How to Use Steel Cut Oats in a Complete Meal

Steel cut oatmeal is a nutrient-packed food and can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. The key nutrients you will find in steel cut oats are complex carb and fiber, with smaller amounts of protein and fat too. While quality carb and fiber are essential components of a balanced meal, fat and protein should also be well represented in order for a meal to be considered complete. When enjoying steel cut oats for breakfast, here are three ways to enjoy them as part of a complete meal.

Cinnamon Roll Steel Cut Oats

Make it sweet

A warm bowl of oats is hard to beat on a cold morning. If you prefer a sweet start to your day, top your oats with fresh berries for some extra carb, fiber, and antioxidants. To bring in more protein, mix a half serving of protein or collagen powder into your oats. You may have to add a little extra liquid to get everything incorporated nicely, but this is an easy way to boost protein with little effort. Next, we need to add in some health fats. Try adding a drizzle of nut butter and sprinkle of flax seeds to make your breakfast oats a complete meal.

Make it savory

If you prefer more of a savory meal, I have you covered. Follow the package directions for making a portion of steel cut oats, and top them with a fried egg for protein, sliced avocado for some healthy fats, and a sprinkle of hemp seeds for a boost of essential Omega-3 fats. To incorporate some more produce, add diced tomatoes or some leafy greens dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. And, for a boost of flavor, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to complete this meal. 

Make it to-go

Some days you just need something quickly as you head out the door. When this is the case, plan ahead and make some overnight steel cut oats. You’ll need to do this about 12 hours before you plan on eating your oats, but it is a simple recipe that you can customize with your ingredients of choice. Simply combine 1/2 cup steel cut oats with 1 cup of milk and 1/4 cup Greek yogurt for protein. Mix in nut butter and chia seeds for health fats, and a dash of cinnamon for flavor. Mix all ingredients together and store in an air tight container in the fridge overnight. When you are ready to eat the next morning, top your oats with a handful of berries, and voila! A meal on the run.

Try these recipes with Arrowhead Mills Organic Steel Cut Oats:

About Melissa Rifkin


Melissa is a Connecticut-based Registered Dietitian with over 16 years of experience in the field. She loves sharing educational nutrition content on her Instagram and with her readers. As a busy mom, Melissa hopes to empower individuals to make health-conscious choices that can be stress-free for the whole family.

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