Name: Creamy Irish Oats (Steel‑Cut Oats) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 1 cup (6 oz/172 g) steel-cut oats; 4 cups (32 fl oz/960 ml) water; ½ teaspoon salt; Milk, brown sugar, and/or toppings of choice (optional)

Why You’ll Love Creamy Irish Oats (Steel‑Cut Oats) Recipe

This Irish oats recipe:

Makes velvety, rich oatmeal that’s more satisfying than instant oats
Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
Can be made ahead for easy breakfasts throughout the week

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

oats
whole milk
water
Irish steel‑cut oats
pinch of salt

Toppings (optional)
cream
brown sugar

Directions

In a medium heavy‑bottomed saucepan, combine the whole milk, water, steel‑cut oats, and a pinch of salt and bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the oats are tender and the mixture is creamy — about 55 to 60 minutes.
Divide the cooked oats into bowls. Add a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of brown sugar if you like.
Enjoy hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: About 55 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Variations

Add cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavor
Stir in chopped apples or berries toward the end of cooking
Top with nuts for crunch and extra nutrition
Use oat milk or almond milk to make it dairy‑free

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cooked oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or water to loosen the texture.

FAQs

What are steel‑cut oats?

Steel‑cut oats are whole oat groats chopped into pieces, giving a chewier texture than rolled oats.

Do I need to soak the oats before cooking?

No — you can cook them directly in the liquid; soaking isn’t necessary.

Can I cook these oats faster?

Steel‑cut oats take time; cooking low and slow gives the best creamy texture.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

Oats themselves are naturally gluten‑free, but check for certified gluten‑free oats if you need a strict gluten‑free dish.

How do I make this dairy‑free?

Use your choice of plant‑based milk (like oat or almond) instead of whole milk.

Can I use rolled oats instead?

Rolled oats will cook much faster but yield a softer, less hearty texture than steel‑cut oats.

What toppings work best?

Cream and brown sugar are classic, but fruit, nuts, maple syrup, or cinnamon are great too.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes — you can cook steel‑cut oats in a slow cooker with liquid overnight; they’ll be ready in the morning.

Is this recipe healthy?

It’s nutritious, with fiber and complex carbohydrates — a filling breakfast option.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze cooked oats in portions, then thaw and reheat with added milk or water.

Conclusion

This Creamy Irish Oats recipe is a delicious, comforting way to make steel‑cut oats — rich, hearty, and perfect for chilly mornings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s set to become your favorite breakfast staple.