Overnight Irish Oatmeal

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Why Irish oatmeal? Because it has bite. It is nutty and really, really good for me. You make the oatmeal, then have fun dressing it any way that you would like.

overnight irish oatmeal recipe

I am not so good with New Year’s resolutions, but I do try. This year I want to eat more fruit and vegetables, and to eat breakfast. I really do not like eating breakfast. I am not a morning person, I do not like eating when I wake up, and I am usually in a rush. For years, I ate the same exact breakfast if I was in fact going to eat breakfast. A whole-wheat English muffin with peanut butter. A girl gets bored. Have I mentioned that I am somewhat of a picky eater? I know that it is hard to imagine doing what I do, but I have a serious texture issue. I like to chew my food. I really wish that I could get over it, I would love to be able to eat yogurt, I think that it would end my breakfast issues. But for now, I am eating Irish oatmeal.

Why Irish oatmeal? Because it has bite. It is nutty and really, really good for me. The thing about steel-cut oats (the other name for Irish oatmeal) is that it takes a really long time to cook. But if you start it the night before, it is no big deal, it takes minutes. This is a method. You make the oatmeal, but you can dress it any way that you would like. This apple and pecan combination is great, but so is dried fruit, maple syrup, walnuts, and coconut, the possibilities are endless.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Irish Oatmeal
  • 4 cups water
  • pinch salt

add in:

  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 diced apple
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • almond milk (if you need to thin the oatmeal a bit)

How To Make – The Steps

This is what Irish oatmeal looks like. It is not at all like the regular oatmeal that you are used to.

overnight irish oatmeal recipe

Step 1: Pour 1 cup of oatmeal into 4 cups of boiling water. Add a pinch of salt.

overnight irish oatmeal recipe

Step 2: Let the oatmeal simmer for 1 minute.

overnight irish oatmeal recipe

Step 3: Cover the pot and refrigerate overnight.

overnight irish oatmeal recipe

Step 4: The next morning, put the pot on the stove and cook over LOW heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the oatmeal is hot.

overnight irish oatmeal recipe

Step 5: Add whatever you like to your oatmeal.

overnight irish oatmeal recipe

Variations

While I have already included various ingredients that can be added to the oatmeal, here are some themed ways to serve this morning treat:

  • Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal: Add chopped apples and cinnamon before refrigerating. In the morning, top with additional apple slices, nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
  • Banana Nut Oatmeal: Mash a ripe (i.e., close to brown) banana into the oatmeal mixture and add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. In the morning, top with fresh banana slices, a dollop of yogurt, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Blueberry Almond Oatmeal: Add fresh or frozen blueberries and chopped almonds to the oatmeal mixture before refrigerating. In the morning, top with additional blueberries, a drizzle of honey, and a splash of almond milk.
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal: Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a dollop of peanut butter into the oatmeal mixture before refrigerating. In the morning, top with sliced bananas, chopped peanuts, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
  • Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal: Add canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and a drizzle of maple syrup to the oatmeal mixture before refrigerating. In the morning, top with granola, chopped nuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
overnight irish oatmeal recipe

FAQs

What does it mean when oats are ‘steel-cut’?

The entire oat groat is passed through a machine, which then chops it up using steel blades or discs. Because the oat is still in its entirety when it’s cut, it is chewier and takes longer to cook. That said, they are believed to be better for you, with more fiber, protein, and essential nutrients than regular oatmeal.

What is ‘old-fashioned’ oatmeal?

Old-fashioned oatmeal, also known as ‘large-flake’ oatmeal to differentiate it from the instant stuff, is rolled oats, which is when the oat groat has been steamed and flattened. Feel free to mix steel-cut and old-fashioned oatmeal together for this recipe. The best of both worlds!

What kind of pot is that in the photo? I love it!

It is a 2.5-quart Dutch oven from Martha Stewart. I got it at Macys. I have a few of these pots and I love them.

You really only simmer it for a minute the night before? I just got it started for tomorrow morning and I’m a little nervous about how watery it still is. 

Yup. One minute. The water gets absorbed overnight. I promise you that it works.

I cannot find this type of oats anywhere near me. Can I substitute regular oats?

No, they are not the same. Steel Cut Oats or Irish Oatmeal looks more like a rice or barley. Try ordering it from Amazon.

Can you make this in a slow cooker?

I looked around for a recipe for oats cooked in a slow cooker, but didn’t find any that I wanted to try. I like this method.

overnight irish oatmeal recipe

How To Store Irish Oatmeal

Let the oatmeal cool completely then transfer to an airtight container. You can also keep the oatmeal in the Dutch oven you made it in. The oatmeal should last for up to 5 days. Because of this, you can make a week’s worth of oatmeal and just go back to it every morning. If you plan on keeping it for longer, you can freeze the oatmeal for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, add a splash of milk and microwave it for 30-60 seconds at a time. You can also do the same thing but on the stove.

Other Breakfast Recipes You Might Like To Try

overnight irish oatmeal recipe

Overnight Irish Oatmeal

bakedbree
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Irish Oatmeal
  • 4 cups water
  • pinch salt

add in:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 diced apple
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • almond milk if you need to thin the oatmeal a bit

Instructions
 

  • Pour 1 cup of oatmeal into 4 cups of boiling water. Add a pinch of salt.
  • Let the oatmeal simmer for 1 minute.
  • Cover the pot and refrigerate overnight.
  • The next morning, put the pot on the stove and cook over low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the oatmeal is hot.
  • Add whatever you like to your oatmeal.
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