How to Cook Steel Cut Oats (4 Ways)

Here are 4 ways to cook steel cut oats to suit your needs! Learn the top tips for making the creamiest oatmeal and most delicious breakfast along with all the topping suggestions.

Reasons to Love Steel Cut Oats

I am a working mom of two littles so I get it! Time is of the essence and you may have crossed off steel cut oats altogether.

Yes, steel cut oats take the longest time to cook compared to rolled oats or quick cooking oats, BUT here are so many reasons why you shouldn’t let that stop you from inviting this nutritious ingredient into your daily meal!

• Has an incredibly satisfying chew while still maintaining the creaminess that makes a bowl of oatmeal so satisfying. It also tastes heartier and nuttier.
• It’s great for meal prep – because steel cut oats are chewier, the hold up better in the refrigerator for longer whereas the other oats turn soft and mushy over time. They reheat beautifully too.
• Has a lower glycemic index, meaning it will take longer to process in the body keeping you and your child fuller for longer.
• Has a delicious slightly nutty flavor and wonderful texture to introduce to your baby or toddler.

Are Steel cut oats healthier than Rolled oats?

While you may have heard that steel cut oats are better for you, the truth is ALL types of oats are healthy with very similar nutritional profiles.

They are all 100% whole grain, great sources of fiber (beta-glucan), vitamins B and E, and protein.

The exception to this are instant oatmeal packets with added sugar.

What is the difference between rolled oats and steel cut oats?

All oats start out as oat groats. The main difference between steel-cut, rolled, and quick or instant oats is how much the oat groat has been processed.

They also differ in cooking time, texture, uses, and glycemic index.

Steel cut oats

Also known as Scottish or Irish oats, steel cut oats are the least processed type of oats. They are made by chopping whole oat groats into smaller pieces using a steel blade.

And because of this, steel-cut oats take the longest time to cook and results in a chewy texture and a nutty flavor.

Rolled oats

Also commonly referred to as old-fashioned oats, this type is made by steaming the oat groats then flattening them with rollers to create flakes. It’s quicker to cook, softer, and milder in flavor compared to the steel-cut oats.

Thus, it’s the most versatile type and are great for baking.

And here’s how to cook baby oatmeal with rolled oats.

Quick oats

Instant or quick oats are the most processed variety. These are rolled oats that have been pre-cooked and then chopped into tiny pieces. As a result, they have the quickest cooking time and the softest texture.

Ingredients

• Steel-cut oats
• Liquid -I like to use both water and milk for that perfect creamy bowl. You can adjust the ratio to your liking as well.
• Salt – Just a small amount really brings out the oats flavor. You can leave it out if intending to serve to your baby.

How to Cook Steel Cut Oats

Here are top 4 ways to cook steel cut oats. The best way depends on personal preference and the time available.

On the Stove

While this method is quite simple, it does require you to keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. It is great for when you are having a slow(er) morning.

Oats to liquid ratio: 1 cup of steel cut oats to 3 1/2 -4 cups of liquid, depending on your preference for thickness and creaminess. I like to use 2 1/2 cups of water and 1 cup of milk but you can experiment and find the perfect ratio for you.

Tip: Be sure to use a large pot so the oats have room to expand. If your oats start rising up, give them a quick stir. If that doesn’t do the trick, then lower the heat a little bit.

1. Add water and milk to a medium or large saucepan. Bring to a boil.
2. Add steel cut oats and salt and give it a good stir.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to scrap the bottom to prevent the oats from sticking.
4. At this point, if thinner consistency is desired, add more water or milk.

In the Instant Pot

This method will actually take a little bit longer than the stove top method, but it’s a great option if you don’t have time to baby sit it. Just set it and walk away. Not to mention the Instant Pot will keep the oats warm until you’re ready to enjoy.

Oats to water ratio: 1 to 3

Note: You may get a burn warning if you use dairy milk. So to be safe, use all water and stir in the milk after it’s cooked for that extra creaminess or use dairy-free milk, like oat milk or almond milk.

1. Spray the insert with oil. Wipe any excess at the top edge of the pot. Add 1 cup of oats and 3 cups of water. Close the lid and set the pressure valve in the sealing position.
2. Press “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the timer for 3 minutes on high. It will take about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure.
3. Allow the pressure to naturally release for about 20 minutes. Using a spoon, turn the release valve to the venting position. Open the lid and give it a good stir.
4. There will be a lot of extra liquid so don’t be alarmed. Give it a good stir and it will all get absorbed into the oats. You can stir in a splash of milk to make it creamier.

In the Slow Cooker

This is another hands free option but takes hours to cook. That’s why I like to make a big batch by doubling or tripling the recipe and freezing extra for the future

Oats to liquid ratio: 1 to 4

1. Spray the insert with oil so you don’t spend your precious time scrubbing.
2. Add 1 cup of oats and 4 cups of liquid and give it a good stir.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Overnight steel cut oats

As the name suggests, this method is best for when you want to partially cook at night. If you love overnight oats with rolled oats, you must try the steel cut oats version!

Topping Suggestions

Here comes the best part! You can easily incorporate more variety and nutrition throughout the week simply by switching up the toppings. And if you haven’t tried savory oatmeal, I hope this list inspires you to shake up your oatmeal routine.

Here are some suggestions:

• Fresh Fruit (like mangoes, peaches, blueberries, strawberries, banana, apples)
• Dried Fruit
• Nuts – be sure to finely chop for babies
• Seeds
• Peanut or nut butter
• Maple syrup or honey
• Strawberry jam (with no added sugar)
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Yogurt
• Sweet potatoes
• Butternut squash
• Avocado
• Eggs
• Cheese – here are the best cheese for babies and toddlers
• Grated carrots or zucchini
• Tomatoes

Storage Suggestions

As mentioned, the beautify of steel-cut oats is that they hold up really well in the refrigerator and the leftovers will retain that lovely chew. They reheat really well too!

To refrigerate

I like to divide up the oatmeal into single-serving portions and place in airtight containers for an easy gran-n-go option.

They will keep in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. The oats will thicken up more so I suggest adding some milk or water when reheating.

To freeze

My favorite method is to transfer to a silicone muffin pan or a large freezer tray! They will just pop right out. Place in the freezer and once frozen solid, remove the oatmeal cups and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.

It will keep for up to 3 months.

Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!