This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
My overnight steel cut oats make the best healthy make-ahead breakfast! Using just five simple ingredients, it’s easy to prep and customize.
Love oats for breakfast? Try my protein oatmeal, protein overnight oats, and baked oats next.
Overnight oats are one of my breakfast staples. They are filling and healthy and keep me energized right up until lunchtime!
For some variety, I love changing my regular overnight oats and making overnight steel cut oatmeal, and the texture and satiety power is on another level.
What are steel cut oats?
Steel cut oats are less processed than rolled oats, so they have a chewier texture and a more impressive nutritional profile. The downside? They typically take longer to cook than standard quick or old-fashioned oats. However, there is a shortcut to that, and that is where steel cut overnight oats come into the picture!
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Easy to make. A simple 5-minute prep the night before will provide you quick grab-and-go breakfast in the morning. I love to meal prep around 5-6 servings on the weekend, so breakfasts are sorted for the week ahead!
- It’s healthy. There are tons of health benefits associated with steel-cut oats, including all the nutrients they provide, but my favorite is that it balances out my blood sugar, so I’m not hungry two minutes later.
- It has the perfect texture. These oats often get a bad rap for being too tough or chewy. But I’ve nailed the perfect combination to ensure every bite is creamy and satisfying with just the right amount of chew.
Ingredients Needed
- Steel cut oats. For this recipe, I suggest you go with quick-cooking steel-cut oats. They are finely cut regular steel-cut oats. It expedites the softening process without affecting the nutritional profile whatsoever. However, classic steel cut oats work, too.
- Chia seeds. It helps thicken the oats and gives them a creamy texture. It also packs in an impressive amount of fiber and protein.
- Milk. I typically use whole milk as that is what we have on hand, which adds some healthy fats and protein. Almond milk, coconut milk, and other dairy-free milk will also work
- Greek yogurt. I love how creamy the oats turn out with adding a few spoons of yogurt. It also increases the protein content of your recipe! If you don’t have Greek yogurt, opt for any thick yogurt.
- Honey. If you plan on eating your oats plain, adding some form of sweetness is a must! Liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup are better than granulated sweeteners, as a little goes a very long way.
- Salt. Just a pinch of salt can bring out the natural sweetness of the overall breakfast bowl.
- Toppings. Anything and everything. As pictured, you’ll see strawberries and almond butter and one with macadamia nuts and honey. Other ideas include banana, apple, nut butter, cinnamon, berries, walnuts, tahini, and almonds.
How to make overnight steel cut oats
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Mix. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.
Step 2- Set. Refrigerate the bowl for at least four hours or overnight.
Step 3- Top and serve. Transfer the oats into bowls or mason jars, add toppings, and serve.
Stove top steel cut oats
Not everyone is a fan of the overnight oatmeal method, which is fine! If you do prefer to have your steel cut oats fully cooked, you can prep them that way and still enjoy them directly from the fridge.
To make- Combine the oats, milk, and chia seeds in a medium saucepan, place over medium heat, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until some of the moisture has reduced. Transfer the oats into a bowl, add the yogurt, vanilla extract, and drizzle of honey, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Soak in hot milk. To help soften the steel-cut oats, sometimes I soak them in hot milk instead of cold milk. The oats will still be enjoyed cold, but this trick is a surefire way for them to be soft and creamy.
- Adjust the consistency. If you find your oats too runny, add more oats or add a spoonful of chia seeds.
- Reserve the add-ins for the next day. If you want the crunchy elements to retain their texture, I suggest you stir them on the day you eat the oats.
Variations
- Add protein. Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder and increase the liquid by two tablespoons.
- Make fun flavors: Oats are like a blank canvas, and you can dress them up in many ways. Add peanut butter and jam for a PB&J-inspired breakfast or add some espresso and chocolate chips for a coffee-flavored bowl.
Storage instructions
To store. Steel-cut overnight oats keep well for seven days in the refrigerator. Store them covered and enjoy them through the week.
To freeze. Freeze single-serve portions of these oats in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re using fine steel-cut oats, you need not cook them before soaking. Overnight soaking gives them ample time to absorb the liquid and become soft. You can, however, heat up overnight oats.
From experience, I find the oats have the best texture after 4 hours. If you use quick-cooking steel cut oats, you can enjoy them after an hour.
More healthy breakfast ideas
Overnight Steel Cut Oats
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats *
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the steel cut oats, chia seeds, salt, milk, yogurt, and any flavor extracts or sweeteners (like honey) and mix well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little extra milk. Divide into 4 portions, add toppings, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published August 2023, updated and republished November 2024
Would it be okay to also use instant oats instead ?
Love these oats so much!
The best and easiest breakfast ever! I use almond milk, and maple syrup to make it sweet. Also just use normal oats. I love putting frozen berries and chocolate chips in. Such a hit in my house! Great for a grab and go breakfast. Or even as lunch or a snack.
Love all your recipes
I can’t have oats I’m Céliac and allergic to oats that I LOVED. Do you have a substitute? I would so love to find one.
Have you tried GF steel cut oats?