How to Cook Oat Groats

2 Ways: Slow Cooker and Stovetop

 

Wondering how to cook oat groats? The same simple steps you use to make your favorite steel cut oats, apply to cooking healthy groats. See below to learn how to make slow cooker oat groats or stovetop groats.

Left: Slow cooker oat groats with a 3:1 ratio of water to groats cooked for 8 hours on LOW plus 1 hour on WARM. Creamy texture. Great for a morning breakfast bowl.
Right: Slow cooker oat groats slow with a 2.5:1 ratio of water to groats cooked for 6 hours on LOW and 2 hours on WARM. Chewier texture and similar to individual grains of rice. Perfect for savory dishes.

Slow Cooker Oat Groats

Wake up to a healthy, warm breakfast. We suggest prepping the groats right before bed. When cooking a small amount of groats (1/2 to 1 cup), use a small slow cooker (about 2 quarts).

Ingredients

  • 1 cup oat groats, rinsed

  • 2.5 to 3 cups water (see image above)

  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

  • Butter or cooking spray

Instructions

  • To prevent sticking, rub the inside of the crock with butter or spray with cooking spray.

  • Combine water, groats, and salt in a small slow cooker. Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 5-8 hours or overnight (see image above). Top as desired.

Stovetop Oat Groats

On the stove, groats can be cooked similar to pasta in a large pot of water.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup oat groats, rinsed

  • 2 quarts water

  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  • Bring salted water to a boil. Add groats. Bring water back to boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally and cook about 30 minutes, or until groats are soft (depending on the texture you prefer). Drain any extra water and serve topped as desired.

Cooking Notes

  • Consistency. Adjust the cooking time depending on the texture you prefer: firm and chewy, or soft and creamy.

  • Add milk. For heartier and creamier groats, before serving stir in a little bit of milk or cream. Or you might add butter or yogurt.

  • Toppings. Serve oat groats with your favorite oatmeal toppings toppings such as fresh berries, chopped nuts, flaxseed, cinnamon, honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar.

  • Leftover groats. Refrigerate leftover groats, then reheat on the stove with a bit of milk or water. Or eat cold with a splash of milk.

Savory Groat Recipes

 
BreakfastThe Smart Slow CookerOats