7 healthy steel cut oats recipes that are easy to make ahead and keep in the fridge or freezer for easy breakfasts. Plus instructions on how to cook steel cut oats in the Instant Pot, slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Steel cut oats are my all time favorite meal prep breakfast…they are so incredibly easy to prep ahead and re-heat through the week!
And unlike rolled oats or instant oatmeal, steel cut oats don’t get mushy…they hold a nice, chewy texture which I enjoy a heck of a lot more.
Today I’m sharing seven delicious steel cut oats recipes so we will never be bored with our breakfasts!
These Healthy Steel Cut Oats Recipes
- can be cooked on the stove top, in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot
- are made with clean, wholesome ingredients
- are perfect for meal prep (they keep for up to 4 days)
- can be frozen for up to 3 months
This post covers a LOT, so click the links below to be taken directly to that section!
- Equipment and ingredients
- How to cook steel cut oats
- How to store your steel cut oats
- Steel cut oats FAQ
- 7 Steel Cut Oats Recipes
- Jump straight to the printable recipe card
Equipment and ingredients
- 6 quart Instant Pot
- 5 quart Slow Cooker
- Paderno 4 L pot (similar to this one)
- Steel cut oats (do not use ‘quick cooking’ steel cut oats)
- Maple syrup
)
(do not use ‘quick cooking’ steel cut oats)
How to cook steel cut oats
Alright, friends, pictured above, you have three options to cook these oats.
A) The Instant Pot
: the BEST way to cook steel cut oats! Completely hands-off and the oats never stick to the pot or burn.
- ratio: 1 cup oats, 3 cups water
- time: 4 minutes high pressure with a full natural pressure release (15-20 min)
B) The Slow Cooker
: can be finicky, depending on whether your slow cooker cooks hot or not. You may want to use a slow cooker liner, or use a water bath method.
- ratio: 1 cup oats, 4 cups water
- time: low, 6-8 hours
C) Stove Top: the old fashioned pot works great as well, but I will warn you that you’re going to need to keep an eye on your pot to make sure it doesn’t boil over, and near the end you need to stir frequently to prevent burning.
-
- ratio: 1 cup oats, 4 cups water
- time: simmer for 25-35 minutes (I prefer 25 minutes to make ahead because they soften over time in the fridge)
- method: add oats to boiling water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently for 25-35 minutes
How to store your steel cut oatmeal
The best thing about these oats is how amazingly well they keep! Here are two ways you can store your steel cut oats:
- In the fridge: I keep mine up to 4 days in the fridge, in individual portions. They firm up quite a bit, so when re-heating, I add a splash of milk, which really helps them ‘loosen up’.
- In the freezer: portion out your steel cut oats into a lightly greased muffin tin. Freeze till solid, then allow to sit on the counter for 10 or so minutes. Slipping a knife into the muffin tin should pop the steel cut oats right out and you can store them in a large freezer bag or other storage container.
To re-heat, heat in 30 second increments in the microwave with a splash of milk. Heat for several minutes until thawed all the way through.
. Freeze till solid, then allow to sit on the counter for 10 or so minutes. Slipping a knife into the muffin tin should pop the steel cut oats right out and you can store them in a 
or other storage container.
Steel Cut Oats FAQ
Why are they called ‘steel cut’ oats? Steel cut’ refers to the way that the oats are processed: the whole oat groat has been cut into 2-3 pieces with a steel blade, whereas rolled oats have been steamed, then rolled flat. This is why steel cut oats look tubular, kind of like rice, whereas rolled oats are wider and flat.
Are steel cut oats gluten free? Technically, yes, however you should seek out certified gluten-free oats to be 100% sure there aren’t any issues with cross-contamination.
Can I use steel cut oats for overnight oats? Surprisingly, yes! Although don’t expect them to taste like overnight oats made with rolled oats, they are much chewier and more like muesli. Check out my Overnight Steel Cut Oats recipe!
Can steel cut oats be frozen? YES. See above for freezing directions!
Why are steel cut oats good for you? Since they are relatively unprocessed, steel cut oats retain more nutrients than the other varieties. Steel cut oats are a good source of protein, fiber and vitamins.
7 Healthy Steel Cut Oats Recipes
First, the base recipe. Steel cut oats + water + maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla. Add your maple syrup to taste, if you like it really sweet, you’re going to want more! Top with your favorite fruit, nuts, chia seeds, hemp hearts, you name it. You can totally make this recipe your own!
1. Maple Apple Steel Cut Oats
GET THE PRINTABLE MAPLE APPLE STEEL CUT OATS RECIPE HERE!
If this one looks familiar, it’s because I published it back in the fall, and it was even part of our Breakfast Prep Challenge. This recipe swaps one of the cups of water with unsweetened applesauce for an extra dose of apple flavor and extra creamy steel cut oats! The maple extract is optional; it adds a touch of maple flavor, but is delicious without.
2. Spiced Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats
GET THE PRINTABLE SPICED PUMPKIN STEEL CUT OATS RECIPE HERE!
Another familiar face! These spiced pumpkin steel cut oats were originally published back in the fall but I just couldn’t leave them out of this collection because they are oh so tasty. Pumpkin puree plus all the delicious spices you’ll find in pumpkin pie will have your kitchen smelling amazing. Add a grated or chopped apple for an extra boost of fruit.
3. Blueberry Lemon Steel Cut Oats
This recipe is so simple and SO tasty! I stir in the lemon zest at the very end so it doesn’t get bitter during cooking. Add chia seeds to taste, fresh for a little crunch. Perfectly light and slightly sweet, the perfect way to start your day.
4. Peanut Butter Chocolate Steel Cut Oats
These chocolate peanut butter steel cut oats are deceptively healthy! Peanut butter gives a boost of extra protein, and you can feel free to swap it out with your favorite nut butter. This steel cut oats recipe benefits from a little bit of extra maple syrup…adjust to your tastes. Top with raspberries, strawberries, or sliced banana.
5. Coconut Key Lime Steel Cut Oats
These coconut key lime steel cut oats are the best way to bring some tropical flavors to your morning! A touch of key lime zest plus some toasted coconut goes perfectly with kiwi or strawberries. If you want to add some coconut milk to the mix, try this recipe from Shutterbean, which replaces 1 cup of water with a can of coconut milk!
6. Zucchini Chocolate Chip Steel Cut Oats
Zucchini season will soon be upon us and we will be trying to put zucchini in everything we possibly can…so why not start with your breakfast? I used 1 cup of shredded zucchini here (be sure to finely shred it), but you could push it even further! Combined with cinnamon and chocolate chips, it tastes very similar to zucchini bread.
7. Strawberry Chai Steel Cut Oats
Berries & chai are an unusual but delicious flavor combination! I use this chai spice baking blend, but you can make your own! I’ve used this one in the past.
Get a free printable with all seven steel cut oats recipes here!
You may also like this Chocolate Chia Pudding!
Steel Cut Oats Recipe Card
7 Healthy Steel Cut Oats Recipes
Ingredients
Base Recipe
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 Instant Pot or 4 (slow cooker, stove-top) cups water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- After cooking:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or more to taste
Maple Apple Steel Cut Oats
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 Instant Pot or 4 (slow cooker, stove-top) cups water
- 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 large apple peeled and cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 teaspoons maple extract optional
- After cooking:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or more to taste
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
Spiced Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 Instant Pot or 4 (slow cooker, stove-top) cups water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 apple peeled and grated with the fine part of a box grater
- After cooking:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or more to sweeten
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds/pepitas optional
Blueberry Lemon Steel Cut Oats
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 Instant Pot or 4 (slow cooker, stove-top) cups water
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- After cooking:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- zest from 1 lemon
- 1-2 cups blueberries
- chia seeds
Peanut Butter Chocolate Steel Cut Oats
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 Instant Pot or 4 (slow cooker, stove-top) cups water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- After cooking:
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1-2 cups berries fresh or frozen
- chia seeds
Coconut Key Lime Steel Cut Oats
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 Instant Pot or 4 (slow cooker, stove-top) cups water
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- After cooking:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1-2 cups strawberries kiwis or pineapple
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut to garnish
Zucchini Chocolate Chip Steel Cut Oats
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 Instant Pot or 4 (slow cooker, stove-top) cups water
- 1 cup applesauce optional
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- After cooking:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup shredded zucchini drained of excess liquid
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Strawberry Vanilla Chai Steel Cut Oats
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 Instant Pot or 4 (slow cooker, stove-top) cups water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon chai spice blend *see note
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
- After cooking:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1-2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
Instructions
Instant Pot
- Stir together the steel cut oats, water, and other ingredients listed.
- Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, followed by natural pressure release (aka: unplug your Instant Pot) for 10 minutes (or more if you are busy).
- Remove lid and stir in the ingredients listed under 'after cooking'.
Slow Cooker
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner. Stir together the steel cut oats, water, and other ingredients listed.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Stir in the ingredients listed 'after cooking'.
Stove Top
- Heat water in a medium pot until boiling.
- Add the steel cut oats and other ingredients listed, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25-35 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the ingredients listed 'after cooking'.
Notes
Nutrition
Looking for more meal prep breakfast ideas?
- try these Healthy Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
- or these 7 Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins
- or these No Flipping Meal Prep Protein Pancakes
Laluz
I hope you are still checking after a couple of years. I am eager to try the apple sauce and steel cut oatmeal recipe in the instant pot. I am new to the IP so I have some anxiety. I noticed in your text you say you substituted one cup of liquid for the applesauce but in the actual recipes it’s the same amount of liquids plus the applesauce. Does it make a difference? thank you for these recipes. They look delicious and the people responding sound excited about them, too.
Amber
Would this work in the 3qt instantpot? I wanted to prep these and my work lunches at the same time. I have 3, 6, and 8qt. (What can I say, all time favorite kitchen appliance!)
Denise
Hi Amber! I am not sure on the 3 quart IP as I don’t own one (love that you own three! I own the 6 and 8 but might have to get that mini). If you try, I’d love to hear how it works for you!
Amber
The 3qt did pretty good. I need to tweak the taste to my palate a little bit but overall it definitely worked! The 3qt replaced my rice cooker!
Denise
That’s great to know! Thanks for reporting back, Amber!
Karina
Would you use the same ratio if using milk instead of water?
Denise
Yes! Hope you enjoy 😀
Cynthia
I’ve tried them all! My favorite is the lemon blueberry. Thanks for sharing!
Denise
So happy you enjoyed! Thanks so much for your review!
Mary
I love these steel cut oats, and tonight made them for the first time in my new Instant Pot. Wow, so much easier than stove top! Set it and forget it 🙂
Denise
Isn’t it so much easier? I always had to babysit mine for the last 15 or so minutes on the stovetop.
Mary
No more burned pot bottoms! ?
Madison
Hi There,
I”m excited to try these flavors. Thanks so much for publishing! I couldn’t find in the notes what the “Chai spice blend” is comprised of. Please point me in the right direction to find it or let me know here. Thank you!
Denise
Sorry for the confusion! I had to rearrange my recipe cards and that must have gotten lost in translation. Here’s the info: “I use this chai spice baking blend, but you can make your own! I’ve used this one in the past.”
Karen Vallee
Hi Denise – Love your recipes! I noticed on the steel cut oat recipes for instant pot 7 ways that in the top directions you say IP for 10 minutes but at the bottom of the inbredients list you have directions for 4 minutes in the IP. I have made these several times using the 10 minute instructions and they turn out perfectly but thought you may want to correct the bottom instructions….don’t think 4 minutes would be enough time.
Denise
Hi Karen! I have actually updated my recipe as I only cook for 4 minutes now. They end up just as good and it’s less time in the IP. I need to update the top directions. Thanks for the heads up 🙂
Wendy
Actually the easiest time saving method is a variation of C. You show a lovely les crueset pot. Add your oatmeal at night and bring it and water to a boil. Put the lid on it and turn off your burner. Time for bed. In the morning the oats are cooked perfectly. Ready to heat and go. Works every time. This method takes the least time of all.
Works with a small batch or larger batch.
Denise
This is such a great idea! I’m working on an overnight steel cut oats recipe right now, and the non-cooked one was delicious, very chewy! I want to try a short pre-cook next. Thanks, Wendy 🙂
Denise
Hi Sarah, I welcome constructive criticism, however this review helps no one. Feel free to leave a more constructive comment so that I can help you troubleshoot the recipe, but I will be deleting this one.
Tracy
The chocolate peanut butter version was awesome! We tried some variations: almond butter, a little Nutella, and a dollop of whipped cream on top! (I omitted the maple syrup.) I make my Instant Pot oats with one cup of soy milk and two cups of water. I’m looking forward to trying the others.
Denise
So happy you enjoyed it! Also, Nutella sounds pretty amazing in there. Might have to try that 😉
Elizabeth
I just tried this in the instant pot, following the instructions exact. It came to pressure then said burn. Now I have burnt oats ?. I must need more water. How much above the 3 cups would you suggest? Thanks in advance!
Elizabeth
I was trying to make the pumpkin recipe, btw.
Denise
I’m so sorry to hear that! If it says burn it usually means you need more liquid, but I’m surprised as I’ve never had this happen when I made the recipe. I will retest this one tomorrow. So sorry about that, Elizabeth 🙁
Denise
Hey Elizabeth! I re-tested the pumpkin recipe last week as written and I didn’t have any issues. I will change the directions to add the pumpkin puree after cooking, just to be safe. There may be differences in the consistency of the pumpkin puree that may have given you issues? That’s the only thing I can think of.
Elizabeth
Thanks for checking! Could it be that I have the 8 quart? I’m going to try again tomorrow. ?
Denise
Hmmm I wonder. I have only ever tried in the 6 quart. I will ask around and report back 🙂
Karen
I have made them in my 8 qt and never had an issue.
Denise
I’m so happy to hear this, Karen!
Kim
Hi Elizabeth,
By now you’ve probably worked this out, but I also have the 8qt IP. I love this recipe and all the versions shared. Thanks, Denise!!
I found that sometimes mine burn and sometimes they don’t. This am, I set it up, went to have a shower and came back to the dreaded BURN. I salvaged them anyway, but kept them plain. Then I redid the recipe, making sure my vent was set to Sealing and instead of 3 IP “cups” I used 3 regular cups of water. They did not burn! I let them sit for 20 minutes (because I was busy) then stirred them every so often to steam the extra liquid off. Now for the blueberries and lemon zest!
I just ordered the chai baking spice and cannot wait to try it!
Denise
Hi Kim! You definitely need to precisely measure your liquids when it comes to cooking in the IP, I would not rely on the lines on the side of the pot. Maybe I will put a note on the recipe card…you definitely need to measure ‘regular’ cups. Sorry if the recipe was misleading.
Shirley Sorrell
There is a variation of liquid to oats between Quick Steel Cut and Regular Steel Cut. The regular call for a 1 to 4 ratio! Reader needs to be aware of the difference. Also, Quaker Steel Cut has a variation as well. I’ve read their ratio is closer to the Quick & Easy McCann brand. Do not use Quaker myself, so cannot verify. Thanks for your visuals, and the cupcake size is genius! Shirley
Denise
Hi Shirley, thanks for your comment. Quick steel cut oats are not the same as regular steel cut oats and these directions are not suitable for them. I will update the recipe card to be sure no one makes that mistake. I have used Quaker and other brands of steel cut oats and the 1:3 ratio for IP is the same.
Susan
This recipes looks great but trying not to use the microwave. Is there another way to reheat them that would work?
Denise
Hmmm I’ve only tried the microwave. I suppose you could heat them in a small pot with some almond milk?
Karen
Steel cut oats are my new favourite breakfast, and the variety of recipes here are just great. The maple apple, pumpkin, and coconut lime are my favourites.
Denise
So glad you enjoyed them!
Katie
Do you have a nice print out of all these recipes like you do the Turkey Meatballs 7 ways? I was trying to print and it only came out with the base recipe. Thanks!
Denise
Hi Katie, not yet, but it’s on my ‘to do’ list!
Paula Dodaro
I’ve used a covered double-boiler to make steel-cut oats for years. I boil enough extra water for the recipe, add it to the oats, cover it and leave it untended on low heat whilst I drink my coffee in front of the computer. Dried cranberries and apricots make a good addition along with raisins.
Today I’m going to try it in the Instant Pot.
Denise
I hope you like the IP method, Paula!
Paula Dodaro
Wow! The steel-cut oats were fabulous; the texture had significantly more body than with my old method..
Nicole
does the nutritional include the two tablespoons of maple syrup added at the end of recipe? some of us need to watch our sugars so we’ll be having sugar-free syrup thank you ?
Denise
Hi Nicole! Yes, nutritional info includes all ingredients listed unless specified in the notes 🙂
Carrie
The key to oats in the slow-cooker is a water bath. Spray a smaller container, set it up on a small trivet, then put the oatmeal ingredients in the container. Fill the rest of the crockpot with water, then let it cook. Perfect oats, and easy cleanup.
Denise
Great tip! I might have to try that 🙂 Thanks, Carrie!
Stephanie
This is great, thanks for the recipes! How did you bake them so they are solid enough to stay in the muffin pans?
Denise
Hi Stephanie! Sorry for the confusion, they weren’t baked in the muffin tins, they were frozen in them 🙂 I’ve only cooked these in the crock pot, stove top or Instant Pot.
Stephanie
Thanks for the recipes! Have you tried using a delayed timer?
Ellen
Hi Denise these look great! I have a family of 5. If I triple or quadruple (3 growing boys!) the recipe to serve some now and freeze the rest for later, is the cooking time in the IP the same? Thank you!
Denise
That’s a very good question, Ellen! I adapted my recipe from this post on The Kitchn, and the max volume that they cook is 5 servings. I would be cautious increasing the serving size because steel cut oats can foam up and this could be a risk of blocking the release valve. Using the slow cooker might be a better option for cooking a big batch? I hope this helps!
Ellen
I think I can at least double it, the link says not to fill it more than halfway, I’ll give it a try! So far I made zucchini and apple and both have been delicious!
Denise
Good luck, Ellen! Let me know how it goes 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the oat flavors so far!
Jan
Hi………..we decided to go Vegan at age 64 & 58.
Thanks for the great ideas!!
Denise
I hope you enjoy the steel cut oats!
Carla
Wow! 😀 All of them look delicious! I can’t wait to try them!
I cook my oats every 2 or 3 days and put them in the fridge because I never thought I could freeze them. I’m so thankful for this post! 😀
Love your recipes ^^
Denise
Thanks so much, Carla! I hope the freezer trick helps you!
Marcie
I’m in love with steel cut oats and am going to try this very soon — so many wonderful flavors! The slow cooker really can be tricky and they can burn so easily. I can’t stand cleaning it afterward either (thank you for the shout out on the slow cooker oats!). This is making me want to run out and buy that Instant pot that I’ve been putting off too. This is such a thorough post — great job Denise!
Denise
I need to pull my IP out more often but as for steel cut oats it’s my all-time favorite just because you can push the button and move on with your prep 🙂 I have been meaning to upgrade my slow cooker and I’d love to give it another try with a different brand! Thanks, Marcie 🙂