Steel Cut Overnight Oats

What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are traditionally made with rolled oats, milk and sometimes yogurt that get mixed together and sit in the fridge overnight until the oats soak up all the liquid. When it comes to making overnight oats with steel cut oats, the process to prepare the oats is slightly different, but you’re left with a similar result of creamy oats in the morning.

What’s the difference between Steel Cut Oats and Rolled Oats?

Say hello to your new favourite weekday breakfast – overnight steel cut oats!

The difference all lies in how much the oats have been processed.

Quick oats (mostly used for regular oatmeal) are the most processed of the oats, while steel cut oats are the least processed…they’re essentially just chopped up groats! If you want to please your inner nerd and read more check out quick, rolled and steel cut oats!

They have a ton of nutritional benefits and because they’re less processed and have a really amazing chewy texture. The only downside? They take way longer to cook.

Are steel cut oats better for you than rolled oats?

Steel cut oats are higher in fiber and have a slightly lower glycemic index that quick oats or rolled oats. This makes steel cut oats a little bit more nutritious.

Why THIS IS The Best Overnight Steel Cut Oats Recipe

This is the best steel cut oat recipe. For me, this ratio of oats to liquid produces the creamiest oats out there! These oats sit overnight and do their thing without you having to do anything!

This recipe is also great because it is so easy. You can prepare these overnight oats in 5 minutes! Say goodbye to not instantly having breakfast waiting for you when you walk in your kitchen! Grab these out of the fridge and you’re set.

Ingredients for Steel Cut Oats Overnight

• Steel Cut Oats: for this recipe you want to make sure to use steel cut oats and not rolled or quick oats.
• Oat Milk: you can substitute with any plant-based milk you like
• Water: you can also use more oat milk
• Salt: this will help bring out the flavour in the oats
• Cinnamon: for some more flavour
• Maple Syrup: to sweeten. You can also use honey, agave, brown sugar or coconut sugar.

How to make overnight steel cut oats

1. Add the water and almond milk to a pot and bring to a boil.
2. Add in the oats and seasoning.
3. Turn off the heat and let the pot of oats sit on the stove or in the fridge overnight.
4. Wake up in the morning and your oats will be ready!

How long should steel cut oats sit overnight to soften?

Steel cut oats should sit overnight for at least 6-8 hours to soften. If you don’t have time to make overnight steel cut oats then you can just make regular steel cut oats.

Making steel cut oats overnight in the slow cooker or instant pot

If making this recipe in a slow cooker, add an extra 1 1/2 cups of water and turn on low heating overnight. Be sure to remember to coat the inside with something nonstick beforehand to ensure you aren’t spending all morning scrubbing!

If you are making them in the Instant Pot, combine 1 cup of oats with 1 1/2 cups of water and 1 1/2 cups of almond milk. Cook them quickly with pressure for about 4 minutes, then remove the pressure and allow them to continue cooking on manual for another 20 minutes. I let mine sit for a while because they start to thicken up as they sit!

Tips for making steel cut overnight oats perfectly

• Make sure to use steel-cut oats! They are essential to the recipe 😉
• Using a mix of water and oat milk (or any plant-based milk) will result in super creamy oats.
• Don’t skip out on the pinch of salt in this recipe. It will help bring out the flavour of the oats.
• You can substitute maple syrup with any type of sweeteners you like such as agave, honey or coconut sugar.

How To Serve Steel Cut Oats Overnight

Overnight Steel Cut Oats can be served hot or cold, the choice is up to you! This type of oatmeal is delicious both ways which make it easy to take on the go. Add any of your favourite toppings and enjoy!

Toppings for overnight steel cut oats

I don’t know about you, but I need some flavor in my oats. I love me some cinnamon and maple syrup in my oats, but if there’s any different flavourings you like then you do your thing! As for actual toppings, I love to add:

• chia seeds (or any seed tbh)
• bananas
• apples
• berries
• granola (I’ve really been loving this apple pie granola)
• any nut butter
• Homemade vegan nutella

How long can I store steel cut overnight oats?

You can store these oats in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that the oats may become a little bit thick and goopy.

Can steel cut overnight oats be frozen?

Unfortunately, you cannot freeze steel cut overnight oats.