What to Do with Steel Cut Oats Besides Oatmeal
When it comes to nutritional value, rolled oats and steel-cut oats are about the same. However, as it pertains to fiber content and density, steel-cut oats win out every time! Not only are they better for you, but this means you’re also getting more for your money, which is especially important for the times we’re living in. But besides using steel-cut oats for your oatmeal, are there any other ways to enjoy them? There are several. Here’s what to do with your steel-cut oats besides oatmeal:
You should try these 20 Cozy Baked Oatmeal Recipes!
What are steel-cut oats?
They make steel-cut oats by chopping up hulled oat grains called groats. Steel blades are used to make the oat groat into small pieces. The health benefits of this approach to oat preparation are that the key parts of the grain stay intact, including the bran, germ, and endosperm.
What to Do With Steel-Cut Oats Besides Oatmeal:
1. Steel-cut oat pancakes
Use steel-cut oats in place of your regular rolled oats for a denser and chewier pancake. You could make these Eggnog Pancakes and Eggnog Syrup to go with them!
2. Steel-cut oat porridge
Porridge is a warm, creamy breakfast that’s similar to oatmeal but with a thicker texture. To make steel-cut oat porridge, just simmer steel-cut oats in liquid for 20-30 minutes on low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Steel-cut oat muffins
Make a healthier version of your favorite muffin recipe by replacing the flour with steel-cut oats. You’ll get a denser and more filling muffin that’s perfect for breakfast or snacks on the go! Banana Muffins And So Much More
4. Steel-cut oat granola bars
Replace some of the rolled oats with steel-cut oats for a crunchier and heartier granola bar. The Best Granola Recipes In The World
5. Steel-cut oat cookies
You can also use steel-cut oats in your cookie recipes for a more robust flavor and texture. Besides being used in cookies, steel-cut oats can be added to other baked goods such as bread and cakes as well.
6. Steel cut oat risotto
Risotto is a classic Italian dish that’s usually made with Arborio rice, but you can also make it with steel-cut oats! Cook the oats in broth or stock until creamy and serve with your favorite vegetables and proteins.
This is a great way to add some extra nutrition to your favorite risotto recipe. Just replace some of the Arborio rice with steel-cut oats and cook until creamy. risotto
7. Steel cut oat parfaits
Layer steel-cut oats with yogurt and fresh fruit for a tasty breakfast or afternoon snack.The Best Chocolate Chip Parfait Cookies
8. Steel-cut oat bread
You’ve seen oats on certain brands of bread at the grocery store and you can do the same when making your homemade bread. Use steel-cut oats in your bread recipes to give them a hearty flavor and texture.
9. Steel-cut oat salad
Make a delicious and nutritious salad by combining cooked steel-cut oats, vegetables, and your favorite dressing. You can also add some protein such as chicken or beans for a heartier dish.
10. Oats with Vegetables
Saute some vegetables and then stir in steel-cut oats for a nutritious side dish. You can also top it with cheese or nuts for an extra boost of flavor and texture.
11. Steel-cut oats with Meat
This last one might sound strange, but it’s a good one! Add some steel-cut oats to your favorite meat dish for an extra layer of texture and flavor. The oats will help to keep the cooking juices from evaporating, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
Are Steel Cut Oats Healthy and Okay to Consume Regularly?
Sure, steel-cut oats can be enjoyed daily. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber which helps with digestion, lowers cholesterol, and keeps you feeling full longer. They contain a fair amount of protein and fewer calories, meaning they may also help you burn belly fat while building muscle.
You may not realize it, but that’s why many bodybuilders consume them and they are known to be enjoyed by those with diabetes. Although they do contain beta-glucan, they are gluten-free.
Steel-cut oats also contain essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. These nutrients help your body to stay healthy, giving you the energy you need throughout the day.
Are steel-cut oats good for baking?
Steel-cut oats are a great choice for baking. They lend a nutty flavor and chewy texture to baked goods, making them perfect for muffins, cookies, and other treats. Steel-cut oats also add soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your recipes, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious bakers. They aren’t what you’d call quick-cooking oats since they don’t absorb water as well as other types of oats, but when cooked according to the recipe they work well. I don’t cook mine under high pressure like an instant pot, but sometimes I will use a slow cooker to get the texture desired.
- 10 Cooking from Scratch Tips
- 10 Essential Ingredients You Need When Baking
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Is steel-cut oatmeal healthier than regular oatmeal?
Steel-cut oatmeal is generally considered to be healthier than regular oatmeal. These oats contain more fiber and other beneficial nutrients than regular rolled oats, meaning they help keep you feeling fuller longer and provide a more nutritious alternative to traditional oatmeal. Steel-cut oats have a low glycemic index, which can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
Oats are a great gluten-free whole grain that is very versatile when it comes to meal prep. They contain antioxidants we all need, low cholesterol levels for stronger heart health,
What toppings can you use on cooked steel-cut oats?
- Apple Slices
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Coconut oil
- Dried fruit
- Almond milk
- Chia seeds
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Chocolate chips
- Peanut butter
- Vanilla extract
- Sunflower seeds
- Coconut milk
- Banana slices
- Greek yogurt
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Spices like nutmeg
What is the best steel-cut oats recipe that you have?
- Overnight oats
- Healthy breakfast
- Scottish oats
- Oat flour
- Oatmeal cookies
Oatmeal Recipes
- Soft Oatmeal Cookies
- Oatmeal Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- 20 Cozy Baked Oatmeal Recipes
- Cheap And Easy Oatmeal You Make Once A Week
How To Make Oatmeal In Jars
I decided to make a recipe card so it’s easy to just print and file. This post will show you how to prepare cheap and easy oatmeal you make once a week. I have seven Ball or Kerr wide-mouth mason jars and seven wide-mouth Ball lids to have seven jars of easy oatmeal you just add boiling water to, and bing, bam, boom! Breakfast in no time! I grab a jar in the morning and I add the boiling water as directed below. The recipe is for one jar below.
I know a lot of people who work out of the home will find these are a great way to make your breakfasts ahead of time, like on a Saturday, for the following week. All you do is fill the pint-size mason jars with the dry ingredients you want to eat each day. Store the jars in your pantry until you’re ready to eat them. When you are ready to enjoy them pour the required boiling water over the dry jar mix and replace the lid. Slightly tighten the lids and set them on the counter to “cook”.
You can even take the jar in your car and eat it when you get to work. It thickens and is yummy as is. I don’t add milk to mine as some people do. I’m sure you can think of many more freeze-dried fruits to add to the ingredients in your jars. I don’t add honey because it needs to be dry ingredients. They are low-calorie as well as a very healthy and hearty breakfast. Of course, they are inexpensive too.
- 1/2 cup Dry Old-Fashioned Oatmeal or 1/4 cup Dry Steel-Cut Oatmeal.
- 1 tablespoon raisins, optional
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or 2 tablespoons dry Stevia
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup of boiling water (adjust according to the type of oatmeal you use.)
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Place all of the ingredients except the boiling water in a pint mason jar.
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When ready to eat, carefully pour the boiling water into the mason jar with this recipe or the ones below. Or you can use 8 ounces of water from your Keurig machine.
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Place the lid on and screw lightly.
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Set the timer for 15 minutes, then wait, and remove the lid and it is ready to eat. If it's not thick enough to your liking, check it a few minutes later.
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Keep the lid on and drive to work, or put the laundry in the washing machine or take it to the park and read a book while you eat it.
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Remove the lid and enjoy.
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***You can microwave the jars without the lid for 30-40 seconds, but you MUST watch the jars because they may overflow. Be careful the jars will be hot.
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Recipe #2 is the recipe above plus cranberries and sliced almonds
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Recipe #3 is the recipe above but add shredded coconut and chopped pecans
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Recipe #4 is the recipe above but add freeze-dried bananas
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Recipe #5 is the recipe above but add freeze-dried apples (one layer)
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Recipe #6 is the recipe above but add dehydrated peanut butter and some freeze-dried banana
I love Ball jars, but Kerr jars are great as well. The white lids are from Ball. You can use the lids that come with the jars, but these black or white ones are reusable and I use them for everything except canning, of course. Ball Black Leakproof Wide Mouth Lids. I always use one of these funnels when I fill the jars: Prepworks Funnel or Prepworks Funnel Canning Set
Final Word
Steel-cut oats are a healthier and more filling alternative to rolled oats. They can be enjoyed in many different dishes, from pancakes to porridge to salads, so you’re sure to find one that fits your taste. Do you know of any other interesting and delicious ways to add steel-cut oats to your dishes? I’d love to hear from you! May God Bless this world, Linda
It’s also a livestock feed that can be stored for decades. You can even warm it in the winter for the chickens
Hi Matt, thank you for that tip!! I love it, it will help many people. Linda
I can’t wait to try this. I really need to start eating more oatmeal. I have regular oatmeal, but I want to try the steel cut. I (We) all need to get healthier. JMHO.
Hi Deborah, thank you for the 5 stars, my sweet friend. I need to eat better as well! You are so right! Linda
I’m guessing this might work just as well with quart mason jars?? I have a ton of them, but no pint-sized jars & don’t really want to spend the money nor find some more space to store them!
Hi Janet, thank you for the 5 stars, my sweet friend. I would for sure use the quart jars, you can always scoop the oatmeal out and eat in a bowl. Use what you have. Linda
Linda,
That funnel you use was so sweet I clicked on the link and ordered one–actually I ordered the 3 piece kit since it was cheaper than the funnel by itself.
I’ll have to try steel cut oats again. Some of your recipes look sooooo good.
HI Ray, thank you for the 5 stars, my friend! I know the steel cut oats take a little longer “cook” in the jars, but I love them! Linda
I prefer the steel cut oats over the packaged oats any day! Good post, Linda!
Hi Jess, thank you for the 5 stars, my sweet friend! Thank you for your kind words! Linda
Loved your ideas. Steel cut oats in 40 pound bags are only about $1 per pound. I like steel cut oats far better than rice. Once the oats are cooked, I use a colander to rinse off the jelly like goo, so the texture will substitute for rice. Use it in any rice recipe. It is especially good in soup. Add the uncooked oats to the broth to thicken the soup and taste like rice has been added. I tried for years to make a vegetarian bean patty (burger) for my niece. Instead of rice or bread crumbs as a filler, I used cooked but still chewy oats, drained and rinsed, then dried on a cookie sheet just until the water on the surface of the oats has evaporated. Adds that perfect texture to mimic ground beef.
Hi Phyl, I like your idea about making steel oats stretch your meals, great tip! Linda