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Learn how to make the perfect bowl of creamy steel cut oats! Then have fun customizing it with endless topping options. Includes step-by-step instructions for both stovetop and Instant Pot (pressure cooker) methods. This steel cut oatmeal recipe is a delicious, warm breakfast option that is perfect for meal prep!
What Are Steel Cut Oats?
Steel cut oats are oat groats that have been chopped into small pieces with a steel blade. They are the least processed form of oats and retain their shape after cooking. These are my favorite type of oats to use when making a warm bowl of oatmeal since the results are creamy with a delicious chewy texture.
Rolled Oats vs Steel Cut Oats
The difference between rolled oats and steel cut oats is simply in how the grain is processed. All oats start off as whole oat groats.
As mentioned above, steel cut oats are oat groats that have been sliced into small pieces. Rolled oats are steamed and pressed flat. This is why they cook faster than steel cut oats and have a mushier texture after cooking.
Reasons Why You’ll Love Them
This steel cut oats recipe is a breakfast staple in my home (especially during those cold winter months when I’m craving something warm). Steel cut oatmeal is…
- A warm bowl of comfort! Delicious, creamy and nutty (from toasting the steel cut oats).
- Never mushy! Steel cut oats have a satisfying chewy texture that I can’t get enough of.
- Perfect for meal prep! It reheats well so make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.
- Fun to customize! With an endless array of toppings to choose from, everyone can create their perfect bowl!
Are you ready to make some steel cut oats? Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Just a few simple ingredients are needed to make a delicious bowl of steel cut oats…
- Steel Cut Oats: Bet you guessed this one! Make sure to use regular steel cut oats in this recipe. There are also “quick cooking steel cut oats” which would require a different cooking time and quantity of liquid since they are cut into smaller pieces.
- Water + Milk Of Choice: A mix of water and milk makes the oats extra creamy. Use any type of milk you like: dairy milk or non-dairy like coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, etc.
- Butter, Ghee or Coconut Oil: A bit is used to toast the oats to bring out that nutty flavor. I usually use this ghee.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavor of the oats. I like to use either pink Himalayan salt or sea salt.
- Toppings: So many possibilities! Have fun with it! Check out the Topping Ideas section for some inspiration.
- Equipment: For the stovetop method, you will simply need a saucepan and for the Instant Pot method you will need an Instant Pot (or other brand of pressure cooker).
Detailed ingredient list and directions located in the recipe card below.
How To Cook Steel Cut Oats
Let me walk you through two ways to make the perfect bowl of steel cut oats: 1) the traditional stovetop method and 2) the Instant Pot (pressure cooker) method.
Stovetop Method
The stovetop method is more hands on but I find it to be a soothing process and you are rewarded with the creamiest and most delicious steel cut oats.
To make the steel cut oats on the stove, simply…
- Heat Water + Milk: Bring water and milk to a simmer in a medium saucepan.
- Toast Oats: Toast the steel cut oats in some butter, ghee or coconut oil in a small pan. This step elevates the flavor of the oats. It brings out their delicious, nutty flavor. The smell is amazing!
- Simmer: Stir the oats into the milk/water mixture with a pinch of salt. Simmer over low heat for about 20-30 minutes while stirring occasionally. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool down a bit and thicken up.
- Topping Time: Time for the fun part! Top your bowl of oatmeal with your favorite toppings. Dig in and enjoy your warm, delicious breakfast.
Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
The Instant Pot method is not any quicker but the benefit is that it’s hands free. So you can stumble into the kitchen in the morning, set it up and go get ready. Breakfast will be ready and waiting for you when you come back!
To make Instant Pot steel cut oats, simply…
- Toast Oats: Select the “Sauté” function and toast the steel cut oats in some butter, ghee or coconut oil. The smell is amazing! This step elevates the flavor of the oats by giving them a delicious, nutty flavor.
- Pressure Cook: Add water and a pinch of salt. Pressure cook for 10 minutes followed by a natural release. The steel cut oats are fine to sit in “Keep Warm” mode until you get to them. So you can take your time and breakfast will be waiting for you once you are ready.
- Stir It Up: There will be liquid sitting on top – this is normal! Just stir it together and add in a splash of milk or cream. If you like your oats thicker, just let them sit for a bit to thicken up further.
- Topping Time: This is the best part! Time to put on your favorite toppings and enjoy!
New to the Instant Pot? I recommend checking out “10 Instant Pot Tips For Beginners” to learn how to use and better understand your Instant Pot.
Topping Ideas
Adding toppings is the fun part! There are endless possibilities and flavor combos. Keep it simple or go crazy! Here are some ideas:
- Fresh Fruit (or frozen): berries, bananas, apples, pears, peaches, mango, pomegranate, etc.
- Dried Fruit: raisins, cranberries, dates, coconut flakes, goji berries, etc.
- Nuts + Seeds: walnuts, pecans, almonds, pistachios, hemp hearts, pepitas, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, ground flax seed, nut butters, etc.
- Spices: cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom, pumpkin spice, etc.
- Sweetener: maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, rapadura sugar
- Other: chocolate chips, cacao nibs, jams, strawberry compote, stewed fruits, yogurt, crispy baked streusel topping, etc.
Turn it into a breakfast board!
Just set out a variety of toppings and let everyone build their own custom bowl of oatmeal. The Oatmeal Board shown below is a beautiful and super fun way to serve these steel cut oats for a relaxed weekend breakfast or brunch with family and friends.
Love breakfast boards? Make sure to check out these other Fun Breakfast Board Ideas as well!
Variations
Steel cut oats can easily be made to suit a number of dietary concerns.
- Make it dairy free or vegan: Use coconut oil to toast the oats and a plant based milk.
- Make it gluten free: Make sure to use certified gluten free oats to ensure there was no cross contamination during processing. Even though oats are a gluten free whole grain, they are often processed in the same facility as grains containing gluten.
- Make it nut free: This one is easy. Simply refrain from using nut milk or adding nuts as a topping.
Storage + Meal Prep
Steel cut oats are perfect for meal prep since they reheat well. Make a batch on the weekend and then simply reheat for a quick and easy breakfast throughout the week.
- Store: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Scoop the cooked steel cut oats into a silicone mold like a silicone muffin tray or a baby food storage tray or these cool Souper Cubes and freeze. Once frozen, you can pop them into a freezer bag or container and store in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To reheat: Add a splash of milk or water to loosen the oatmeal back up and gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
A Few Questions Answered
The stovetop method uses 1 cup of steel cut oats to 4 cups of liquid (mix of water and milk of choice). The Instant Pot method uses 1 cup of steel cut oats to 3 cups of water. A splash of cream or milk of choice is then added at the end to provide some creaminess.
You don’t need to but I highly recommend it! Toasting the oats really brings out the flavor and makes them nutty and delicious. It’s worth it just for the smell alone which is absolutely amazing (like a warm, cozy hug)!
Steel cut oats are a whole grain packed with fiber and are a good source of iron and B vitamins. They may help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels and promote healthy gut bacteria and increased feelings of fullness. This article discusses the benefits of oats if you are interested in learning more.
Oats are naturally gluten free but there is the risk of cross contamination with other grains during processing. Therefore, seek out certified gluten free oats if you need to be 100% sure.
More Oatmeal Recipes
Love oatmeal? Then make sure to check out the other oatmeal recipes below! Or if you are simply looking for more breakfast ideas, then you might enjoy some of these other breakfast recipes.
Did you try these steel cut oats? Let me know in the comments below or tag me on Instagram! I would love to hear which cooking method you chose and what your favorite toppings are!
How to Cook Steel Cut Oats: Stovetop + Instant Pot
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Instant Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Learn how to make the perfect bowl of creamy steel cut oats! Then have fun customizing it with endless topping options. Includes recipes for stovetop and Instant Pot (pressure cooker) methods.
Ingredients
Stovetop Method:
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon butter, ghee or coconut oil
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Toppings of your choice (see post for ideas)
Instant Pot Method:
- 1 tablespoon butter, ghee or coconut oil
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Splash of cream, coconut cream or milk of choice
- Toppings of your choice (see post for ideas)
Instructions
Stovetop Method:
- Heat water and milk: In a medium saucepan, bring the water and milk to a simmer over medium heat.
- Toast oats: Meanwhile, melt the butter, ghee or coconut oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the steel cut oats and stir for a couple of minutes until toasted with an amazing, nutty fragrance.
- Simmer: Add the steel cut oats and salt to the water/milk mixture. Simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and desired consistency is reached. Stir occasionally to prevent oats from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Remove from heat and let the oatmeal sit for a few minutes to cool down a bit and finish thickening.
- Add toppings and serve: Top your oatmeal with your favorite toppings. Dig in and enjoy!
Instant Pot Method:
- Toast oats: Select the “Sauté” function and add the butter, ghee or coconut oil to the Instant Pot. Once melted, add the steel cut oats and stir for a few minutes until toasted with a delicious, nutty fragrance. Press the Cancel button.
- Pressure cook: Add the water and salt to the oats. Secure the lid and set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Set to pressure cook for 10 minutes (high pressure) followed by a natural release.
- Stir together: Open the lid and give it a stir. There will be liquid sitting on top – this is normal! Just stir it together and add in a splash of cream, coconut cream or milk of choice to add some creaminess. For thicker oatmeal, just allow it to sit for a few minutes since it will thicken as it starts to cool down.
- Add toppings and serve: Top your oatmeal with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to use regular steel cut oats in this recipe. Don’t use quick cooking steel cut oats since these are cut into smaller pieces and require a different cooking time and ratio of liquid.
- Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. The easiest way to freeze is to scoop the cooked steel cut oats into a silicone mold like a silicone muffin tray, baby food storage tray or these cool Souper Cubes and freeze. Once frozen, pop them into a freezer bag or container and store in the freezer. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
- To reheat: Add a splash of milk or water to loosen the oatmeal back up and gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
- Instant Pot: I have the 6-Quart Instant Pot Duo. If you are new to the Instant Pot, check out “10 Instant Pot Tips For Beginners”.
- Meal prep: Steel cut oats are great for meal prep. I usually double the recipe, store the leftovers and then reheat for a quick breakfast throughout the week.
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Originally published September 2019. Updated to include new photos and information.
I like the idea of using ghee and toasting the oats will definitely make them tastier
For sure! And the smell is amazing too!
the step by step instructions are awesome and love all the variations to make it with!
I’m happy that you found the post helpful!
Okay! I guess I’ve been buying the wrong oats. No wonder I’m not a fan of oatmeal, I just don’t like the mushy texture but I do like the idea of it. I’m going to try steel cut oats next!
I’m also not the biggest fan of the texture of a bowl of rolled oats (I keep those for baking!). Steel cut oats keep their shape more and have a certain chewiness to them that I absolutely love.
This is total comfort food! I’ve never toasted the oats before but wow is that delicious. I just ate mine plain but I’m going to try some fancy toppings next time. Thanks!
Once I started toasting the steel cut oats first, I never went back. Love that nuttiness!
Oats are such a classic breakfast. I’ve never thought of making them in the instant pot before. Thanks for providing a detailed guide.
The Instant Pot is a great alternative when you literally just want to set and forget it while you go do something else.
Such a fantastic idea for breakfast and a perfect recipe too. Thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great oats guide! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! I’m happy it was helpful!
I love the idea of a topping board. I never know what to serve my family of grown ups and little kids when they visit. This was perfect! Thank you.
The oatmeal board is such a fun way to serve oatmeal to a group. Everyone always loves being able to build their own bowl of oatmeal and I always enjoy seeing what combination of toppings people choose!
I simply love a big bowl of perfectly cooked steel cut oats – thanks so much for your tips!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you found the post helpful:)
Oatmeal is such a staple in our household for breakfast, what a great little guide!
It becomes a breakfast staple in my household as well as soon as the mornings get colder! Glad you found the guide helpful:)