I’m officially obsessed with Basic Overnight Steel-Cut Oats. Like, can’t-go-a-morning-without-this obsessed. Like, might-cry-into-my-bowl-once-it’s-empty obsessed. Why? Because they’re EASY and chewy and satisfying without added sugar and with plenty of protein and fiber.
So normally I eat eggs for breakfast. By normally, I mean almost every day because they are delicious and because they are a good source of protein and because they keep me full until lunchtime. But eggs are now the stuff of Breakfasts Past and now I’m all about the Basic Overnight Steel-Cut Oats.
But has anyone heard about the egg shortage? The bird flu is running rampant. Seriously! I can’t make this stuff up. Apparently, more than 35 million egg-laying chickens in the U.S. have been laid to rest. So don’t be surprised to see prices jump at the supermarket… or at your favorite brunch place… or at McDonald’s.
So long, favorite brunch frittata. And pancakes and cakes, cookies, croissants, frozen custard. Does an egg shortage mean shortage of these things too? I’m in tears.
In honor of all these egg-containing foods, I’ll tip up an extra Bloody Mary over my Basic Overnight Steel-Cut Oats.
So here’s the good news: I’ve discovered overnight oats. I’m so totally late on this trend and for that, apologies are in order. But I’m officially obsessed, like, can’t-go-a-morning-without-this obsessed. Like, might-cry-into-my-bowl-once-it’s-empty obsessed.
Why?
- Because steel-cut overnight oats are gloriously chewy and satisfying
- There’s no added sugar, just the natural sweetness of milk and handfuls of fresh berries
- Protein + oodles of fiber = full until lunchtime
- Literally 60 seconds spent in the kitchen before bed, and you wake up to magically ready-to-eat Basic Steel-Cut Overnight Oats.
I’m not even sure that you can call this a recipe. It’s 1 part steel-cut oats to 2 parts milk. THAT’S ALL. Talk about easy. I can make it with my hands tied behind my back. I can just imagine it into being. I’m sure that with practice, you could pick up that skill too.
Basic Overnight Steel-Cut Oats
60-seconds at night = happy, hearty, and healthy breakfast in the morning. I like mine with berries, chia seeds, and chopped nuts. You can add whatever you like as long as you follow the basic ratio of 1 part oatmeal to 2 parts milk.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup steel-cut oats*
- 2/3 cup light soy milk** or skim milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds optional
- Berries or chopped fruit optional
- Dried fruit optional
- Chopped nuts or nut butter optional
Instructions
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In a Tupperware container or jar, mix steel-cut oats with milk. Add chia seeds if desired and mix well. The chia seed will float to the top -- that's okay.
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Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours. In the morning, mix chia seeds in with a spoon. Top with fresh berries or fruit, dried fruit, chopped nuts, or nut butter, and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
*A word on oats. I used Trader Joe's Steel Cut Oats and they work really well. I have been told by a couple of people that Irish oats do not work in this recipe, but I have not tried it myself.
**A word on milk. I've made this now with light soy milk and skim milk. The skim milk seems to be 100% absorbed by the oats, resulting in a thicker, drier oatmeal. The soy milk leaves the oats slightly more liquidy. If your family purchases cow's milk, but you like your oats with more liquid, just add an extra splash of milk before you eat this in the morning!
Nutrition information for oats + light soy milk + 1 cup berries + 1 tablespoon chia seeds + 1 tablespoon chopped nuts
More Oats!
Cranberry-Pecan Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowls
(okay, so quinoa, not oats)
Matcha Ginger Oat Muffins
Sunny Pumpkin Cherry Breakfast Bars
Hmmmmm…no cooking? Eat it cold? Both those things intrigue me. Do you have a favorite brand of steel cut oats? I’m definitely gonna try this!
No cooking! Eat it cold! SO GOOD and filling! You will definitely love this! I use Trader Joe’s steel cut oats, but probably all brands are similar.
Can we warm these in the microwave on cold mornings??
Hi Jeri –
I’ve never done that before, but I’ve spoken to many people who prefer them that way!
Hello!
I love overnight steel cut oats. I’ve tried them before, but I find that they are hard to digest this way. My stomach is in knots by the end of the day. Any ideas on how to fix that? I love them so much, but can’t deal with the discomfort later in the day.
It might be that your diet is otherwise low in fiber. The fiber load (8 grams per 1/2 cup uncooked) is quite high and may cause stomach issues if you’re not used to it. You should gradually increase fiber in your diet at other meals too. It could also be a lactose sensitivity if you’re using cow’s milk. Have you noticed the problem with other foods?
Can you use steel cut oats instead of rolled oats when making overnight oats? So far I found a ton of recipes using rolled oats, so as long as I follow the 1-2 ratio can I use steel cut oats instead? Also what are your thoughts on using almond milk? Thanks in advance!
Hi Sam!
Yes, I use steel cut oats and the same rule applies, 1:2 ratio! I prefer the steel-cut, they have a chewier texture as they don’t soak up QUITE as much of the liquid. And yes, use any “milk” that you prefer. I prefer dairy milk or soy milk because of the high protein content, but almond milk is certainly the lowest in calories!
I have scottish oatmeal which is finer than the steel cut. Would this work just as well?
Hi Lori, good question! The scottish oatmeal would work just fine! It may absorb a bit more of the liquid, but you can always add more milk in the morning if you prefer your overnight oats a little more liquidy (I do!). Let me know how it turns out!
Thanks for the quick response. I’m going to make some fresh cashew milk and make the oats before bed tonight. I will let ya know how they turn out!
Eating my oats right now! When I stirred them this morning, I didn’t think I was going to like it. I thought it was a bit chalky tasting. But then I added chopped bananas, coconut, granola and some agave and it is really very good!!
Fresh cashew milk?!? YUM! I wouldn’t know the first thing about how to make that. I bet the finer grind makes it a little chalky. The Irish oats tend to be more chewy. I’m so glad you let me know how they turned out. Bananas + coconut + granola sounds AWESOME.
Fresh cashew milk is easiest thing ever!! Here is where I got my recipe. http://healthyblenderrecipes.com/recipes/home_made_raw_cashew_milk Although I enjoyed the oatmeal, I think I will use the Irish oats for overnight oatmeal and leave the scottish oats for a hot breakfast!! Let me know what you think if you try to cashew milk.
Never knew steel-cut could be used for overnight oats ! I have been using thick rolled oats for years. These are wonderful !! I use a bit of soymilk and homemade soy yogurt. I add the frozen berries in the evening so the juices are easy to incorporate in the morning. Many thanks for this post … love my steel cut oats and NO COOKING is a bonus.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the steel-cut now! I’ve also since heard this tip: Add cranberries or raisins (or other dried fruit) the night before and the liquid will hydrate them!
i tried this recipe with steel cut irish oatmeal and put it in the fridge for about 7 hours, and it’s still very “uncooked”! most of milk wasn’t absorbed and the oats are still crunchy. any idea why? does it not work with irish oatmeal?
Hi Mustafa – I use Trader Joe’s Steel Cut Oats and it works well. I have been told recently that Irish oats are “different” and that it doesn’t work. I will add that to the recipe notes! Thank you for letting me know!
If you want to cook them in the microwave the next day, do you still use milk ?
Thanks!
Hi Sharon,
I would still use milk. However, if you prefer your oatmeal cooked with water, I’m sure that would be fine too. Did you experiment? Let me know how it turns out!
Does this work with Trader Joe’s “quick” steel cut oats, too, or just the regular? Thank you.
It does! The texture is different — a little softer — so you may want to eat them the next morning! The steel-cut can sometimes last an extra day or two without breaking down too much.
AMAZING! Thank you so much for this recipe! I did try it with Irish steel cut oats, and I thought it worked just fine. I used almond milk, so perhaps that made a difference. I was going to take a photo, but it was so good I scarfed it all down. I added chia seeds, 1 banana, and RX peanut butter 🙂 looking forward to exploring more of your delicious recipes!
Thanks Christina! Glad to hear it worked for you! I’m newly obsessed with RX peanut butter!! YUM
DANIELLE, great breakfast idea, thanks for sharing!
Hi Alyssa, Thanks so much for the compliment!
Hi Danielle, aren’t Irish oats the same thing as steel cut? Thank you!
They are supposedly the same, yes! When I mentioned Irish Oats, I’m referring to the brand, which for some reason does not have quite the same texture as the Trader Joe’s steel cut. Good question!