
Steel cut oats are the inner kernels of whole oats that have been cut down into pin-head sized pieces. Because of this association with their size, they are also sometimes known as pinhead oats. In the United Kingdom (UK) they are also referred to as coarse oatmeal or Irish oatmeal. Steel cut oats may be processed further into oat flakes.
As a result of their coarse texture, steel cut oats are chewy and have a slightly nutty flavor. They can be used in place of other types of oats in just about any recipe, or as a satisfying, fiber-rich breakfast option.