Sandra This Alton Brown Steel Cut Oats recipe is a creamy and nutty breakfast, which features toasted steel-cut oats and a blend of milk and water. It’s a hearty way to start the day, ready in about 40 minutes.
Alton Brown Steel Cut Oats Ingredients
- 1 cup steel-cut oats (also known as Irish or pinhead oats)
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond, soy, coconut milk)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter or coconut oil
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- Optional Mix-ins: Cinnamon, dried cranberries, chopped dates, toasted walnuts, brown sugar, maple syrup
How To Make Alton Brown Steel Cut Oats
- Heat the liquid: In a large saucepan, combine the 3 cups of water and 1 cup of milk. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil over.
- Toast the oats: While the liquid is heating, melt the butter (or coconut oil) in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Once the fat is shimmering, add the dry steel-cut oats. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 2–3 minutes. The oats should turn golden and smell toasted and fragrant (like popcorn). This step is essential for flavor.
- Combine: Carefully stir the toasted hot oats into the simmering liquid in the saucepan. Be careful, as it may sputter.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a very gentle simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The mixture will begin to thicken significantly.
- Finish cooking: Stir in the salt. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring more frequently as it thickens to prevent scorching on the bottom. The oats are done when they are creamy, tender but still chewy, and almost all the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in any desired mix-ins (dried fruit, spices). Let the oatmeal rest in the pot for 5 minutes. This allows it to thicken up to the perfect consistency and cool to an edible temperature.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with brown sugar, maple syrup, or toasted nuts.
Recipe Tips
- Toasting is key: Do not skip step 2. Toasting the oats in fat creates a complex, nutty flavor profile that separates “good” oatmeal from “great” oatmeal.
- Liquid ratio: Steel-cut oats generally require a 4:1 liquid-to-oat ratio (4 cups liquid to 1 cup oats). Alton’s mix of water and milk provides creaminess without being too heavy or prone to burning like 100% milk would be.
- Stirring: You don’t need to stir constantly like risotto, but you do need to check on it every 5 minutes to ensure the bottom isn’t burning, especially towards the end of cooking.
- Storage: Steel-cut oats reheat beautifully, unlike rolled oats which can get mushy. Make a double batch for the week.
What To Serve With Alton Brown Steel Cut Oats
Customize your bowl with toppings.
- Sweet: Brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey.
- Fruity: Fresh berries, banana slices, or stewed apples.
- Crunchy: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or chia seeds.
- Savory: Try a savory version with a fried egg, scallions, and soy sauce (omit the sugar/fruit).
How To Store Alton Brown Steel Cut Oats
- Refrigerate: Store cooled oatmeal in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It will solidify into a block.
- Freeze: You can freeze portions in a muffin tin, then transfer the “pucks” to a bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk or water and microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through to break up the lumps.
Alton Brown Steel Cut Oats Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 170kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturates: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Salt: 0.1g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 4 servings, without toppings).
FAQs
Can I use rolled oats?
No, rolled oats cook much faster (5-10 minutes) and will turn into glue if cooked for 30 minutes with this amount of liquid. This recipe is specifically for steel-cut oats.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Toast the oats first, then add them to a slow cooker with the liquids. Cook on Low for 4 hours (or overnight for 7-8 hours).
Is this gluten-free?
Oats are naturally gluten-free but often contaminated. Buy “Certified Gluten-Free” steel-cut oats if you have an allergy.
Alton Brown Steel Cut Oats Recipe
Description
A superior oatmeal recipe that toasts the steel-cut oats in butter before simmering them in a milk and water bath for a nutty, creamy finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer water and milk in a saucepan.
- Melt butter in a skillet and toast oats for 2 minutes.
- Stir toasted oats into simmering liquid.
- Cook on low for 20 minutes.
- Add salt and cook 10 more minutes until thick.
- Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve with toppings.
Notes
- Toasting the oats creates a protective exterior that helps the grains maintain their distinct “chew” even after 30 minutes of simmering, preventing a mushy texture.
- Adding the salt towards the end of the cooking process rather than the beginning prevents the oats from toughening up, ensuring a creamy final dish.
- Letting the oatmeal rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the residual heat to absorb any remaining surface liquid, resulting in the perfect spoonable consistency.
Alton Brown Steel Cut Oats Recipe
