This quick and easy Overnight Steel Cut Oats recipe makes a perfectly delicious breakfast for busy mornings!

When there’s no time to cook, let everyone help themselves to a big bowl of oatmeal made with high fiber steel-cut oats. This recipe can be served hot or cold and it tastes fantastic either way. Packed with healthy oatmeal, chia seeds, and any favorite milk or non-dairy milk alternative, overnight oats makes a quick make ahead breakfast. And it also makes a hearty grab-and-go meal that can be snatched from the refrigerator and eaten straight from a mason jar!

jars of Overnight Steel Cut Oats with berries

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Easy Overnight Breakfast

  • With just a few minutes of evening prep, this recipe is ready by morning! Steel-cut oats soak up the sweet and savory flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup, plus the chia seeds pack a protein punch for all-day energy.
  • Sugar-free and sweetened with maple syrup or honey, overnight oats is prepped in portions and enjoyed plain or heated up in the morning! Make an oatmeal bar with bowls of add-ins and let everyone create their own masterpiece. Plus it makes a fun and easy activity for sleepovers!
  • For some more overnight oats inspiration, try these Easy Overnight Oats With Fruit, or some fall and winter inspired Pumpkin Overnight Oats. Banana lovers will also enjoy these Banana Overnight Oats

ingredients to make overnight steel cut oats, and process to add ingredients to jars

Ingredients & Variations

OATMEAL: Steel-cut oats hold up better in an overnight recipe than instant versions do, and also have the highest amount of fiber, B-vitamins, and antioxidants. Quinoa, farro, and bulgar wheat are excellent healthy hot cereals that will also stay firm overnight, but first need to be cooked as directed. Chia seeds help thicken the oatmeal and work well with any of these grains.

MILK: Any milk will do! Almond milk has a mild flavor as does soy and coconut milk, but oat milk is closest to dairy milk for its milk flavor and creamy texture. If choosing plain or flavored yogurt, be sure it’s thoroughly mixed into the oatmeal/chia seed mixture. And be aware that more yogurt may be needed to achieve the right consistency. Evaporated or sweetened condensed milk are not recommended for this recipe.

SEASONINGS: A dash of vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup or honey give overnight oats its sweet and savory flavor. Or try this DIY Pumpkin Spice blend for a fun seasonal mix that is also delicious.

ADD-INS: Choose any healthy add-ins like strawberries, bananas, or blueberries. Serve overnight oats plain, or swirl in a spoonful of fruit preserves, or a handful of raisins or dried cranberries. Even the addition of a little chocolate syrup or peanut butter makes a new dish every time! Or add some healthy fats, with a bit of crunch, with chopped pecans, walnuts, pepitas, or slivered almonds. 

process of making overnight steel cut oats

How to Make Overnight Steel Cut Oats

A healthy breakfast is ready in no time with this easy to follow recipe!

  1. Equally measure ingredients (as per recipe below) in mason jars. 
  2. Stir each container, then add lids and refrigerate overnight. 
  3. Eat cold, or warmed up in the microwave (remember to microwave without the lid on).

process of adding berries to Overnight Steel Cut Oats

Tips for the Best Overnight Oats

  • For best results, mix the oats and chia seeds together first. Then use a knife or spoon to thoroughly mix the overnight oats in the jar before refrigerating. This helps the oats and chia seeds soak up the milk.
  • Be sure to use microwave safe containers if heating overnight oats.
  • There is no need to thaw frozen fruit before adding to overnight oats since it will thaw in the mixture overnight.

Overnight Steel Cut Oats with berries on a spoon

More Oat Recipes

adding berries to Overnight Steel Cut Oats
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Overnight Steel Cut Oats

Overnight oats with steel cut oats is a delicious and healthy make-ahead breakfast.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Refrigerator Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Candace

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • Measure and add to each of four 1 cup mason jars (or other containers)*:
  • ¼ cup steel cut oats
    ⅓ cup almond milk, or milk of your choice
    ¼ teaspoon vanilla
    ½ teaspoon chia seeds
    1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey)
    ⅛ - ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
    pinch kosher salt
  • Stir the mixture with a spoon or knife and cover with a lid.
  • Refrigerate overnight. Enjoy cold or heat in the microwave if you prefer it warm.

Notes

  • *For this recipe, I find it easiest to measure into each jar as I go, however you can also mix it all together and divide into 4 jars.
  • Mix everything together well so the oats and chia seeds can soak up the milk.
  • Add frozen fruit as is because it will thaw overnight.
  • Lasts 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
5 from 18 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 198 | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 26mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 143mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.

Course Breakfast
Cuisine American

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Overnight Steel Cut Oats with berries and writing

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jars full of Overnight Steel Cut Oats with berries in a bowl and a title

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Overnight Steel Cut Oats in jars and on a spoon with a title

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About the author

I am a wife, mother of two, and professional accountant. I love fantastic food, and it is so often the center of our lives, from everyday dinner, to family gatherings, and special evenings at fabulous restaurants. I have always loved cooking and baking, with my mom and grandma, and now, with my daughter and son. I love trying new recipes while enjoying my favorites too. I’m so happy to share them with you.
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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I followed the recipe exactly and added fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries in the morning! It was delicious! Definitely making it again tonight 🙂

  2. Is the mixture supposed to look the same as when it when in the fridge? It’s crunchy and maybe a little thicker but not by much.

    1. The oats should be softened, and it will be come thicker as it sits. Oats may vary, so perhaps yours need to sit a little longer to soften. I have made this many times and sometimes it takes a little longer. Hope you enjoy them Wendy!