Creamy Steel Cut Oats with Toppings Recipe

Introduction

Steel cut oats are a hearty, wholesome breakfast option that delivers a satisfying texture and rich, nutty flavor. Perfect for a warm start to your day, this recipe guides you through simple steps to make creamy, comforting oatmeal from scratch.

Ingredients

• 2½ cups water
• ¾ cup milk (any kind, such as whole, skim, or plant-based)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup steel cut oats
• Toppings, such as fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, maple syrup or honey, cinnamon, etc. (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring the water, milk, and salt to a boil.
2. Step 2: Stir in the steel cut oats and return the mixture to a boil.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally. Toward the end, stir more frequently to prevent the oats from sticking to the pan.
4. Step 4: Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until the oats are thick and creamy. For a chewier texture, cook closer to 25 minutes.
5. Step 5: If the oatmeal becomes too thick, add a splash of water or milk to reach your preferred consistency.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat, spoon into bowls, and add your favorite toppings before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Toast the steel cut oats in the dry saucepan for a few minutes before adding liquid to enhance their nutty flavor.
• Try stirring in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg during cooking for extra warmth and flavor.
• Swap water and milk ratio depending on how creamy or light you prefer your oats.
• Make overnight steel cut oats by soaking them in milk and water mixture in the fridge to reduce cooking time in the morning.

Storage

Store any leftover steel cut oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the texture. Stir well before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook steel cut oats in advance?

Yes, steel cut oats store well and can be prepared ahead of time. Simply reheat with a little extra liquid to restore creaminess.

What’s the difference between steel cut oats and rolled oats?

Steel cut oats are chopped whole oat groats with a coarser, chewier texture and longer cooking time. Rolled oats are steamed and flattened, making them cook faster and have a softer texture.

Creamy Steel Cut Oats with Toppings Recipe

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A hearty and creamy bowl of steel cut oats cooked slowly on the stovetop, perfect for a warm and nutritious breakfast. This recipe uses a combination of water and milk for a rich texture and can be customized with your favorite toppings such as fresh or dried fruits, nuts, and sweeteners.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Oats Base

• 2½ cups water
• ¾ cup milk (any kind, such as whole, skim, or plant-based)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup steel cut oats

Toppings (Optional)

• Fresh fruit
• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Maple syrup or honey
• Cinnamon

Instructions

1. Boil liquids: In a medium saucepan, bring the water, milk, and salt to a boil, ensuring the salt dissolves completely and the mixture is heated evenly.
2. Add oats: Stir in the steel cut oats carefully and return the mixture to a boil to start the cooking process.
3. Simmer oats: Reduce the heat to low. Let the oats simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and increase stirring frequency toward the end of cooking. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes until the oats are thick and creamy. For chewier oats, cook closer to 25 minutes; for softer, cook longer.
4. Adjust consistency: If the oatmeal thickens too much, add a splash of water or milk to loosen it to your preferred consistency. Remove the saucepan from heat once done.
5. Serve: Spoon the cooked steel cut oats into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, maple syrup, honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Notes

• Stir more frequently at the end of cooking to prevent the oats from sticking and burning.
• Use plant-based milk or skim milk for a lighter, lower fat breakfast option.
• Customize toppings to suit dietary preferences and add extra texture and flavor.
• Leftover oats can be refrigerated and reheated with a splash of milk or water.
• Cooking time affects texture: shorter time yields chewier oats, longer time yields creamier oats.

Keywords: steel cut oats, oatmeal, breakfast, hearty oats, creamy oats, healthy breakfast, stovetop oats