Easy Irish Oatmeal (Steel Cut Oatmeal)

Get perfectly cooked steel-cut oats (a.k.a. Irish oatmeal) with the perfect texture and consistency with my super-simple method. It’s a stovetop oatmeal that doesn’t require the 20 to 30 minutes of stirring and simmering that usually’s mandatory, and you can make it for easy breakfast meal prep all week long.

What are steel cut oats or Irish oatmeal?

Steel cut oats come from whole oat groat kernels, which have only been cleaned/processed just enough to remove the inedible hulls.

Steel-cut oatmeal (also known as Irish Oatmeal) are oat groats cut into 2 or 3 pieces using a steel blade; they are very minimally processed and still contain all the nutritional benefits of the whole oat groats. 

Nutritional benefits of steel cut/Irish oatmeal

Nutritionally speaking, oatmeal is a powerhouse and has earned the FDA’s approval for reducing the risk of coronary artery disease.

That’s due to its content of beta-glucan soluble fiber, which is present in all types of oats, from quick cooking to oat groats.

However, the less-processed varieties, like Irish oatmeal, are slower digesting and consequently have a lower glycemic index than their rolled or quick-cooking counterparts.

Are steel cut oats gluten free?

Pure oats ARE gluten-free. However, they are often processed in facilities that are not.

To be sure, check the label. The Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oatmeal I use indicates explicitly that it is gluten-free.

Can you make overnight oats with steel cut oats?

The short answer is YES.  How you get, there is a different matter.

In my experience, steel-cut or Irish oatmeal takes its sweet time to absorb liquid, usually requiring stirring and attendance.  

I’ve made them overnight in the crock pot, but they lacked that toothsome texture and reminded me more of a paste than porridge – blech.  

This method is quick and easy to make, doesn’t require a lot of hand-holding and yields a unique texture that practically pops like caviar in your mouth. You’ll see.

To make stovetop oatmeal:

1. Bring the water to a boil in a heavy pot.
2. Add salt.
3. Stir in the oatmeal.
4. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for one minute, stirring occasionally.
5. Turn off the heat and place a tight-fitting lid on the pot. Let sit for 1 to 1 1/2 hours (depending on how big the cut groats are — larger ones take a bit more time). Just so you know, this can be left to rest overnight for true “overnight oats,” but it’s not necessary.

Why this method works

Heating the water to boiling quickly starts the cooking process for the oats. As the liquid gradually cools, it’s absorbed into the Irish oatmeal slowly, plumping the steel-cut kernels to capacity but not over-cooking.

This simple method yields the best oatmeal, period. 

Toothsome, not gluey, and has a perfect consistency.  

Other methods will have you adding cold milk or water to the oats in a jar with your favorite mix-ins and refrigerating overnight.

Eating COLD oatmeal is gross. Therefore, I recommend you reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes for a hot, hearty bowl anytime.

How to meal prep stovetop oatmeal

Because you don’t want to wait an hour for breakfast every morning, you can make these easy steel cut/Irish oats in a batch that will keep you in perfectly prepped breakfasts all week.

Just one cup of steel-cut oats and 4 cups of water will give you a quart of ready-made oatmeal.

I store it in a quart-sized canning jar in the refrigerator, but you can also divvy it into five individual storage/serving bowls for reheating all week.

You can add oatmeal flavors like brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon and dried fruits directly to those separate containers for quick reheating.

If you want some variety, try these fresh and seasonal options by heating the steel-cut oatmeal in the microwave for 1-2 minutes and topping it with these fun combinations.

Vanilla pear almond steel cut oats

A little vanilla goes a long way in this easy breakfast, and it’s best when you have perfectly ripe pears. Adjust the sweetness with the honey according to your tastes. 

 

Apple pecan spice Irish oatmeal

It’s more than just a slice of apple on top. This oatmeal has a swirl of applesauce mixed right into the overnight oats. Those crunchy toasted pecans add a great texture.

 

Orange cranberry steel cut oats

Add orange juice and orange blossom honey to the Irish oatmeal. Top with fresh orange slices and sweet, chewy, dried cranberries.

 

Maple banana bread overnight oats

Mashed banana and maple syrup with crunchy toasted pecans remind me of my favorite banana bread. A dash of cinnamon would be nice here too.

 

Peanut butter and jelly steel cut oats

If you like peanut butter and jelly, this one is a treat! With just enough stick to the roof of your mouth goodness and crunchy dry roasted peanuts for garnish, it’ll bring out the kid in you.

Lemon blueberry almond Irish oatmeal

Instead of those little dried blueberry-esque pebbles in traditional cereal, why not go with the real thing? A bit of lemon zest brightens this overnight oats breakfast, and toasted almonds add crunch.

Also Try These Easy Make Ahead Breakfasts:

• Smoked Gouda Omelette Cups
• Individual Spinach Mushroom Frittatas
• Cinnamon Blueberry Bran Muffins

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