Overnight Steel Cut Oats

Name: Overnight Steel Cut Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 486 min
Ingredients: ½ cup steel cut oats; 2 cups water; pinch of sea salt; toppings of choice - cinnamon, banana (berries, hemp seeds, chia seeds, maple syrup, etc.)

By Brittany Mullins

4.92

Published Jan 09, 2022

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The best method for making overnight steel cut oats that actually get soft and creamy. They’re such an easy, healthy breakfast to prep and delicious served with fresh fruit as a topping.

Being an overnight oats lover I really wanted to try making overnight oats with steel cut oats instead of rolled oats, but after testing this recipe a few times I was defeated and almost gave up, figuring that overnight steel cut oats just weren’t in the cards for me.

Lucky for you, I finally figured out a way to make them that resulted in creamy (and little chewy) cold steel cut oats that were delicious rather than hard and inedible, like most of my test batches.

Two glass bowls of overnight steel cut oats. One it topped with blueberries and the other is topped with banana, maple and chia seeds.

This recipe couldn’t be simpler. It does involve quick cooking the oats (for literally a minute) but then it is pretty hands-off until you’re ready to indulge in the morning.

Steel Cut Oatmeal vs. Rolled Oats

To start, let’s cover the basics! Steel cut oats are the least processed type of oats. The oat groat (the full oat “grain”) is simply cut into two or three parts to get steel cut oats. Because they are less processed, they absorb more liquid and take longer to cook/soak than rolled oats.

Rolled oats are oat groats that have been steamed and then rolled. This processing allows rolled oats to soak up liquid rather quickly, which is why traditional overnight oats don’t need to be cooked at all.

Water, steel cut oats and salt measured out in containers or cups.

Here’s What You Need

steel cut oats – make sure you grab gluten-free steel cut oats if needed. My favorite brand is Bob’s Red Mill steel cut oats. I used regular steel cut oats, and I haven’t tested the recipe with quick cooking overnight oats but it should work just fine.
water – I prefer using filtered water for this recipe but you can use milk if you want the end result to be super creamy.
sea salt – trust me on this one. The salt brings out the flavor of the oats (and other mix-ins!).

Glass food storage containers with creamy steel cut oats.

How to Make Overnight Steel Cut Oats

This recipe couldn’t get any simpler! First, place oats, water and salt into a saucepan and bring to a boil, watching carefully so the water doesn’t boil over. Turn down heat quickly and allow the oats to simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool.

Transfer to a container with a lid, cover and place in the fridge overnight.

The next morning, portion the oatmeal into jars. The recipe should make 2 servings.

Add toppings of choice and enjoy cold. I love banana slices, berries, chopped nuts, chia seeds and nut butter for toppings.

How simple is that?!

Hemp seeds, blueberries, maple syrup, chia seeds, banana and cinnamon measured out.

Have Fun With the Toppings!

After nailing this base recipe, you can really get creative with your toppings and mix-ins to add flavor and texture to the oats!

cinnamon – one of my go-to add-ins for instant flavor!
banana – I love mixing in banana before letting sit overnight and then adding extra slices on top before serving.
berries – same as the banana – add some in before letting sit and more on top in the morning!
hemp seeds – add a protein punch with hemp seeds. I like to sprinkle these on top for added crunch.
chia seeds – packed with healthy fats and fiber, you can add chia seeds during soaking or just sprinkle some on top.
maple syrup – I love adding this natural sweetener for a hint of extra sweetness!
chopped nuts – add extra crunch and healthy fats with chopped nuts of your choice.
nut butter – I almost always add a drizzle of nut butter to my overnight oats! If you’re interested in making your own nut butter, check out my post for how to make homemade almond butter.

How Long Will They Last?

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge overnight oats should last for up to 5 days. They will soften more the longer they sit so I find they’re best on days 1-3, but they’re still safe to eat on days 4 and 5. With this said, overnight oats are great for meal prep. Feel free to make a whole batch for the week on Sunday. I like prepping them in wide mouth 16 oz mason jars.

More Steel Cut Oats Recipes

More Overnight Oats Recipes to Try

Be sure to check out all the oatmeal recipes on eBF!

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4.92 from 24 votes