If you’re wondering what to enjoy alongside your steel cut oats, you’re in for a treat! Steel cut oats offer a unique, hearty texture that complements a variety of flavors. Here are some delicious pairings:
- Fresh Fruits: Sliced bananas, berries, or diced apples add natural sweetness. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins.
- Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt gives a creamy tang and boosts the protein content.
- Nuts and Seeds: Chopped almonds, walnuts, or chia seeds not only enhance the texture but also provide healthy fats and proteins.
- Nut Butters: Peanut butter or almond butter can take your oats to a whole new level of indulgence while being nutritious.
- Spices: Cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkle in a warm, cozy feel that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Steel cut oats are a wholesome staple that can power your day, and let me tell you, they are not just breakfast food; they are pure magic in a bowl!
As a registered dietitian and an avid food blogger, I know firsthand how a well-prepared bowl of oats can set the tone for your entire morning. This simple grain, often overshadowed by its rolled counterparts, has a personality all its own—chewy, nutty, and inviting.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the so-called “secret world” of steel cut oats. With their comforting chew and nutty flavor, these oats deserve a spotlight. I’ll share how to make them, some non-obvious tricks for success, and ways to get creative with your toppings and ingredients. Are you ready to be an oat enthusiast? Let’s dive in!
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What is Steel Cut Oats Recipe?
Steel cut oats, also known as Irish oats, are whole oat groats that have been chopped into pieces. Unlike instant or rolled oats, they maintain a hearty, chewy texture even when cooked.
In this recipe, we’ll transform these whole grains into a warm and satisfying bowl of goodness, offering endless possibilities for toppings.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe for steel cut oats works wonders because it combines simplicity with nutrition. The oats themselves are a great source of fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety.
What’s more, cooking them with milk and water makes them creamy, while a touch of coconut oil or butter brings out a rich flavor without excess fuss. When you add spices or zest, you elevate your breakfast to something truly special, all while keeping it healthy.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for making steel cut oats. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup steel-cut oats (look for certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup milk of your choice (options include almond, whole dairy, or creamy coconut milk)
- 3 cups filtered water
- ¼ teaspoon mineral-rich sea salt
- 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil or unsalted grass-fed butter
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom (for warm spice depth)
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated orange or lemon zest (for a citrusy kick)
- 2 tablespoons chopped Medjool dates or dried cranberries for sweetness
- 1 tablespoon toasted crushed walnuts or sliced almonds for crunch
- Optional: drizzle of pure maple syrup or raw honey for natural sweetness
How to Make Steel Cut Oats Recipe
Before I detail the cooking process, here’s a brief overview. We’ll simmer the oats in a mixture of water and milk, season them, and let the magic happen until they reach a creamy consistency. Are you excited? Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Measure Your Ingredients
Start by measuring out your oats and liquid ingredients. Precision matters, especially with grains. Always opt for steel cut oats instead of rolled oats for that wonderful chewy texture.
Step 2: Combine Water and Milk
In a medium saucepan, combine the 3 cups of filtered water and 1 cup of your chosen milk. You can use any milk here—almond, coconut, or regular dairy all work well.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Set your saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a brisk boil. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want it to boil over! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add the Oats and Salt
Once boiling, add 1 cup of steel cut oats and ¼ teaspoon of sea salt. This is where you’ll start to see the transformation! The salt amplifies the flavors, making each bite more delightful.
Step 5: Lower the Heat and Simmer
Reduce the heat to a low setting and cover the saucepan. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 to 30 minutes. You want the oats to soften and absorb the liquid but keep that signature chew.
Step 6: Stir in Flavorings
After your oats are cooked to perfection, stir in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or butter, along with your spice of choice. Whether you go for ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom, the choice is yours. Also, add the zest from an orange or lemon to brighten the dish.
Step 7: Sweeten to Taste
This step is optional, but if you like your oats on the sweeter side, drizzle in some maple syrup or a bit of honey. Taste before you add too much sweetness!
Step 8: Top and Serve
Spoon your delicious oatmeal into bowls and get creative! Top with 2 tablespoons of chopped dates or cranberries and sprinkle on some walnuts or almonds for added crunch. Enjoy your bowl of goodness!

Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your oats and spices are fresh for the best flavor.
- Day Ahead Prep: For a quicker breakfast, soak oats overnight in the liquid; they’ll cook faster the next day.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: A little salt goes a long way in enhancing flavors.
- Variety of Liquids: Experiment with different milk alternatives for unique tastes.
- Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch and keep leftovers for quick breakfast options later in the week.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftover steel cut oats, cool them down completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Nutrition Information
A serving of steel cut oats (approximately ½ cup cooked) is typically about:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 5 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Carbohydrates: 27 grams
- Fats: 3 grams

How Would I Recommend Serving Steel Cut Oats Recipe?
- Classic Banana and Almond: Top your oats with sliced bananas, a drizzle of almond butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
- Berry Delight: Add a mix of fresh berries—blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries—alongside a dollop of yogurt. Fancy!
- Tropical Escape: Use shredded coconut, diced pineapple, and macadamia nuts for a vacation vibe in your bowl. Close your eyes, and you might just hear ocean waves.
- Chocolate Lover’s Oats: Stir in cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate and top with strawberries. Who says you can’t have a little indulgence for breakfast?
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?
If you’re missing something from the ingredient list, here are some handy alternatives:
- Milk: Substitute with any non-dairy option like oat milk, soy milk, or even water if in a pinch.
- Sweeteners: Instead of maple syrup, you could use agave nectar, brown sugar, or even mash up a banana as a sweetener.
- Dried Fruits: If you don’t have Medjool dates, consider raisins or chopped figs for that sweet boost.
- Coconut Oil or Butter: Grapeseed oil or olive oil work fine as a fat substitute.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has inspired you to take a closer look at steel cut oats. With their chewy texture and nutty flavor, they offer a hearty way to start your day or even enjoy as a nourishing snack. Whether you’re dressing them up with fruits or indulging in chocolatey goodness, the possibilities are endless.
Remember, cooking is all about experimentation, so don’t hesitate to play around with flavors! I invite you to give this steel cut oats recipe a try—it just might become your new breakfast obsession. Let the oats fill your morning with warmth and delight!
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Steel Cut Oats – Gourmet And Food
Description
Steel cut oats are a wholesome staple that can power your day, and let me tell you, they are not just breakfast food; they are pure magic in a bowl!
As a registered dietitian and an avid food blogger, I know firsthand how a well-prepared bowl of oats can set the tone for your entire morning. This simple grain, often overshadowed by its rolled counterparts, has a personality all its own—chewy, nutty, and inviting.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the so-called “secret world” of steel cut oats. With their comforting chew and nutty flavor, these oats deserve a spotlight. I’ll share how to make them, some non-obvious tricks for success, and ways to get creative with your toppings and ingredients. Are you ready to be an oat enthusiast? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Before I detail the cooking process, here’s a brief overview. We’ll simmer the oats in a mixture of water and milk, season them, and let the magic happen until they reach a creamy consistency. Are you excited? Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Measure Your Ingredients
-
Start by measuring out your oats and liquid ingredients. Precision matters, especially with grains. Always opt for steel cut oats instead of rolled oats for that wonderful chewy texture.
Step 2: Combine Water and Milk
-
In a medium saucepan, combine the 3 cups of filtered water and 1 cup of your chosen milk. You can use any milk here—almond, coconut, or regular dairy all work well.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
-
Set your saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a brisk boil. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want it to boil over! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add the Oats and Salt
-
Once boiling, add 1 cup of steel cut oats and ¼ teaspoon of sea salt. This is where you’ll start to see the transformation! The salt amplifies the flavors, making each bite more delightful.
Step 5: Lower the Heat and Simmer
-
Reduce the heat to a low setting and cover the saucepan. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 to 30 minutes. You want the oats to soften and absorb the liquid but keep that signature chew.
Step 6: Stir in Flavorings
-
After your oats are cooked to perfection, stir in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or butter, along with your spice of choice. Whether you go for ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom, the choice is yours. Also, add the zest from an orange or lemon to brighten the dish.
Step 7: Sweeten to Taste
-
This step is optional, but if you like your oats on the sweeter side, drizzle in some maple syrup or a bit of honey. Taste before you add too much sweetness!
Step 8: Top and Serve
-
Spoon your delicious oatmeal into bowls and get creative! Top with 2 tablespoons of chopped dates or cranberries and sprinkle on some walnuts or almonds for added crunch. Enjoy your bowl of goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3g5%
- Total Carbohydrate 27g9%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your oats and spices are fresh for the best flavor.
- Day Ahead Prep: For a quicker breakfast, soak oats overnight in the liquid; they’ll cook faster the next day.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: A little salt goes a long way in enhancing flavors.
- Variety of Liquids: Experiment with different milk alternatives for unique tastes.
Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch and keep leftovers for quick breakfast options later in the week.
