Ina Garten overnight Irish oatmeal, a make ahead breakfast, takes just 2 minutes of cooking before the fridge does the rest. She calls this salty, crunchy steel-cut bowl her comfort food any time of day. One batch feeds the whole family simple, cozy breakfasts all week.
Steel-cut oats hold their bite after a night in the fridge, while rolled oats would turn to mush. Cook them for exactly 2 minutes, then let the pot sit at room temperature for 2 hours before refrigerating.
Source: Go-To Dinners (2022)
Ina Garten Overnight Irish Oatmeal
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings5
minutes7
minutes310
kcalChewy steel-cut oats cooked for 2 minutes, rested overnight in the fridge, then reheated into a thick, creamy porridge topped with salted nuts and dried fruit.
Ingredients
1½ cups steel-cut oats, such as McCann’s
Kosher salt
Chopped salted nuts, such as almonds and cashews
Dried cranberries or raisins
Whole milk, for serving
Butter, brown sugar, and/or maple syrup, for serving
Directions
- Cook the oats: Put 6 cups of water in a large saucepan and stir in the oats and 2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, lower the heat to simmer, and cook for exactly 2 minutes. Cover the pan and set aside at room temperature for 2 hours, then refrigerate overnight.
- Reheat and serve: The next day, reheat the oatmeal and simmer uncovered for a few minutes, until hot. It should be creamy but still have some texture. (Add a little extra water if it’s too thick.) Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and sprinkle with the nuts and cranberries. Serve hot with milk, butter, brown sugar, and/or maple syrup.
FAQs
Can I use rolled oats instead of steel-cut?
No, rolled oats break down too much during the overnight rest and turn into paste. Steel-cut oats keep their chewy texture through the soaking and reheating, which is the whole point of this recipe. Any steel-cut brand works, though McCann’s is the one she uses.
How long does this oatmeal keep in the fridge?
The cooked oatmeal stays good in the fridge for up to a week. That means one batch covers breakfast every morning. Portion single servings into containers so you can grab and reheat just what you need.
Can I reheat this in the microwave?
A single bowl reheats in the microwave without any issue. Add a splash of water before microwaving because the oats thicken as they sit in the fridge. Heat in 30-second bursts and stir between rounds until it reaches your preferred consistency.
What toppings work best with this oatmeal?
The recipe calls for salted nuts like almonds and cashews, plus dried cranberries or raisins. Brown sugar, butter, and maple syrup are the recommended sweeteners. Mix up your fruit and nut combinations each morning to keep it fresh all week.
What if my oatmeal turns out too thick or too thin?
If it’s too thick, stir in water a tablespoon at a time while you reheat. The oats absorb liquid as they sit, so the batch gets thicker over the days. If it’s too thin after the overnight rest, simmer it uncovered a bit longer to cook off excess water.
