibs, and cinnamon allows for endless customization. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, fruity, or nutty, the toppings add an extra layer of texture and flavor to every bite.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

• Add sweeteners and flavors: Steel cut oats have a nutty flavor that pairs well with sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar. You can add flavorings like cinnamon, vanilla extract, or cocoa powder to enhance the taste.
• Mix-ins and toppings: Overnight oats are a blank canvas for your favorite mix-ins and toppings. Consider adding fruit, nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to your oats for added flavor and texture.
• Experiment with different kinds of milk: Almond milk gives a nutty flavor, but experimenting with coconut, soy, or cow’s milk can change the flavor profile and creaminess of your oats.

How To Make Breakfast Steel Cut Oats Step by Step

1. Grab a large mixing bowl and combine all of the ingredients. (Photos 1 & 2)

1. Cover the mixing bowl with something like a lid, or if it doesn’t have one, use foil or plastic wrap. (Photo 3)
2. Store it in the refrigerator for at least 10 hours or, ideally, overnight.
3. When you are ready to serve it, add the oats to a bowl and whatever toppings you like. (Photo 4)

Recipe Tips

• Soak the oats overnight: Unlike rolled oats, which can be eaten raw, steel cut oats need to be cooked or soaked in liquid overnight to soften. Soaking the oats overnight will help to break down their tough outer layer and make them easier to digest.
• Reheat or eat cold: Steel cut oats can be enjoyed warm or cold, depending on your preference. If you prefer warm oats, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop in the morning. If you prefer cold oats, simply grab the container from the fridge and enjoy!
• Balance sweeteners: Depending on your preference for sweetness, adjust the amount of agave, honey, or maple syrup. Remember, you can always add more in the morning.
• Customize toppings daily: To keep your make-ahead breakfast exciting, prepare a variety of toppings that you can choose from each morning. This will prevent your meals from becoming monotonous. Try a drizzle of honey, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips.
• Stir before serving: Giving your oats a good stir before adding toppings can help redistribute flavors and ensure a consistent texture throughout your bowl.
• Check consistency in the morning: Overnight oats can sometimes become too thick or too thin depending on several factors, including the type of milk used. If it’s too thick, stir in a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Alternative Cooking Methods

For those curious about alternative cooking methods for steel cut oats, an Instant Pot or a slow cooker is an excellent choice. 

The Instant Pot can significantly reduce the cooking time for steel cut oats, offering a quicker path to a warm, hearty breakfast. Simply combine the oats and liquid in the pot, select the “Porridge” setting, and allow the device to do its magic, usually in about 10 minutes of cooking time plus the time needed for pressure release. 

On the other hand, a slow cooker offers the convenience of setting up your overnight oatmeal the night before on a low setting, allowing you to wake up to perfectly cooked oats. 

Both methods are great for those busy mornings when you crave the comfort of warm oats but wish to save time and effort.

Storing Tips 

Once you’ve combined all the ingredients, store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. This will allow the oats to absorb the liquid and flavors, resulting in a creamy and flavorful breakfast in the morning. For individual portions, try using mason jars or similar.

Place the container in the refrigerator. The steel cut oats will stay in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure the container has a sealed tight to prevent odors soaking into the oats.

How to Freeze

Yes, you can freeze any overnight oats. The frozen overnight steel cut oats can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Then, thaw in the fridge overnight to allow a complete thaw, then eat as you would like.

How to Reheat

When you’re ready to eat the oats, simply remove the container from the fridge and scoop out the desired amount. You can reheat the oats on the stovetop or microwave or eat them cold with your favorite toppings.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve your oats next to a breakfast bowl, a breakfast casserole for a savory twist, or a tall glass of milk or orange juice. Feel free to eat it alone or pair it with other tasty options. Even an acorn shaped mini pumpkin muffin on the side could be a nice addition.

Recipe FAQs

Need More Breakfast Recipes? Try These:

• Chia seed pudding
• Loaded pancakes
• Denver omelet
• Sheet Pan Scrambled Eggs 
• Papaya Breakfast Bowls
• Vegan Waffle Bowl With Fruit
• See all our breakfast recipes!

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