Steel-Cut Oats Recipe: 7 Topping Ideas for Steel-Cut Oats

Steel-cut oats are pinhead-sized pieces of whole oat groats—the hulled, inner parts of whole oats—cut into two or three smaller pieces by steel blades. This production technique distinguishes steel-cut oats from other types of oats, like rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats), instant oats, and quick-cooking oats. Steel-cut oats, which take longer to cook, are slightly higher in protein and soluble fiber content than rolled oats.

Steel-cut oats take on a chewy texture as they cook. Here are some tips for making steel-cut oatmeal:

1. 1. Cook the oats in milk for a creamier texture. You can cook steel-cut oats in water, but use regular milk or dairy-free milk, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk, for creamier oats.
2. 2. Pre-soak the oats. Soaking steel-cut oats before cooking them has a few benefits: it improves the texture of the final product, helps the oats cook quicker, rinses off any impurities on the oats, and makes them easier to digest.
3. 3. Sweeten the oats as they cook. Steel-cut oats absorb flavors well. You can sweeten the oats as they cook rather than topping them with a sweetener just before serving. Try mixing in a sweetener like brown sugar as the oats cook, so the sweetener dissolves in the cooking liquid and flavors the oats.
4. 4. Try slow-cooking the oats. The quickest way to prepare steel-cut oats is on the stovetop, but if you’d like to wake up to warm oats, try using a slow-cooker. You can prepare the steel-cut oats in the evening and leave them to cook on low for seven to eight hours overnight in a slow cooker. This method also works for making a big batch of oats as part of your weekly meal prep.

Add toppings to your steel-cut oats to vary the dish’s flavors and textures. Here are a few topping ideas for your bowl of steel-cut oatmeal:

1. 1. Coconut: Coconut provides a crunchy, chewy texture that differs from the texture of the oats. Try adding sweetened or unsweetened coconut shreds or flaked coconut to your steel-cut oatmeal. Toasting the coconut before adding it to the oatmeal adds a rich depth of flavor.
2. 2. Dried fruit: Dried fruit is a common topping for oatmeal. Dried cranberries, cherries, dates, or raisins can add a tangy sweetness to your oats.
3. 3. Fresh fruit: Top steel-cut oatmeal with fresh fruit like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or apples. The fresh fruit brings a burst of juiciness, sweetness, and added vitamins and minerals to a bowl of steel-cut oatmeal. You can also add frozen fruit.
4. 4. Nut butter: Nut butters like peanut butter or almond butter add protein and savoriness to oatmeal. Mix the nut butter of your choice into your oatmeal for a hearty breakfast dish.
5. 5. Roasted nuts: Combine steel-cut oatmeal with whole, roasted nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
6. 6. Seeds: Chia seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds add vitamins, minerals, and crunch to steel-cut oatmeal.
7. 7. Sweetener: Drizzle sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or agave on top of the oatmeal. Not only does this provide sweetness, but it helps create a homogenous, sticky texture.