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overhead shot of seven different steel cut oats recipes with text labeling each flavor
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4.62 from 26 votes

7 Healthy Steel Cut Oats Recipes

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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 189kcal
Author: Denise Bustard

Ingredients

Base Recipe

  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional; to toast the oats)
  • 1 cup steel cut oats (see note *)
  • 3 Instant Pot or 4 (slow cooker, stove-top) cups water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • After cooking:
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or more to taste

Apple Cinnamon

  • 1 large apple peeled and cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce (stir in after cooking if using Instant Pot)
  • ⅓ cup chopped pecans (to top)

Pumpkin

  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (stir in after cooking if using Instant Pot)
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds/pepitas (to top)

Blueberry Lemon

  • zest from 1 lemon (add after cooking base recipe)
  • 1-2 cups blueberries (add after cooking base recipe)
  • chia seeds (add after cooking base recipe)

Peanut Butter Chocolate

  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (stir in after cooking base recipe)
  • 1-2 cups berries (to top)
  • chia seeds (add after cooking base recipe)

Coconut Key Lime

  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract (omit cinnamon from base recipe)
  • 1 tablespoon key lime zest (stir in after cooking base recipe)
  • 1-2 cups strawberries kiwis or pineapple (to top)
  • ¼ cup toasted coconut (to top)

Zucchini Chocolate Chip

  • 1 cup shredded zucchini (drained of excess liquid; stir in after cooking base recipe)
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips (to top)

Strawberry Vanilla Chai

  • 1 teaspoon chai spice blend (omit cinnamon from base recipe; *see note)
  • 1 cup chopped strawberries
  • 1-2 cups chopped fresh strawberries (to top)

Instructions

Instant Pot

  • (Optional but adds extra flavor). Select the 'sauté' function on the Instant Pot. Add the butter and melt. Add the steel cut oats and sauté, stirring occasionally for 5 or so minutes, until fragrant and golden.
  • Add the water, vanilla and cinnamon (and other ingredients as needed for flavor variations)
  • Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes, followed by natural pressure release (let the Instant Pot sit for 20 minutes up to 120 minutes).
  • Remove lid and stir in maple syrup and any other ingredients for the flavor variations.

Slow Cooker

  • (Optional but adds extra flavor). Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the butter and melt. Add the steel cut oats and sauté, stirring occasionally for 5 or so minutes, until fragrant and golden.
  • Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner. Transfer steel cut oats and add the water, vanilla and cinnamon (and other ingredients as needed for flavor variations)
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. 
  • Stir in maple syrup and any other ingredients for the flavor variations.

Stove Top

  • Heat a 4 quart pot over medium heat. Add the butter and melt. Add the steel cut oats and sauté, stirring occasionally for 5 or so minutes, until fragrant and golden.
  • Add the water, vanilla and cinnamon (and other ingredients as needed for flavor variations).
  • Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25-35 minutes. 
  • Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup and any other ingredients for the flavor variations.

Notes

Storage
Portion out steel cut oats in 2 cup capacity storage containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Steel cut oats may be frozen in muffin tins, then popped out and stored in a freezer bag or meal prep container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat
Heat steel cut oats in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until warmed through. Add ¼-1/2 cup almond or dairy milk and stir to 'loosen' up the oats. Top with your favorite toppings.
*This recipe is only for regular steel cut oats. Make sure you don't grab instant steel cut oats by accident!
You can make your own chai spice blend using this recipe
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 batch | Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g