Perfect Steel-Cut Oats
Learn how to make the most delicious steel-cut oats here! These oats are ready in under 40 minutes and reheat beautifully. Find topping suggestions, too.
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on August 29, 2024
Have you seen the prices that restaurants are charging for bowls of steel-cut oats these days? Six dollars! Eight dollars! Twelve dollars in New York! My goodness. Apparently steel-cut oats are the new overpriced grandpa cardigans of the food scene.
Today, I’m sharing my tricks for making the creamiest, dreamiest steel-cut oats at home. Your bowl will taste like a million bucks. Or, at least ten dollars. I’m concerned that my photos don’t do this oatmeal justice (it’s not easy to make porridge look sexy), but trust me here. We’ll talk toppings later so you can make yours however you’d like.
Steel-cut oats shine in the texture and flavor departments. They are exceptionally creamy and delicious, especially if you toast them beforehand as instructed in my recipe below.
Steel-cut oats are also a fun way to change up your morning oatmeal routine. Unlike old-fashioned or instant oats, they reheat beautifully, so you can make one big batch that lasts all week.
All About Steel-Cut Oats
Steel-cut oats are a less refined version of the old-fashioned and quick-cooking oats you already know. All oats start out the same, as an oat groat.
Steel-cut oats are oat groats that have been sliced into smaller pieces, whereas old-fashioned oats are oat groats that have been flattened. They all contain the same pieces and parts, but the difference between slicing and flattening explains why steel-cut oats take longer to cook (around 30 minutes).
Nutritionally speaking, they are pretty much the exact same and share all of the health benefits of oats, so don’t split hairs there. Oats lower bad cholesterol, help stabilize blood sugar levels and on and on.
Steel-Cut Oat Topping Ideas
- Peanut butter, almond butter or pecan butter
- Homemade chia jam or your favorite jelly/jam
- Applesauce, preferably the chunky homemade variety, or grated fresh apple
- Coconut whipped cream or regular whipped cream
- Yogurt or a splash of cream
- Sliced bananas, apples, strawberries, pears, mangos…
- Fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or pomegranate arils
- Dried fruit, like dried cranberries, cherries, blueberries, raisins, chopped dates or apricots…
- Toasted chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, almonds…
- Toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds
- Flaxseed or chia seeds
- Toasted or raw shredded coconut
- Dark chocolate, either chopped or mini chocolate chips
You’ll find my go-to steel-cut oat cooking method below. The only hard part is deciding what to mix in and how to top your oatmeal. Looking for inspiration? Here are my official variations: Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal, Morning Glory Oatmeal and Cranberry Orange Steel Cut Oats.
If you find yourself on a steel-cut oats kick, you might want to check out the overnight oats cooking method or this individual serving freezer option. I haven’t tried either, but I’m intrigued.
Please let me know how your oats turn out in the comments! I’m always so eager to hear from you.
Watch How to Cook Steel Cut Oats
Perfect Steel-Cut Oats
Learn how to make the most delicious steel-cut oats here! These ultra creamy, toasted steel-cut oats are ready in under 40 minutes and reheat beautifully for the rest of the week. I suggest doubling the recipe if you’d like to make breakfast for the whole week. Recipe as written below yields 4 modest servings (about 3 cups total, or ¾ cup per serving).
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup milk of choice: almond milk, cow’s milk, coconut milk, etc.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1 cup steel-cut oats (choose certified gluten-free oats if necessary)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional mix-ins: ground spices like cinnamon, dried fruit like cranberries or chopped dates, toasted chopped nuts like walnuts, lemon or orange zest, etc.
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the water and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. In the meantime, melt the coconut oil (or butter) in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the oats and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant, around 2 minutes. This toasting step greatly enhances the flavor of the oats.
- Stir the oats into the simmering liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, adjusting as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is very thick.
- Stir in the salt. Continue to simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally and reducing heat as necessary to prevent scorching on the bottom, until almost all of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. (If you doubled the recipe, your oatmeal might need an extra 5 minutes cooking time here.) The oatmeal will be very creamy when it’s done.
- Remove from heat and stir in any mix-ins that you’d like. Let the oatmeal rest for 5 minutes before serving so it has more time to thicken up and cool down a palatable temperature.
- Portion oatmeal into bowls and add any toppings you’d like to portions that you intend to serve immediately. Let any extra oatmeal cool completely before covering and refrigerating for future breakfasts.
Notes
Recipe adapted from The America’s Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook.
Make it dairy free/vegan: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter, and choose a dairy-free milk (or substitute water for the milk).
Make it gluten free: Use certified gluten-free oats and make sure your mix-ins/toppings are gluten free, too.
Make it nut free: Easy. Use nut-free milk and don’t add nuts.
Update 10/18/2016: I finally got around to taking better photos of this recipe, so it might look a little different, but the recipe is the same!
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
I halved the recipe, and it was the most amazing meal! I added a tbsp chia seeds while cooking (15min) I never knew they were so good, thank you so very much❤️
Wonderful, Jennifer!
Just made this recipe! Amazing – I have never been able to successfully make creamy oatmeal….can’t wait to taste the saved portions!!! Thank you VERY MUCH!
Hooray! Love to hear this worked so well for you, Carol. I appreciate the review.
Delish! I used 3 cups water, 1 cup homemade almond milk, 1.5 cups Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free steel-cut oats. I toasted the oats in butter. While cooking, I added coconut, raisins, dried cranberries, cut up apple, walnuts, almond slivers and a glug of honey. In my bowl, topped off with more almond milk and fresh strawberries. Omg. So creamy. Makes enough for several servings. Thank you for this great recipe!
Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing, MJ. I appreciate the star review, too!
Can you just eat it cold?
Sure! I think it’s best warm.
I never made steel cut oats before I saw this recipe. This is delicious. Toasting of the oats is awesome.
Right! Toasting is key. Thanks so much for sharing!
Just reheated my first serving. Added a tiny bit of almond milk and spiced apple cider to moisten. Then a slight drizzle of maple syrup. Divine. Thank you.
You’re welcome! That sound delicious.
This is the best recipe for steel cuts oats! My entire family loves it! My favorite is adding an apples and cinnamon.
Love that, Michelle! Thanks so much for sharing.
These really did work out well, very creamy. I’ve put several individual servings in the fridge, and I am looking forward to trying them over the next few mornings, with different variations. Thanks!
You’re welcome, Hannah!
Have been making this oatmeal for 2 years! Our favorite add-in combo is cinnamon, banana, and cashew butter. I make it on Sunday and refrigerate in serving size containers for quick easy weekday breakfasts. Just add a little unsweetened almond milk before reheating in the microwave.
I love it, Mindie! That sounds delicious! Thanks for your feedback. :)
How does it work with quick cook steel cut oats (all I have)? I assume shorter cooking time, of course. Any specific changes, suggestions or warnings?
I would adjust cooking time for sure. You may also not need as much liquid. I didn’t try with quick cook so I don’t have specifics for you, sorry!
I never liked oatmeal until I discovered steel cut oats. Your recipe has become my go to! I’m not usually a sweet breakfast food eater. I love the fact that it doesn’t include sugar when it’s being cooked so I can top it sweet or savory depending on what my mood is that day. It’s scrumptious with sauteed veggies, a little parmesan cheese and garlic salt and pepper on it. Thanks!
I’m glad you like it now! It makes such a great breakfast. I love the savory idea, Lisa!
The nutritional information did not show when I clicked on the link. Can you please provide me with the nutritional information? Thank you.
BEST recipe for SCO EVER!
I asked my husband if he got enough to eat and he paused and thought about it for a few minutes and then said yes I’m comfortably. I could eat more but I wouldn’t be eating because I was hungry I would just be eating them because of how good they are!
I followed the directions to the T and they turned out absolutely perfect. Thank you so much :-)
Hooray! Thank you, Christina!
Great instructions! To avoid getting multiple pots dirty, I toast and cook the oatmeal in the same pot. I boil water while the oats are toasting and add it to the toasted oats to get the cooking process going (and add the coconut milk once everything gets simmering). This way I only need to clean one pot!
I’m glad you found them helpful, Amanda!
What’s the best way to reheat the extra oatmeal? Microwave or stove top? And do you need to add extra liquid to it before reheating? Never tried steel cut oats so looking forward to it! Thanks for the great recipes?
Both would work! I don’t typically add extra liquid to mine.
Thanks for sharing this recipe; made this this morning–it came out pretty good! Even though I followed the recipe, in my case, I may have allowed the oats to get too thick–I prefer my oats a little more creamy. So I’ll remember to cook for less time for my next batch. I do have one question: how do you reheat? Your answer will probably come after I have reheated, but I plan to microwave adding a small amount of liquid. What do you think? Thanks again
You’re welcome! I don’t add any additional liquid when I reheat. Microwave or stove works.
I’ve never particularly liked oatmeal but my partner loves it. He says this is the best he’s ever had :)
I’m happy to hear that! Thanks for sharing, Anastasia!
Toasting the oats made all the difference! Thank you for this delicious recipe! I added just a touch of vanilla bean sugar and cinnamon sugar that I got from a local spice shop, and it was perfect!
It really does make a difference! Thanks for sharing, Michelle.
Please tell me how to reheat the glob of cold oatmeal on stove top without adding any liquid. I am not a fan of microwave. Thanks.
What’s the best way to reheat the oatmeal? Do you have a favor brand?
Thanks
You can reheat in the microwave, or stovetop!
We have been making this recipe for awhile now, it’s our go to every morning. We always make a double batch and it last for a week and a bit in the fridge. We also add peeled chopped apples, coconut, cinnamon and either honey or sugar free maple syrup while cooking. It’s my new favourite breakfast in the morning, my husband and I add fresh fruit to it and enjoy with our cup of coffee.
Best steel cut oat recipe!!!
It makes a great breakfast through the week! I love the additions, Rebecca. Thanks so much for the review!
What’s the best way to reheat? Do you add more liquid? I made this recipe and added some peanut butter and strawberry jam. It was delicious!
Microwave or stovetop works well! I don’t add any liquid, but you could add a splash to your liking.
Just made this for the first time. Cooked exactly for 30 minutes and it’s too thick. Like quiche thick. Will try again with less time. Very easy to make though!
I’m sorry! You can always add a little more liquid if you would like.
Simple great breakfast. Delicious with the add ons! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Sal!
I actually crave these oatson a regular basis. So, so good! Thank you for the recipe!
Crave! That’s awesome. Thank you, Laura!
I used to… strongly dislike oatmeal, but after trying this recipe, I’m pretty ok with it! I had it with strawberries, peanut butter, banana, and sliced almonds! Thanks!
I’m so glad this one turned you around, Fatima! Thanks so much for your review.
I love this recipes it’s the best! I wonder if you can get it as tasty in an instapot?
I know a lot of people love to use their instant pot for steel cut oats!
I have looked high and low for the perfect steel cut oats recipe. I feel like I’ve came across this recipe but I’m not sure why I never tried it. I’ve tried different ways to cook steel cut oats from recipes I found on Pinterest, they were horrible! I almost gave up I’m still cut oats. Today I tried your recipe and added 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, cinnamon powder, and a tablespoon of chia seeds while it cooked. I topped it off with dried cherries, cranberries, and golden raisins. It was perfect!
I’m glad you found the recipe, Angela! I appreciate your review.
Hi Kate,
Woke to a low 40’s morning and rain and since work starts later I decided to hunt down a Steel Cut Oats recipe so here I am!
Interesting concept recipe and I love it! I had an apple so I diced it for a quick compote with cinnamon, yum!
Enjoying my bowl right now. Unfortunately I’m out of walnuts and pecans or they would have been added.
Can this recipe be converted for a crockpot (overnight)? This can’t be a last minute idea when others are ready to eat NOW. Lol
Loved my oatmeal, time for seconds!!!
Thank you!
Mary and Eliza, my canine
A great breakfast for a chilly morning! I haven’t tried it in a crockpot, but I believe a few have tried it with success. I would recommend searching the comments to see what has worked for others.
Great recipe this oatmeal was so tasty and creamy! We love it! Thanks
You’re welcome, Michelle!
Hi Kate,
My first time making gf steel cut oats, Red Mill. Since I’m used to the texture and softness of quacker oats, I m not sure my 1st serving of gf came out right. Followed the directions but the tiny oats didn’t looked that cooked to me. Aren’t they suppose to open up so to speak? Wasn’t impressed so checked Google and came across your site. My 2nd timecame our better but didn’t do the cooking of oats in pan wh I’m sure is a plus. You’re bowl of oats look more puffy and soft looking. The low setting on my stove cooks at a slight bubble more than slow simmer.
Thank you.
Cindy
Hi Cindy! I’m sorry these didn’t turn out perfect for you. It sounds like you may need to cook them on a little higher of a setting. Let me know if you try them again!
These oats look great! Could I use quick cooking steel cut oats? I have a giant bag of the quick cooking steel cut oats from Costco that I need to work through!
Hi K! You can, however the cooking time and liquid would both likely decrease.
Amazing recipe! Will not be going back to instant oatmeal!
Glad you loved it, Karla!
This was absolutely decadent. I had to cook mine about 10 mins longer to get the oats to the right consistency, but I’m sure it has something to do with changes in altitude, humidity, oven settings, and possibly my opting out of the salt. Oatmeal has always been the go-to breakfast of my grandmother, who is 90 years old without a single health problem. There is something to say about that, especially with her being one of 3 left out of 13 siblings. I decided to follow suit. I added frozen blueberries, maple syrup and brown sugar. Yes this takes time, but the best things in life do!
I’m happy you loved it! Thank you for sharing, Christina. I appreciate it.
I loved your recipe, had never thought of roasting the oats, but what a difference it made.
Thank you, Sharon!
I’m loving this recipe. Cooked as noted above. My third attempt added a cinnamon stick during cooking. This added a wonderful hint of spice.
I’m really happy you loved it! I like the cinnamon stick addition.
I have used this recipe a few times now and it is the bomb. The difference of adding just one cup of milk (I use light milk) rather than all water is really worth it, along with toasting first. I’m trying to keep sugar low in my diet and found that a single batch with1tsp cinnamon and 3 desert spoons of maple syrup really did the trick for making it mmmmmmm sigh worthy. Thanks for this recipe Kate!
You’re welcome, Elizabeth!
I forgot to take a picture, partly because this oatmeal looked so good that I dug right in! I was right! This was the best recipe for steel cut oats that I’ve ever tried. Simple, quick and delicious! Toasting the raw oats really made a difference…as did adding milk to the water.
Thank you! I have a new delicious standard in the mornings!!
You’re welcome, Greg!
This is my new go-to recipe for oatmeal. My grown kids and grandkids beg for it when they come to visit. Thank you for sharing it.
You’re welcome, Barb!
I made this recipe a few days ago and love it! When it was done cooking I added a Tbs each of almond butter and honey. I also sprinkled in some cinnamon. OMG! I made this in the afternoon and stored it in portion sized containers to make for an easy, fast breakfast. I will make it again tomorrow but I’ll double up on the recipe this time. Thanks for a simple but yummy recipe!
Toasting the oats makes all the difference!!! I make this recipe at least once a week – 1/4c oats, 1/4c soy milk, 1/2c water. I just let it simmer on low while I’m getting ready for work, and usually add cinnamon banana and walnuts – on low simmer mine takes about 35 min :)
So good! Worth the extra time. I had mine topped with sliced banana, peanut butter and chia.
I’m happy you think so, Neeti!
My kids love this recipe for the steel cut oats. I usually make these at night. I follow the recipe but once I add the oats to the simmering water I stir, cover, and turn off the heat. When I wake up the oats are done! I just heat them up and add the toppings.
This is fantastic! I made a 1/2 recipe then stirred in about 1/3C of homemade applesauce. I’m going to have it for lunch too! Thanks for a great recipe!
I’m diabetic and really love butter and sugar in my oatmeal. I’ve seen the half and half Splenda/sugar brown sugar. I like cranberries but they are high in sugar and I’d still want to add sweetener. So simple is my game. What do you suggest?
I hate oatmeal but my husband loves it so I am trying to get better at being the oatmeal cooking queen. These steel cut oats are the bomb (according to my husband) never would have through to toast the oats before and the one cup of milk does add a great creamy flavor. Topped with pecans, real maple syrup and some pumpkin pie spice for the fall weather!
Thanks for sharing, Wednesday!
I so love oats and will absolutely try this recipe someday. Thanks a lot for posting!
After having $6.95 bowl of steel cut oats at a coffee shop this weekend, I wanted to make some. I followed your recipe and they were perfect. It did take about 35 minutes cooking time. This morning I added cinnamon, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts and berries for an awesome breakfast.
I’m glad to hear you loved them!
This is now my go-to method for steel-cut oats. Delicious every time! :)
Hooray! I’m so happy you love this method. Thanks for your review, Whit.
this is the first time I tried steel cut oats. I made them with vanilla almond milk. They turned out great and I loved the flavor! I added some seedless raspberry jam and unsweetened shredded coconut… it was like dessert for breakfast!
Wonderful to hear, Lorri!
This recipe turned out so perfect. Even the young ones loved it! I sliced a fresh sweet banana and placed it on top of the creamy steel cut oats. Heavenly delicious!! Thanks for sharing a easy healthy meal.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you loved it, Danny!