Wake up to a big bowl healthy and satisfying Overnight Steel-Cut Oats—just a few minutes of prep the night before is all it takes. Good luck trying to sleep through the anticipation!
Want to hear something kinda sad? Of course, you do.
Whenever I make Overnight Steel-Cut Oats, I’m as giddy as I was as a child on Christmas Eve.
Told you it was kinda sad. But I don’t care! Such is my mania for these oats. I mean, it’s a good thing they’re chock-full of energy because I rarely get much sleep when I know I have a big bowl of them awaiting me in the morning. Sure, I can make instant oats in my PJs and within minutes, be sat down with a spoon in hand. But what wins me over with this recipe is the texture of the oats. Whereas rolled oats run the risk of turning to mush very quickly, steel-cut oats retain their nutty flavor. They’re nice and chewy, making it feel more like a hearty meal than its made-the-morning-of brethren.
What’s more, overnight steel-cut oats are like the slow-cooker meal you set and forget. The amount of prep work is minimal, so don’t be put off by the ‘overnight’ bit; you’re not expected to stay up all night stirring away! Once morning comes, your oats are good to go. Just reach for your toppings, give it a good stir, and have a feast. It’s Christmas morning, after all.
How Do Steel-Cut Oats & Rolled Oats Differ?
It’s time for an origin story! Both start out as whole oat groats (i.e., oats with only the husk removed) but rolled oats are steamed then flattened with a roll. All this work before it arrives in your kitchen means it takes less time to cook and soften. Steel-cut oats, as its name indicates, takes those groats and cuts them with steel blades. The minimal processing means they retain the texture and density of its original form. They also retain more fiber. Though the difference isn’t great, some point to it as the reason they feel fuller after a bowl of steel-cut oats. Nutritionally speaking, there’s little that separates the two. Both contain vitamins and minerals, while steel-cut oats has a lower glycemic index, which may be beneficial to those concerned with blood-sugar levels.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup steel-cut oats
- 2 cups water
- pinch of sea salt
How to Make Overnight Steel-Cut Oats
Step 1: In a saucepan, combine steel-cut oats, water, and a pinch of sea salt. Bring to a boil, making sure to watch it closely to prevent boiling over. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let simmer for just 1 minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Step 2: Transfer the slightly cooled oat mixture into a container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal the container and place it in the refrigerator to chill overnight.
Step 3: The next morning, divide the now creamy and soft oatmeal into jars or bowls, creating two even servings.
Step 4: Add your favorite toppings to each serving. Enjoy!
FAQs & Tips
Reverse the process. Put the cooled oats back in that airtight jar then back in the fridge They should last for up to a week. You can also freeze the oats for up to three months. I recommend dividing them up into smaller containers first. You can later thaw them overnight (another overnight procedure!) or in the microwave then cook back on the stove. They may need a bit of liquid (milk/cream) to retrieve that consistency you once knew.
Sure. boil them in water or milk on the stove for 10–15 minutes. Then reduce to a simmer and let sit for another 15–20 minutes, until the consistency you’re after has been reached.
Cinnamon, banana, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, peach (I like canned), hemp seeds, chia seeds, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey… they will all go well with your oats. For a texture change, add a splash of cream.
Sure. First, coat the slow cooker with a nonstick spray. Then add all the ingredients (including any sweeteners and spices) and give it a good stir. Set it on LOW and forget about it for 6–8 hours.
Yep. Depending on how creamy you want your oats, you can replace some or all of the water in this recipe with milk.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re after topping suggestions, check out the FAQs. If you’re after other dishes you can add to the oats for a well-rounded meal or brunch, read on. First, the protein. We’ve got Delicious Over-Hard Eggs and a pork overload in the form of Bacon-Wrapped Sausage. Then stacks of Buttermilk Pancakes topped with the fruit and syrup you may have added to your oats. Last, the secret to a Perfect Mimosa—a fun way to complement your brunch.
Overnight Steel-Cut Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup steel-cut oats
- 2 cups water
- pinch sea salt
- toppings of choice such as cinnamon, banana slices, berries, hemp seeds, chia seeds, maple syrup
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine steel cut oats, water, and a pinch of sea salt. Bring to a boil, making sure to watch it closely to prevent boiling over. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let simmer for just 1 minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Transfer the slightly cooled oat mixture into a container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal the container and place it in the refrigerator to chill overnight.
- The next morning, divide the now–creamy and soft oatmeal into two bowls.
- Add your chosen toppings to each serving.
Nutrition
