Best steel-cut & Irish oatmeal, according to chefs
Two picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Ina Garten, Jose Garces, Genevieve Yam, Megan O. Steintrager and 1 more. Recommendations come from bonappetit.com, foodnetwork.com and seriouseats.com.
Breakfast · The ranking
- 1Top pick
McCann’s Irish Oatmeal (Steel Cut or Quick-Cooking)
Chosen by- Ina GartenBarefoot Contessa · cookbook author, TV hostbarefootcontessa.com ↗
Also chosen by- Jose Garces · Chef · Iron Chef source ↗
Garten: “I have the same thing for breakfast every single day, 365 days a year: McCann’s Irish oatmeal. It’s actually quick-cooking, and I do it in the microwave with milk and salt” (2014). Iron Chef Jose Garces backs the traditional steel-cut tin: “I really like the texture—other oats tend to get soft and mushy.” Irish oats sold in tins and pouches nationwide.
- 2
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Classic Oatmeal Cup
Chosen by- Megan O. SteintragerAssociate editorial director, Serious Eats
- Laila IbrahimChef · Serious Eats
- Genevieve YamSenior editor, Serious Eats · formerly Per Se
Won Serious Eats’ 2026 blind tasting of 13 instant oatmeals, one of only two that didn’t taste like mush: “It’s quite thick and creamy, with a pleasant chewiness” (Steintrager), and “it works really well as a hearty porridge” (Ibrahim). Yam found it a little dry and would add a splash of milk.
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Questions, answered
- What is the best steel-cut & Irish oatmeal, according to chefs?
- MyTastr’s top pick is McCann’s Irish Oatmeal (Steel Cut or Quick-Cooking), chosen by Ina Garten. Garten: “I have the same thing for breakfast every single day, 365 days a year: McCann’s Irish oatmeal. It’s actually quick-cooking, and I do it in the microwave with milk and salt” (2014). Iron Chef Jose Garces backs the traditional steel-cut tin: “I really like the texture—other oats tend to get soft and mushy.” Irish oats sold in tins and pouches nationwide. Source: bonappetit.com ↗
- What are the other top picks for steel-cut & Irish oatmeal?
- No. 2 is Bob’s Red Mill Organic Classic Oatmeal Cup, chosen by Megan O. Steintrager; Laila Ibrahim; Genevieve Yam (Serious Eats blind tasting of 13). Only two picks cleared the bar so far. Each card above links to the original source.
- How does MyTastr choose these picks?
- Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.