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Creamy bowl of cooked steel cut oats topped with banana slices, nuts and maple syrup

How to Cook Steel Cut Oats: Creamy, Chewy & Nutty Breakfast Perfection

Discover how to cook creamy, chewy steel cut oats on the stovetop. Master the butter-toasting trick and the perfect water-to-milk ratio for wholesome breakfast comfort.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Easy Cooking, Guide, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy, International
Calories: 170
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup Steel-cut oats (Irish or Scottish oats)
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1.5 cups Milk (whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk)
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted butter (for toasting)
  • 0.25 tsp Fine sea salt
  • 0.5 tsp Pure vanilla extract (optional)
  • 0.5 tsp Ground cinnamon (optional)

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add 1 cup of steel-cut oats and toast, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 2 to 3 minutes until aromatic and smelling toasted and nutty.
  3. Slowly pour in 2 cups of water, 1.5 cups of milk, and 0.25 tsp sea salt. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle rolling boil.
  4. As soon as boiling begins, reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot with the lid, leaving a slight gap for steam to vent.
  5. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally every 5 minutes to prevent the bottom from catching. Cook until thickened and oats are tender with a pleasant chewy texture.
  6. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and cinnamon, and let stand uncovered for 5 minutes. The oats will continue to thicken into a luxurious, creamy porridge.
  7. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh berries, toasted pecans, sliced bananas, or a swirl of pure maple syrup.