Steel-Cut Oats with Walnuts and Pear

5 from 1 vote

Steel-Cut Oats with Walnuts and Pear

Creamy, chewy steel‑cut oats made simple. With gentle stirring and a few pantry staples, you get a warm, satisfying breakfast that’s easy to customize and perfect for slow mornings or weekly meal prep.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 310kcal

Author: Leona Konkel

Equipment

1 ½ quart saucepan

Ingredients

1 cup steel-cut oats (160 grams)
2 cups water (454 grams)
1 cup milk (227 grams)
½ cup chopped walnuts (57 grams/2 ounces)
1 ½ cups diced pear (170 grams/6 ounces; from 2 pears)
toppings (honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, extra walnuts or pear)

Instructions

Combine steel-cut oats, water, and milk in a 1 ½ quart saucepan. Heat over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the water begins to bubble. This can take 8-10 minutes.
Turn heat to medium-low heat to maintain a low bubble. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in walnuts; cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The oatmeal may begin to thicken here; make sure it doesn't stick.
Stir in chopped pear, and cook over low heat for another 5 minutes. Stir more often to ensure nothing sticks on bottom.
If it seems like the oats aren't cooked through or are getting dry, add a small amount more milk, and cook more as needed.
Serve warm with your preferred toppings.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water to loosen them up.

Notes

Be sure to buy a canister of regular steel-cut oats, not instant or quick-cooking steel-cut oats.

Oats are naturally gluten-free but are often processed using shared equipment. Choose certified gluten-free oats if avoiding gluten.

I use 1% or 2% milk. Non-dairy milk should also work. Don't use more milk than water; it will scorch.

Choose ripe pears that you like to eat out of hand. I prefer Anjou.

Stirring, not milk, is what gives these oats their creamy texture. You don't need to stir vigorously - you just need a lazy stir.

Nutrition facts are an estimate only and do not include toppings.

Originally written 1/7/2019. Revised 2/5/2026.

Nutrition