Hey there, my friend 👋. If you want a breakfast that keeps you full, tastes amazing, and is super easy to make, you’re in the right place. This honey nut steel cut oats recipe is the real deal. It’s creamy, nutty, and naturally sweetened with honey. No bland oatmeal here—just a warm, comforting bowl of goodness.
And the best part? With my method, you’ll get perfectly cooked steel cut oats in less time. Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (for optional toppings)
- Serving bowls
Important Info
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $5 for all ingredients
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 250
- Cook method: Stovetop
- Season: Perfect for all seasons
- Courses: Breakfast
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Honey Nut Steel Cut Oats
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Original Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Steel cut oats | Rolled oats (reduce cook time) |
| Milk | Coconut milk or oat milk |
| Honey | Maple syrup or agave nectar |
| Cinnamon | Nutmeg or cardamom |
| Chopped nuts | Seeds (sunflower or pumpkin) |
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water and milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the steel cut oats and salt, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cook uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are tender and creamy.
- Once the oats have thickened, remove from heat and stir in honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Let it sit for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Divide into bowls and top with chopped nuts.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Helpful Tips
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom.
- If the oats get too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen them up.
- For a richer taste, toast the oats in the dry saucepan for 2 minutes before cooking.
- You can make a big batch and refrigerate leftovers for easy breakfasts.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey to taste.
What to Serve with Honey Nut Steel Cut Oats
Oats are great on their own, but you can level them up with:
- Fresh fruits like bananas, berries, or apples
- A spoonful of peanut butter for extra creaminess
- Greek yogurt for added protein
- A sprinkle of granola for crunch
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like to serve these oats in deep bowls so they stay warm longer. If you’re making them for guests, drizzle a little extra honey on top and add a few extra nuts for a beautiful presentation.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is the ultimate cozy breakfast for home. It’s also great for meal prep, so you can pack it in containers and reheat it later. If you’re having a family brunch, this is a simple yet satisfying dish to put on the table.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you plan to eat the oats within a few hours, keep them covered at room temperature.
- Stir in a bit of warm milk before serving if they thicken too much.
Refrigeration
- Let the oats cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk, stirring well to restore creaminess.
Freezing
- Portion the oats into freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat with a little milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Can I use quick oats instead of steel cut oats?
No, quick oats will not work the same way. Steel cut oats have a chewier texture, while quick oats cook much faster and can become mushy.
Is this recipe good for kids?
Yes, kids love the natural sweetness of honey and the crunch from the nuts. You can also add fruits to make it even more fun for them.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Use plant-based milk like almond, coconut, or oat milk, and swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk, stirring halfway through. You can also warm it on the stove over low heat while stirring.
Meta Description
This honey nut steel cut oats recipe is creamy, naturally sweetened, and easy to make. Perfect for a warm, healthy breakfast that keeps you full for hours.