Name: Overnight Steel-Cut Oats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 8 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups water; 3 cups unsweetened almond milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1½ cups steel-cut oats; 1 tablespoon honey

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These Overnight Steel-Cut Oats are a creamy, hearty, and make-ahead breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings. By prepping them the night before, you’ll have a week’s worth of wholesome, customizable bowls ready to enjoy. Naturally high in fiber and heart-healthy, steel-cut oats soak up almond milk and water overnight for a chewy-yet-creamy texture that pairs beautifully with toppings like honey, bananas, and raspberries.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Meal-prep friendly: Make a big batch and store for the week.
Fiber-rich: Steel-cut oats provide slow-digesting carbs that keep you satisfied longer.
Versatile: Top with fruit, nuts, seeds, or your favorite sweetener.
Creamy texture: Soaking overnight yields soft, rich oats without constant stirring.
Naturally heart-healthy: Supports cholesterol reduction and steady energy.
Vegan-friendly: Made with almond milk (or any non-dairy or dairy milk).
Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples for an affordable breakfast.
Family-friendly: Easy to scale up for multiple servings.
Great hot or cold: Enjoy chilled, straight from the fridge, or warmed up.
Gluten-free option: Just choose certified gluten-free oats.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 cups water
3 cups unsweetened almond milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1½ cups steel-cut oats
1 tablespoon honey

Directions

Heat liquids: In a large saucepan, combine the water, almond milk, vanilla, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, watching carefully so it doesn’t boil over.
Add oats: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the steel-cut oats and cook, stirring constantly, until they begin to soften and absorb liquid, about 4 minutes.
Cool & soak: Remove from heat. Cover the pot and let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Transfer to an airtight container (or leave in the pot) and refrigerate for 8–12 hours.
Reheat & serve: Transfer oats to a saucepan if needed. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often, until thickened and softened, about 10 minutes.
Finish: Drizzle with honey and top with your choice of fruit, nuts, or seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Active time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 8 hours
Total time: 8 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Different milks: Swap almond milk for oat, soy, coconut, or dairy milk.
Sweetener options: Use maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar instead of honey.
Spiced oats: Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for warmth.
Nutty boost: Add almond butter, peanut butter, or chopped walnuts.
Fruit-forward: Mix in berries, apple slices, or dried fruit.
Savory oats: Omit sweetener and top with sautéed spinach, avocado, or a poached egg.
Protein-packed: Stir in protein powder, Greek yogurt, or hemp seeds.
Chocolate twist: Add cocoa powder and banana for a dessert-like bowl.
Citrus flavor: Add orange zest or lemon zest for brightness.
Overnight jars: Portion into jars with toppings for grab-and-go breakfasts.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooked oats in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Microwave on high for 3–5 minutes or warm on the stovetop, stirring in a splash of milk or water to loosen.
Cold option: Eat straight from the fridge for a refreshing breakfast.

FAQs

What are steel-cut oats?

Steel-cut oats are whole oat groats that have been chopped into pieces. They’re less processed than rolled oats and have a chewier texture.

Can I eat them cold?

Yes, overnight steel-cut oats can be eaten chilled like overnight rolled oats, or reheated for a warm breakfast.

Do I need to cook them before soaking overnight?

A quick simmer helps soften them before soaking, but you can skip it if you don’t mind a chewier texture.

Can I use rolled oats instead?

Yes, but rolled oats will soften faster and require less soaking—about 4 hours.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free steel-cut oats to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes. Cook oats and liquid on high pressure for 4 minutes, then let them naturally release for 10 minutes before refrigerating.

What toppings go best with these oats?

Bananas, berries, nuts, seeds, nut butter, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup all work well.

How do I keep them creamy when reheating?

Add a splash of milk or water while reheating and stir until smooth.

Are overnight steel-cut oats healthy?

Yes—they’re rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and support stable blood sugar and heart health.

Can I portion these into jars for grab-and-go breakfasts?

Definitely! Divide into single-serve jars after cooking and chilling, then add toppings before eating.

Conclusion

Overnight Steel-Cut Oats are the ultimate meal-prep breakfast—creamy, nourishing, and endlessly customizable. With just a little prep, you’ll have a week’s worth of hearty, high-fiber breakfasts ready to go. Whether you enjoy them hot or cold, sweet or savory, this recipe makes it easy to start your day with a wholesome bowl that fits your lifestyle.