These overnight steel cut oats are a must make for anyone who enjoys oats for breakfast or likes to meal prep. Overnight oats with steel cut oats are one of my favorites for those grab and go breakfast ideas, or even a mid-day snack. Fill in with fresh fruit, peanut butter, nuts, and more.
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!
Also consider trying these slow cooker apple cinnamon oatmeal for a flavorful oatmeal!
Table of Contents
Why this recipe works!
Here are some reasons why we love this steel cut oats recipe!
- Healthy recipe to start your day.
- Easy make ahead prep so you can plan breakfast for the week.
- Versatile in how to flavor your steel cut oats.
- Delicious and kid friendly.
Ingredients for Steel Cut Overnight Oats
Here’s what you need to make this steel cut overnight oats! A simple and delicious oat recipe you will fall in love with.
- Steel Cut Oats – properly measured.
- Milk – Almond milk or milk of choice.
- Agave – You can use sweetener of choice.
- Chia Seeds
- Toppings: Peanut butter, bananas, chia seeds, cacao nibs, cinnamon, etc.
The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
How To Make
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. (Photos 1 & 2)
- Cover the mixing bowl with a lid, foil, or plastic wrap. (Photo 3)
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 10 hours or overnight.
- In the morning, transfer the oat mixture to a bowl and add desired toppings. (Photo 4)
Tips from our Recipe Developer
- 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.
- 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 also 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.
- Store in an airtight container: 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.
- 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!
Storing Tips
Refrigerator
Place the container in the refrigerator. The steel cut oats will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge. Just make sure the container has a sealed tight to prevent odors soaking into the oats.
Freezing
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.
Reheating
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 in the microwave or eat them cold with your favorite toppings.
What To Serve With Overnight Steel Cut Oats
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 alone or pair with other tasty options. Even an acorn shaped mini pumpkin muffin on the side could be a nice addition.
FAQs
Yes, you can add protein powder to overnight oats with steel cut oats to increase the protein content of the dish.
No, you do not need to cook steel cut oats before making overnight oats. Soaking them in liquid overnight will soften them and make them easier to digest.
Yes, you can use instant steel cut oats for overnight oats. However, they may not have the same chewy texture as traditional steel cut oats.
Yes, you can use water instead of milk for overnight oats with steel cut oats. However, using milk will result in a creamier and more flavorful final product.
Need more breakfast recipes? Try these:
- Chia seed pudding
- Loaded pancakes
- Denver omelet
- See all our breakfast recipes!
Did you make this recipe? Or any other delicious recipes on my site? If so, please leave a ★★★★★ star rating and drop a 📝 comment below! Ensure you’re not missing a thing; you can follow along with me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter! For more easy, delicious homemade recipes!
Printable Recipe Card
Steel Cut Overnight Oats
Equipment
- Containers with lids
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 2 cups almond milk or milk of choice
- 4 teaspoons agave syrup or sweetener of choice
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Optional Toppings
- Peanut butter bananas, cacao nibs, chia seeds, cinnamon
Instructions
- To make this dish, simply combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Cover the bowl with a lid, foil, or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill overnight, or for at least 10 hours.
- In the morning, scoop the oat mixture into a bowl and add your favorite toppings before serving.
Notes
- Milk – Any type of milk works from classic milk to plant based milk.
- Sweetener – You can use sweetener of choice to add flavor to the milk.
- Toppings: Peanut butter, cacao nibs, chia seeds, granola, nuts, fresh fruit, etc. Feel free to add whatever toppings you would like.
- Freezer: You can freeze for 3 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Nutrition Information
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