The key to perfect overnight steel cut oats? Make sure they soak for long enough (and use the right ratio of liquid to oats). This recipe has just 5 ingredients, is prepped quickly and easily, and makes for the best soft steel cut oats! I love adding fruit and even a little protein powder to them, but no matter how you make them, the flavor is delicious and perfect for a healthy breakfast. Here’s what I’m loving about these oats:
Here are our favorite steel cut oats to use in this recipe!
The benefits of steel cut oats
Steel cut oats are among the healthiest grains! They’re loaded with fiber, iron, and other great nutrients. They’re also considered a low glycemic index food.
Steel cut oats vs. rolled oats
While we love using rolled oats in overnight oats recipes, steel cut oats have a different, nuttier taste. Since rolled oats tend to absorb more liquid, steel cut oats are able to keep a firmer texture. Both steel cut oats and rolled oats work great in overnight oats recipes!
Tips
To trick to making the best overnight oats with steel cuts is to allow the mixture to refrigerate for TWO nights instead of one. While the requirement is that they sit in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, they will taste better and soften with more time.
Steel Cut Overnight Oats Ingredients
- Traditional steel cut oats
- Almond milk
- Greek yogurt (optional)
- Maple syrup
- Cinnamon
While the greek yogurt is optional, we’re loving the creamy texture that it adds to this recipe!
Other add-ins/toppings ideas:
- Chia seeds
- Sliced almonds
- Walnuts
- Pumpkin seeds
- Fruit (berries, apples, bananas, etc.)
How to Make Overnight Steel Cut Oats
This no-cook breakfast is a total game-changer for busy mornings. Here’s a quick overview of how to make it:
- Combine the ingredients – In a bowl or mason jar, stir together steel cut oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt (totally optional, but adds a nice creaminess), maple syrup, and cinnamon.
- Stir well – Make sure everything is evenly mixed and the oats are fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate – Let the oats soak in the fridge overnight, or for at least 12 hours.
- Serve and enjoy! – In the morning, give them a stir and enjoy as-is, or add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nut butter, or granola.
That’s it! These overnight oats are creamy, hearty, and so satisfying without ever needing to turn on the stove. You’ve got breakfast ready to go with just 5 minutes of prep!
How to Store Overnight Steel Cut Oats
- Refrigerator – Store overnight steel cut oats in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Grab-and-go ready – I love making a few jars at once so breakfast is ready and waiting all week long.
- Adjust if needed – If they thicken up too much after a couple of days, just stir in a splash of milk to loosen them up before serving.
More overnight oats recipes you’ll love
- Oatmeal Cookie Overnight Oats
- Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
- Blueberry Chia Seed Overnight Oats
- Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats
FAQs
Once the overnight oats are ready, they can either be eaten cold or warmed up in the microwave with a little bit of added liquid!
If your steel cut oats turn out slimy, it’s usually because there’s too much liquid or they haven’t had enough time to fully soak. These oats need at least 12 hours in the fridge to really absorb the liquid and soften properly. Another tip? Give them a good stir before serving to make sure everything’s fully combined. If they still feel off, try reducing the liquid just a bit next time or using yogurt instead of milk if you prefer a thicker texture.
Overnight Oats (Steel Cut)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup steel cut oats
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt (optional)
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix everything together in a bowl or mason jars.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
- Serve and enjoy!
Julie Willson says:
How would you adjust the liquid if you were going to add Chia Seeds to this. I now they will absorb quite a bit of liquid and I want them kind of creamy (More like a pudding).
Christine McMichael replied:
I would try adding about 1/4 cup of liquid per 1 Tbsp of chia seeds! Enjoy! 🙂
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says:
YUM! I actually didn’t realize overnight oats worked with steel cut oats. I love them so much more than regular oats. Great idea!
Angela Campos says:
This looks so delicious! My family will be sure to love this!
Cedar says:
I didn’t realize you could use steel cut oats for overnight oatmeal! I have some in my pantry and will definitely be trying this!
Deborah Brooks says:
Wow so easy and healthy. l love to start my day off w oatmeal too
Rachel Frutkin says:
I eat a lot of oatmeal and I’m kind of ashamed to say I’ve never had steel cut oats! I should definitely up my oatmeal game.