5-Minute Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal

5-Minute Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal- the easiest method for preparing steel cut oatmeal. Just five minutes of prep and you’ll wake up to cooked oats that are ready to heat and serve!

5-Minute Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal- the easiest method for preparing steel cut oatmeal. Just five minutes of prep and you'll wake up to cooked oats that are ready to heat and serve! (gluten-free, vegan, plant-based)

There’s something about cold weather that instantly makes me crave a warm bowl of oatmeal. The only draw back is the time and attention it takes to actually cook it. Especially steel cut oats which happen to be the best, in my personal opinion. The slightly chewy texture is so much better than the standard rolled oats.

When I first discovered this overnight method for cooking steel cut oats I must have done at least 7 cartwheels. It literally takes 5-minutes to prep them and when you wake up all you have to do is heat them and enjoy!

5-Minute Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal- the easiest method for preparing steel cut oatmeal. Just five minutes of prep and you'll wake up to cooked oats that are ready to heat and serve! (gluten-free, vegan, plant-based)

What’s the difference between Steel Cut Oats and Rolled Oats?

Both steel cut oats and rolled oats (or old fashioned oats) pack in a ton of nutritional benefits:

  • Rich in a soluble fiber called beta glucan which has been linked to lower LDL cholesterol
  • Good source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants known as avenanthramides
  • Promotes healthy gut bacteria
  • Contain important vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, selenium and iron

However, steel cut oats offer a slight nutritional advantage in that they are higher in fiber and may have a  lower glycemic index compared to rolled or quick oats. They are less processed in that they haven’t gone through a steaming and flattening process which gives them a a coarser texture.

Both kinds of oats are naturally gluten-free but are often processed in facilities with traces of gluten on they machinery. Bob’s Red Mill Organic Steel Cut Oats are certified gluten-free which means they are processed in a dedicated gluten-free facility and tested for GF integrity.

5-Minute Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal- the easiest method for preparing steel cut oatmeal. Just five minutes of prep and you'll wake up to cooked oats that are ready to heat and serve!

How to Prep Overnight Steel Cut Oats

The only disadvantage of steel cut oats is that they take longer to cook. Luckily I discovered this super easy method on Jackie’s blog (back in 2013!) and I’ve been making them this way ever since.

Let’s look at the steps so you can see for yourself how easy it is:

STEP #1  Start by bringing 3 cups filtered water to a boil in a large pot then add 1 cup of steel cut oats and a pinch of salt.

5-Minute Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal- the easiest method for preparing steel cut oatmeal. Just five minutes of prep and you'll wake up to cooked oats that are ready to heat and serve! (gluten-free, vegan, plant-based)

STEP #2 Allow the oats to boil for one minute, then turn the burner off and cover the pot with a lid. Now it’s bed time! Nighty-night! ;)

STEP #3 When you wake up the next morning, stumble your way into the kitchen and the turn the burner back on to the high heat setting then pour in 1/2 cup to 1 cup (depending on thick you like your oats) of milk and stir together. I like to use unsweetened vanilla hemp milk for a boost of omega-3s.

5-Minute Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal- the easiest method for preparing steel cut oatmeal. Just five minutes of prep and you'll wake up to cooked oats that are ready to heat and serve! (gluten-free, vegan, plant-based)

As the oats begin to boil, continue to stir intermittently and cook, until about 4-5 minutes have passed. Then that’s it! They’re ready to be served warm with your favorite toppings.

How to Store Leftovers

Since this makes a few servings, I usually have leftovers that I store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Then I just microwave them for about 2 minutes with a splash of milk to rehydrate.

This method has made eating oatmeal so much easier for me and I hope you find it does the same for you. Stay warm and enjoy, friends!

5-Minute Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal- the easiest method for preparing steel cut oatmeal. Just five minutes of prep and you'll wake up to cooked oats that are ready to heat and serve! (gluten-free, vegan, plant-based)

Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

5-Minute Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal

The easiest method for preparing steel cut oatmeal. Just five minutes of prep and you'll wake up to cooked oats that are ready to heat and serve!
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Servings: 5 cups

Ingredients

  • 3 cups filtered water
  • 1 cup steel cut oats, such as Bob's Red Mill
  • pinch of salt
  • ½-1 cup milk of choice, can also use water, if desired

Instructions

  • In a large pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of steel cut oats and a pinch of salt. Allow to boil for about one minute then turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Bed time!
  • The next morning, remove the lid and turn the heat to medium-high. Pour in the milk using 1/2 cup for thicker oats or 1 cup for a thinner consistency. Cook while continuing to stir for 3 to 4 minutes, until soft but still chewy. Transfer to a bowl fo serving, finish with desired toppings and enjoy!
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Microwave on high for 2 minutes when ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 21mg, Potassium: 11mg, Fiber: 4g, Vitamin A: 49IU, Calcium: 50mg, Iron: 2mg
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #makingthymeforhealth. I love hearing your feedback!

image001 This post was created in partnership with a brand that I have used and loved for years, Bob’s Red Mill. As always, all opinions and text are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make it possible for me to bring you quality content. For more delicious recipes and a coupon for $1.00 off any product, please visit Bob’sRedMill.com.