How to Make Steel Cut Oats 4 Ways – The Ultimate Guide To Steel Cut Oatmeal

Learn how to make steel cut oats on the stove top, in the slow cooker, in the Instant Pot, or overnight in this ultimate guide to cooking steel cut oats. Whatever method you choose will give you a bowl of creamy, delicious steel cut oatmeal!

I think it’s safe to say that I’m a bit obsessed with oatmeal. It’s my favorite breakfast on a cold winter morning, especially topped with all kinds of fun toppings like fruit, nut butter, seeds, and more. I also eat oatmeal most days in the summer, too. But bad oatmeal can be really bad, and can turn people off of oatmeal for a long time. So to give you the best shot at loving oatmeal just like me, I’ve put together a guide on how to cook the best chewy, nutty, delicious bowl of steel cut oats – no mushy, bland oatmeal here!

First A Quick Lesson On Steel Cut Oatmeal

All oatmeal starts out as an unprocessed, unbroken oat grain called a groat. The difference between different types of oatmeal (steel cut vs rolled oats vs quick cooking, etc) is how the whole groats are processed. Steel cut oats (also called Irish or Scottish oats) are formed by cutting the groats into several pieces that hold their shape well during cooking. They take longer to cook, and result in a chewier, more toothsome texture. Steel cut oats are different from rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats), which are steamed and then flattened, or rolled, to make flat, flake-like pieces that cook much faster. Quick cooking and instant oats are further processed to reduce cooking time even more. While you might not think so, all forms of oats have roughly the same nutritional profile (of course, unless you get into flavored varieties).

Why Steel Cut Oats?

Steel cut oats are my favorite variety because of their chewy, full-bodied texture. I love the bite of steel cut oatmeal and that there is much less mush factor. Even though steel cut oats take longer to cook than other kinds of oatmeal, the taste and texture is worth it to me. Steel cut oats produce a truly satisfying bowl of oatmeal that’s both ultra creamy and still textured. A steaming bowl of steel cut oatmeal is the perfect canvas for any combination of toppings for a delicious breakfast.

Another reason I love steel cut oats? They’re so nutritious!

Health Benefits of Oats

• Oats are loaded with vitamins and minerals – iron, zinc, manganese, calcium, and B-vitamins to name a few.
• Oats contain tons of fiber – both soluble and insoluble – that can help lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, and aid in preventing constipation. Furthermore, a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan in oats has been shown to increase prolactin, a hormone that promotes the production of breastmilk, so it’s great for nursing moms!
• Oats also contain antioxidants that could help protect against heart disease and colon cancer.
• Oats are naturally gluten-free, so they’re safe for those with celiac. If you have severe gluten-intolerance, just be sure to look for certified gluten-free oats, since they can sometimes be processed on the same equipment as gluten-containing ingredients.
• Finally, oats are super filling due to their fiber and surprisingly high protein content (6 grams per cup of cooked oatmeal), making them a great choice for a lasting, satisfying breakfast.

What Is The Best Way To Cook Steel Cut Oats?

The best method for cooking steel cut oats is dependent on what you prefer. If you have a slow and leisurely morning ahead, go ahead and use the traditional stovetop method. If you prefer to make them ahead of time, use the overnight method or pop them in the slow cooker before bed. Into meal prep? Use your Instant Pot to make a batch on the weekend to eat on throughout the week.

One thing is for sure – if you’re intimidated by the thought of cooking steel cut oatmeal, don’t be! It’s really very easy and totally worth the effort. I’ve put together the ultimate guide on how to make steel cut oats for whichever way you prefer below.

Toasting Steel Cut Oats

An optional step before getting started with any of the methods below is toasting your oats. Toasting oats gives them a richer, nutty flavor, but it’s not necessary if you don’t have the time. To toast steel cut oats, just heat the dry oats in a pan or skillet over medium heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Then continue on with whichever method you choose.

How to Make Steel Cut Oats on The Stovetop

1. Bring 3 cups of water or milk to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add 1 cup steel cut oats and stir.
3. Cover, lower heat, and simmer 20-30 minutes (20 for chewier oatmeal, 30 for creamier oatmeal).

How to Make Steel Cut Oats Overnight

1. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add 1 cup of steel cut oats and stir. Remove from heat.
3. Cover the pan and let it sit at room temperature overnight.
4. In the morning, stir in 1 cup of your milk of choice and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through.

How to Make Steel Cut Oats in the Slow Cooker

(I use this All Clad slow cooker and love it!)

1. Place 1 cup of steel cut oats and 4 cups of water or nondairy milk of choice in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or overnight.
3. Stir and serve in the morning!

How to Make Steel Cut Oats in the Instant Pot

1. Spray the inside of the Instant Pot or pressure cooker with oil. Wipe any excess from the rim.
2. Add 1 cup of steel cut oats and 3 cups of water or nondairy milk of choice to the pot. Close and lock the lid, sealing the vent.
3. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally (about 10 minutes) before opening and stirring.

Tips For Making The Best Steel Cut Oats

• If you prefer creamier oatmeal, use milk or nondairy milk of your choice instead of water, except for in the overnight method (for safety, dairy milk shouldn’t be left at room temperature overnight). I recommend nondairy milk for the Instant Pot or slow cooker to prevent curdling.
• For a nutty, more flavorful taste, toast the oats before cooking (see above).
• You can add a pinch of salt before cooking if you’d like.
• Make sure you are using regular steel cut oats for these recipes, not the quick cooking kind. The quick cook kind don’t take near as long.
• Use steel cut oatmeal as a blank canvas for all kinds of breakfast bowl creations! Top with fruit, nuts, spices, nut butter, seeds, or really anything your heart desires.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Store leftover steel cut oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
• To make individual freezer portions, pour cooked oatmeal into large silicone ice cube trays or silicone muffin liners. Freeze. Once frozen, pop out the portions and store them in a freezer bag. 
• To reheat in the microwave, place in a microwave-safe container and heat 1-2 minutes, or until hot. Add milk of choice and stir.
• To reheat on the stove, add 2-4 tbsp water or milk per serving and cook over medium-low heat, stirring, until warm.

If you made this recipe, please leave a star rating in the comments!

How to Make Steel Cut Oats 4 Ways

How to make steel cut oats on the stove, in the slow cooker, in the Instant Pot, or overnight to yield a delicious batch of creamy, nutty steel cut oatmeal. (gluten-free, nut-free)

• Author: Kaleigh
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: varies
• Total Time: varies
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: breakfast
• Method: stovetop, instant pot, slow cooker
• Cuisine: American

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

For Stovetop Method:

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 3 cups water or milk of choice

For Overnight Method:

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup milk of choice

For Slow Cooker Method:

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 4 cups water or milk of choice

For Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Method:

• Oil spray
• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 3 cups water or milk of choice

Instructions

For Stovetop Method:

1. Optional: toast oats. Heat uncooked steel cut oats in a skillet over medium-low heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring water or milk to a gentle boil. Add oats and stir.
3. Cover and simmer 20-30 minutes over low heat until oats reach desired doneness (20 minutes for chewy oats, 30 minutes for more creamy).
4. Scoop into bowls and top as desired.

For Overnight Method:

1. Optional: toast oats. Heat uncooked steel cut oats in a skillet over medium-low heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add oats and stir.
3. Cover and remove from heat. Let sit overnight.
4. In the morning, add 1 cup milk and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through.
5. Scoop into bowls and top as desired.

For Slow Cooker Method:

1. Optional: toast oats. Heat uncooked steel cut oats in a skillet over medium-low heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
2. Add oats and water to bowl of a slow cooker. Stir.
3. Cover and cook on low setting 7-8 hours, or overnight.
4. Stir and scoop into bowls. Top as desired.

For Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Method:

1. Optional: toast oats. Heat uncooked steel cut oats in a skillet over medium-low heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
2. Generously spray inside of pressure cooker or instant pot with cooing spray. Wipe any excess from the rim.
3. Add oats and water. Close and lock the lid and seal the vent.
4. Cook on high setting for 4 minutes.
5. Release pressure naturally, about 10 minutes. Once pressure has released, remove lid and stir.
6. Scoop into bowls and top as desired.

Notes

• If you prefer creamier oatmeal, use milk or nondairy milk of your choice instead of water, except for in the overnight method (for safety, dairy milk shouldn’t be left at room temperature overnight). I recommend nondairy milk for the Instant Pot or slow cooker to prevent curdling.
• For a nutty, more flavorful taste, toast the oats before cooking.
• Add a pinch of salt before cooking if you prefer.
• Make sure you are using regular steel cut oats for these recipes, not the quick cooking kind. The quick cook kind don’t take near as long.
• Use steel cut oatmeal as a blank canvas for all kinds of breakfast bowl creations! Top with fruit, nuts, spices, nut butter, seeds, or really anything your heart desires.
• Store leftover steel cut oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
• To make individual freezer portions, pour cooked oatmeal into large silicone ice cube trays or silicone muffin liners. Freeze. Once frozen, pop out the portions and store them in a freezer bag.
• To reheat in the microwave, place in a microwave-safe container and heat 1-2 minutes, or until hot. Add milk of choice and stir.
• To reheat on the stove, add 2-4 tbsp water or milk per serving and cook over medium-low heat, stirring, until warm.

Keywords: how to make steel cut oats, steel cut oatmeal, steel cut oatmeal 4 ways