This Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal is the easiest, foolproof way to enjoy healthy steel cut oats! Spend five minutes preparing it at night and wake up to perfectly cooked oatmeal in the morning.
I’ve been making this beauty of a recipe for YEARS.
Ya see, I found the genius method of cooking steel cut oats overnight on the internet ages ago and have perfected it over time. Because who wants to wait 30 minutes for oatmeal to cook? Not this lady! Now it’s second nature to us to make a big batch of oats for the week because it makes eating a healthy, yummy breakfast SO quick and easy. This recipe also makes a lot, because you know how much I appreciate leftovers. Any oatmeal you don’t finish you can use in in these splendid Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins! Too soon for pumpkin? Never.
This creamy Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal takes just minutes to prepare, is super cheap, and makes enough to last me and the big eater next to me for days. It’s approachable, affordable, and accessible health at its finest. Miracle breakfast situation, ya hear?
What’s the Difference Between Steel Cut Oats and Rolled Oats?
Now when it comes to the anatomy of oatmeal, there’s instant oats, old fashioned rolled oats, steel cut oats, and oat groats. Oat groats are the most natural state of oats, the whole hulled kernel of the oat grain. Steel cut oats are the least processed of the oat varieties, meaning they take the longest to cook. While these varieties differ in processing, the nutritional value is pretty much the same. If you’re like me and don’t want to stand over the stove for half an hour, this Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal is made for your face.
How to Make Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal
Full of fiber, plant protein, and whole grain goodness, Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal is a GLORIOUS way to start the day, especially when the full Tupperware is ready to go and all you have to do is throw it in the microwave and top to your heart’s content. I use these 36oz glass containers to store leftovers. To make this ridonculously simple recipe, all you have to do is bring oats, water, and almond milk to a boil for 2 minutes, cover, remove from heat, and let it sit out overnight (not in the refrigerator).
That’s it! I use my trusty 5-qt dutch oven for cooking, which I use for pretty much everything.
Now let’s talk ingredients! I typically get my steel cut oats at Aldi (traditional, not quick cook) because they’re the most affordable. I keep several containers of it on hand at all times. For the milk, I use whatever store brand unsweetened vanilla almond milk I have on hand, which is either the Aldi brand of Kroger’s Simple Truth brand. It makes it nice and creamy. If you like sweeter oatmeal, you could use an original milk that’s sweetened or add brown sugar/honey/maple syrup to to your liking. You could also use all water if you’re not on team creamy oatmeal.
Topping Options for Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal
You guys know how much I love nut butter, and no bowl of oatmeal is complete without it. My go to is this date pecan butter because it’s sweet and salty and heavenly, but I also adore almond butter (I get the big 2-packs of Kirkland brand from Costco), peanut butter, and sunflower seed butter. P.S. did you know pecans have more antioxidants than any other nut?!
When it’s summer and they’re in season, fresh blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries make the best toppings. When it’s fall or winter, I heat up frozen wild blueberries instead. After the nut butter and berries goes a sprinkling of mulberries for sweetness, texture, and a nutrient boost plus cinnamon. Done and done!
When I’m not feeling the nut butter route, I love doing a pat of butter, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, chopped crisp apple, and a pinch of salt. It legit tastes like a caramel apple!
Are Steel Cut Oats Gluten-Free?
Oats do not contain gluten. This gets confusing because they are often processed in facilities that do process grains with gluten, which means risking cross-contamination. If you are avoiding gluten for personal or health reasons, be on the lookout for steel cut oats that indicate they’re certified gluten-free on the label.
Making Oatmeal in the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
If you’re looking for quicker method, I’ve made steel cut oatmeal in the Instant Pot using 2 cups of steel cut oats, 3 cups of water, 3 cups of almond milk, and a good pinch of salt. Cover with lid and turn the top to sealing. Cook on high pressure (“manual”) for 4 minutes. When it’s done, allow the pressure to release manually for 20 minutes. The oats will thicken as they sit. I like mine more like porridge, but if you like them thicker, cut back on the liquid.
To cook steel cut oats in a 4-6 quart slow cooker, first spray vessel very well with cooking spray. Use ingredient proportions below and combine in a slow cooker. Cover with lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours or overnight. Easy!
How to Store Leftover Oatmeal
This recipe makes a giant batch of overnight oatmeal, making breakfast a breeze! If you’re cooking for one, cut the recipe in half.
- You can store leftover overnight steel cut oatmeal in the refrigerator for a week and in the freezer for months. In order to reheat, simply mix your desired portion of steel cut oats with a little water or milk and warm it in the microwave or on the stove.
- You can also freeze leftover steel cut oatmeal in pre-portioned containers for busy mornings and transfer them to the refrigerator the night before so they’re ready to go in the morning. I like these glass containers for meal prep.
Please let me know how this overnight steel cut oatmeal recipe turns out for you by leaving a star rating and/or comment! I hope you adore it as much as I do.
CRAVING MORE OATMEAL GOODNESS? DON’T MISS MY OTHER GO-TO OATMEAL RECIPES:
- Banana Zucchini Overnight Oats
- Salted Chocolate Covered Oatmeal Bites
- Blueberry Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal
- Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Snack Bars
- Banana Zucchini Oatmeal Cups
Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 mins
- Yield: 6 1x
This Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal is the easiest, foolproof way to enjoy healthy steel cut oats! Spend five minutes preparing it at night and wake up to perfectly cooked oatmeal in the morning.
- 2 cups steel cut oats (NOT quick cook)
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- Bring milk, water, oats, and pinch of salt to a boil in a large pot (I use my dutch oven).
- Let it boil for 1-2 minutes, stirring to make sure it doesn’t boil over.
- Remove from the heat (I move it to the burner behind), cover with lid, and let it sit out on the stove overnight, unrefrigerated.
- In the morning, remove lid, stir, heat, and eat! I like to top mine with nut butter and berries or butter, maple syrup, crisp apples, and salt. Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
- This makes enough to feed me and Jeff for breakfast for several days. Feel free to cut in half if you’re cooking for one.
- Do not substitute old-fashioned oats. Only steel-cut will work in this recipe. (Use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.)
Did You Make This Recipe?
Let me know by leaving a review or tagging @hummusapien on Instagram!
I rarely cook my oats overnight, mostly I just cook them in a rush in the morning (if I even do, since I’m always so last minute!). This recipe would be a nice change to help with my time in the morning! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Give it a go!
I rarely cook my oats overnight, mostly I just cook them in a rush in the morning (if I even do, since I’m always so last minute!). This recipe would be a nice change to help with my time in the morning! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Give it a go!
Do you think it is safe to keep this on the stove overnight if I use homemade almond milk that has no preservatives?
Yep
Do you think it is safe to keep this on the stove overnight if I use homemade almond milk that has no preservatives?
Yep
How do you portion it out in the morning? Just wondering what the serving size of the cooked oats is? I’m the same way with PB vs almond butter as a topper. Almond butter only on oats, PB for sandwiches 🙂
The serving depends on the person—I fill my bowl and eat till I’m full 🙂
After I asked the question I realized that’s how you’d answer 🙂 . Thanks! Trying this tonight!
How do you portion it out in the morning? Just wondering what the serving size of the cooked oats is? I’m the same way with PB vs almond butter as a topper. Almond butter only on oats, PB for sandwiches 🙂
The serving depends on the person—I fill my bowl and eat till I’m full 🙂
After I asked the question I realized that’s how you’d answer 🙂 . Thanks! Trying this tonight!
I cannot wait to try this! My MIL was just asking about steel cut oats, so I sent her this recipe. 🙂
I cannot wait to try this! My MIL was just asking about steel cut oats, so I sent her this recipe. 🙂
I honestly had given up on cooking steel cut oats just because of the time! I cannot wait to try this method; thanks for sharing! BTW, team Aldi all the way 🙂
I honestly had given up on cooking steel cut oats just because of the time! I cannot wait to try this method; thanks for sharing! BTW, team Aldi all the way 🙂
Thanks for posting this! I saw it on your stories and wanted to make it but then I forgot what you did haha. I have never done overnight oats because I reallyyyyy struggle with the thought of eating cold oats, so the fact that you heat this up again in the morning is a major selling point for me! Can’t wait to give this a try!
Yay! They’re nothing like typical overnight oats because they’re cooked, not raw. Way better in my opinion!
Thanks for posting this! I saw it on your stories and wanted to make it but then I forgot what you did haha. I have never done overnight oats because I reallyyyyy struggle with the thought of eating cold oats, so the fact that you heat this up again in the morning is a major selling point for me! Can’t wait to give this a try!
Yay! They’re nothing like typical overnight oats because they’re cooked, not raw. Way better in my opinion!
WOW!!! Oatmeal is one of my favorites, and I’ve been hoping for a great overnight recipe to come along.
So, peanut butter and almond butter has never occurred to me. I will try anything, once.
Also, if I may share, I always add raisins and cinnamon to mine. As I’m writing this it also occurs to me chopped up dried figs and dates might go well too. Pecans are swell and so are walnuts.
Like most of your recipes Alexis, this one is definitely a keeper.
Stay Blessed :^)
★★★★
Love cinnamon! Let me know what I can do to make it 5 Stars.
WOW!!! Oatmeal is one of my favorites, and I’ve been hoping for a great overnight recipe to come along.
So, peanut butter and almond butter has never occurred to me. I will try anything, once.
Also, if I may share, I always add raisins and cinnamon to mine. As I’m writing this it also occurs to me chopped up dried figs and dates might go well too. Pecans are swell and so are walnuts.
Like most of your recipes Alexis, this one is definitely a keeper.
Stay Blessed :^)
★★★★
Love cinnamon! Let me know what I can do to make it 5 Stars.
Made this recipe several weeks back when you posted in on your insta stories…so good and creamy!! This will be a weekly meal prep staple as the weather gets cooler!
★★★★★
So glad!!! Can’t wait to make a pumpkin version 🙂
Made this recipe several weeks back when you posted in on your insta stories…so good and creamy!! This will be a weekly meal prep staple as the weather gets cooler!
★★★★★
So glad!!! Can’t wait to make a pumpkin version 🙂
Hi, I’m a fourteen year old girl who has struggled with disordered eating in the past. Just wanted to let you know your blog posts have brought an enormous amount of clarity and inspiration into my life. I love your (sadly) unique attitude towards food, and I check your blog regularly for guidance in my own intuitive eating journey. You should feel great–there are many people you are impacting without knowing.
P.S. I love your sense of style–your “what I ate & wore” posts are awesome.
★★★★★
Emma, thank you so so much. That means a TON to me! It’s people like you that keep me inspired to continue sharing even when it’s tough. Sending you love on your journey!
OMG! You wrote back!! It’s awesome that you care about your fans! I made your Fluffy Vegan Pancakes for breakfast this morning. I was so proud that I incorporated peanut butter- one of my fear foods – into the recipe, and I’m glad I did – it was delish!
This probably sounds like a bit much, but you literally changed my life. Two summers ago, I decided I wanted to get “skinny” for the upcoming year. I counted calories and restricted myself to 1200 a day. I joined a gym and compulsively overexercised. I began to fear foods like oils, nut butter, bread, pasta. . . I was always thinking about food, looking up high-calorie recipes but never actually eating them. . . I was literally headed for a full-on eating disorder. When I found you online, I was literally shocked of a confident, happy woman who embraced all different types of food. Slowly, I began to embrace the idea. I can’t say I’m perfect — I definitely mentally track calories most days, but now I’m beginning to realize that food really IS just food. I also realize how saddening it is how enmeshed in diet culture I was at age 12! (I read a lot about the topic online). You’ve inspired me to become an RD one day. I just subscribed to your blog (before, I just checked it, but I’d like to support your blog in any way possible). Thank you so much for all you do for the girls and women who read your blog. (My twin sister has been through my disordered eating struggle with me, too, and we love to make your recipes together.) Here’s to all different types of food, from kale (love it!) to cookie dough ice cream (love it too!)
Emma, I read your comment over and over. It warmed my heart like you can’t imagine. You should be so proud for sharing your story and for the strides you’ve made. Life is a journey. We’re always challenging ourselves to get better and there’s so much beauty in the process. Keep trying new foods and nourishing relationships with people that help bring out the best in you. Thank you so much for your comment! It means the world to me. ❤️
Hi, I’m a fourteen year old girl who has struggled with disordered eating in the past. Just wanted to let you know your blog posts have brought an enormous amount of clarity and inspiration into my life. I love your (sadly) unique attitude towards food, and I check your blog regularly for guidance in my own intuitive eating journey. You should feel great–there are many people you are impacting without knowing.
P.S. I love your sense of style–your “what I ate & wore” posts are awesome.
★★★★★
Emma, thank you so so much. That means a TON to me! It’s people like you that keep me inspired to continue sharing even when it’s tough. Sending you love on your journey!
OMG! You wrote back!! It’s awesome that you care about your fans! I made your Fluffy Vegan Pancakes for breakfast this morning. I was so proud that I incorporated peanut butter- one of my fear foods – into the recipe, and I’m glad I did – it was delish!
This probably sounds like a bit much, but you literally changed my life. Two summers ago, I decided I wanted to get “skinny” for the upcoming year. I counted calories and restricted myself to 1200 a day. I joined a gym and compulsively overexercised. I began to fear foods like oils, nut butter, bread, pasta. . . I was always thinking about food, looking up high-calorie recipes but never actually eating them. . . I was literally headed for a full-on eating disorder. When I found you online, I was literally shocked of a confident, happy woman who embraced all different types of food. Slowly, I began to embrace the idea. I can’t say I’m perfect — I definitely mentally track calories most days, but now I’m beginning to realize that food really IS just food. I also realize how saddening it is how enmeshed in diet culture I was at age 12! (I read a lot about the topic online). You’ve inspired me to become an RD one day. I just subscribed to your blog (before, I just checked it, but I’d like to support your blog in any way possible). Thank you so much for all you do for the girls and women who read your blog. (My twin sister has been through my disordered eating struggle with me, too, and we love to make your recipes together.) Here’s to all different types of food, from kale (love it!) to cookie dough ice cream (love it too!)
Emma, I read your comment over and over. It warmed my heart like you can’t imagine. You should be so proud for sharing your story and for the strides you’ve made. Life is a journey. We’re always challenging ourselves to get better and there’s so much beauty in the process. Keep trying new foods and nourishing relationships with people that help bring out the best in you. Thank you so much for your comment! It means the world to me. ❤️
Love this! Have already made it twice! Random question–how do you get your almond butter to spread so nicely? 🙂
Andrea
★★★★★
Yay! It’s just a nice drippy almond butter! It’s Kirkland brand from Costco that I drizzled on with a fork.
Love this! Have already made it twice! Random question–how do you get your almond butter to spread so nicely? 🙂
Andrea
★★★★★
Yay! It’s just a nice drippy almond butter! It’s Kirkland brand from Costco that I drizzled on with a fork.
I like to add a little sharp cheddar cheese, salt and pepper!
★★★★
Ohhhh yum!
I like to add a little sharp cheddar cheese, salt and pepper!
★★★★
Ohhhh yum!
Oatmeal dish is very attractive and simple. great food for breakfast
★★★★★
Oatmeal dish is very attractive and simple. great food for breakfast
★★★★★
I love it.very interesting and meaning full post.
★★★★★
I love it.very interesting and meaning full post.
★★★★★
Love this! I tried it for the first time this week and I’m officially obsessed 🙂
How long do you think they are good for in the fridge?
Thanks!
Yay! A while…like up to a week? I go by the notion of smelling so as long as it smells good, you’re good 🙂
Love this! I tried it for the first time this week and I’m officially obsessed 🙂
How long do you think they are good for in the fridge?
Thanks!
Yay! A while…like up to a week? I go by the notion of smelling so as long as it smells good, you’re good 🙂
This recipe is SO easy and so delicious! I could never eat regular, quick oats again!! Helping my husband lower his cholesterol.
★★★★★
This recipe is SO easy and so delicious! I could never eat regular, quick oats again!! Helping my husband lower his cholesterol.
★★★★★
I live for oats in the morning but I bought a big bag of steel cut oats by mistakes, let me give this a try. So do you refrigerate the rest for the week?
★★★★
Yep! See #4 in the directions.
I live for oats in the morning but I bought a big bag of steel cut oats by mistakes, let me give this a try. So do you refrigerate the rest for the week?
★★★★
Yep! See #4 in the directions.
I recently bought some steel cut oats but they only had “quick cook” which I believe is cut finer than the regular version? Any thoughts on cooking that overnight vs the package recommendation (under 10 minutes either as microwave or stovetop)? I’ll definitly try this recipe when I get regular steel cut oats. Thanks!
Hey! Sorry I’ve never tried it with quick cook oats so I have no idea, sorry!
I recently bought some steel cut oats but they only had “quick cook” which I believe is cut finer than the regular version? Any thoughts on cooking that overnight vs the package recommendation (under 10 minutes either as microwave or stovetop)? I’ll definitly try this recipe when I get regular steel cut oats. Thanks!
Hey! Sorry I’ve never tried it with quick cook oats so I have no idea, sorry!
This is a great way to save time! I’m always in a hurry, so that’s definitely for me
This is a great way to save time! I’m always in a hurry, so that’s definitely for me
I finally tried this. All I can say is O.M.G. I’ve been cooking regular oats on the stove top every morning, M-F. I don’t like regular overnight oats and steel cut take too long to cook before work and I don’t like the way they turn out in the instant pot. This is a total game changer!
★★★★★
I finally tried this. All I can say is O.M.G. I’ve been cooking regular oats on the stove top every morning, M-F. I don’t like regular overnight oats and steel cut take too long to cook before work and I don’t like the way they turn out in the instant pot. This is a total game changer!
★★★★★
I made these yesterday and they turned out GREAT. I knew i wanted to use them in a savory way, so i cooked them in 8 cups of chicken stock instead of water/milk. I also added salt, pepper and garlic powder. They’re amazing!
★★★★★
I love your version! Sounds amazing.
I made these yesterday and they turned out GREAT. I knew i wanted to use them in a savory way, so i cooked them in 8 cups of chicken stock instead of water/milk. I also added salt, pepper and garlic powder. They’re amazing!
★★★★★
I love your version! Sounds amazing.
This has been my “go-to” breakfast for the fall! I make up a batch on Sunday night while washing up the dinner dishes and we have breakfast for the week. I much prefer this overnight oat recipe to those that don’t cook the oats. I use macadamia nut milk instead, which makes a very creamy oatmeal for those of us who can’t eat dairy.
I’m so glad! Thanks for the feedback, Suzanne.
This has been my “go-to” breakfast for the fall! I make up a batch on Sunday night while washing up the dinner dishes and we have breakfast for the week. I much prefer this overnight oat recipe to those that don’t cook the oats. I use macadamia nut milk instead, which makes a very creamy oatmeal for those of us who can’t eat dairy.
I’m so glad! Thanks for the feedback, Suzanne.
One of my favorite things to meal prep for my family and I! So easy and so delicious!
★★★★★
One of my favorite things to meal prep for my family and I! So easy and so delicious!
★★★★★
So delicious thank you for posting! Btw, love the caramel apple flavor! I’m a big fan of overnight oats and always looking for new flavors. Btw, I keep trying to pin your recipe, but keep getting an error. Could you please try adding the “pin it” button again! Thank you ?
★★★★★
I’m redoing my site so this should all be fixed soon! Thanks so much for letting me know 🙂
So delicious thank you for posting! Btw, love the caramel apple flavor! I’m a big fan of overnight oats and always looking for new flavors. Btw, I keep trying to pin your recipe, but keep getting an error. Could you please try adding the “pin it” button again! Thank you ?
★★★★★
I’m redoing my site so this should all be fixed soon! Thanks so much for letting me know 🙂
I’ve always been skeptical of the overnight oat trend – I’m so glad I gave this recipe a go! I far prefer this preparation method to the cold, soggy no-cook overnight alternative. These oats are creamy, hearty, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. I’m on day 4 of leftovers and still not sick of them – officially an overnight oat convert 🙂
★★★★★
Me too–I don’t like cold oats, either. So glad you enjoyed them!
I’ve always been skeptical of the overnight oat trend – I’m so glad I gave this recipe a go! I far prefer this preparation method to the cold, soggy no-cook overnight alternative. These oats are creamy, hearty, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. I’m on day 4 of leftovers and still not sick of them – officially an overnight oat convert 🙂
★★★★★
Me too–I don’t like cold oats, either. So glad you enjoyed them!
Is it safe to use cow’s milk? Would like to be able to share with our toddler too.
I believe so!
Is it safe to use cow’s milk? Would like to be able to share with our toddler too.
I believe so!
YUM! Made these Sunday night and have been re-heating and enjoying for breakfast each morning, topped with PB, raspberries and a drizzle of maple syrup. They keep me full for hours, and have made my mornings so much easier. Thank you!!
★★★★★
Mmmm pb on top is the BEST!
YUM! Made these Sunday night and have been re-heating and enjoying for breakfast each morning, topped with PB, raspberries and a drizzle of maple syrup. They keep me full for hours, and have made my mornings so much easier. Thank you!!
★★★★★
Mmmm pb on top is the BEST!
Just made this and it was so simple. I added cinnamon and vanilla to add a little flavor to the oats since i only had regular almond milk (not vanilla flavored). still turned out great. Looking forward to having the leftovers throughout the week.
★★★★★
Yumm–love those additions, Lisa!
Just made this and it was so simple. I added cinnamon and vanilla to add a little flavor to the oats since i only had regular almond milk (not vanilla flavored). still turned out great. Looking forward to having the leftovers throughout the week.
★★★★★
Yumm–love those additions, Lisa!
This looks like absolute heaven!!
★★★★★
This looks like absolute heaven!!
★★★★★