The Secret To Steel-Cut Oats Is Making Them Ahead Of Time

There's nothing like a warm, creamy breakfast to get the day started right — something satiating and full of flavor. Steel-cut oats are all of those things, which make them an ideal option for an early meal. Not only are they yummy and soft, but they're also healthier than some other breakfast foods, such as sugary pastries or greasy bacon. The only downside to steel-cut oats is that they take a little longer to cook than their regular counterparts.

Having to watch the stove isn't something everyone wants to do, especially first thing in the morning when you're trying to get out the door. The good news is that it's easy to have those oats ready sooner — you just have to get them started the night before. Prepping your oats prior to bed means that you can wake right up and have a hot, smooth breakfast within minutes. It takes just a little bit of time and wins you an easy, tasty start to the day.

There's nothing particularly special about this version of the recipe — it's just a matter of getting the oatmeal started so you can finish it easily in the morning, sleepy-eyed and all. Plus, reheating steel-cut oats makes them creamier. There are recipes out there that call for not toasting your oats, but that's short-sighted; toasting your oats will give them another easy boost of flavor that lasts all week long. As Chef Nate Weir explains to Insider, "This adds a nice, warm, nutty flavor, and because you're cooking the oats a little, it doesn't add any prep time."

Once your oats are measured and perfectly toasted (after about three minutes), it's time to set them up in the pot with water and salt. Bring the oats to a rolling boil, then put a lid on the pot, and turn the stove off. That's right — turn the stove off, because the hard work is done. Now, all you have to do is let the oats sit overnight. When you wake up in the morning, simply turn the stove back on to quickly reheat your tender oats.

When thinking about regular oatmeal, one thing that comes to mind is probably that it can't usually sit out or easily be reheated without turning into a dry lump. Steel-cut oats offer a key difference here, because they are built to be made in advance and heated back up. Instead of losing texture, steel-cut oats become creamier after resting, and that means a breakfast that doesn't feel like it was made with a shortcut. This also means that overnight steel-cut oats are a great candidate for making ahead of time for the whole week.

Surplus oats can be stored in the refrigerator for a handful of days. So, all you need to do is portion out some each morning and then heat it up on the stovetop or in the microwave. Making your oatmeal ahead of time doesn't mean it has to be boring, either — there are plenty of ways to dress it up. Chopped fruit can also be prepped ahead of time in the fridge and added, and so can chopped nuts. Preserves and jams similarly offer quick ways to bring in flavor throughout the week. However you top it, overnight steel-cut oats are the key to easy mornings.