Steel-Cut Oats with Maple-Roasted Apples and Cheddar

Serves 4

Ingredients

For the apples:
4 firm, crisp apples (about 2 pounds) such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the oats:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup steel-cut oats
3 cups water
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, plus more to top
Brown sugar (optional), to top
Heavy cream (optional), to top
Sea salt (optional), to top

Instruction

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Quarter each apple and cut away the core/seeds. Slice into 1/2-inch cubes.
In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Turn the apples out onto the prepared baking sheet, and pour the maple mixture on top. Use your hands to toss until the apples are evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer. Break apart the slice of butter and scatter small pieces over the apples.
Roast until soft and fragrant (but not mushy or collapsing in on themselves), about 17-20 minutes depending on type of apple. As they roast, baste them with the maple juices to keep them from drying out and sticking. After they are finished cooking, remove from the oven and set aside.
In a medium-sized heavy bottom skillet, heat butter over medium heat until melted. Add the oats, stir, and toss gently in the pan until light brown and fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
Bring water, milk, vanilla and salt to a simmer (just barely a boil) in a separate medium saucepan. Stir in the toasted oats. Return to a slow boil, reduce heat to low, and partially cover. Let the porridge cook without stirring until it has begun to thicken and the oats are soft, about 30 minutes. Gently stir in the cheese and place the lid back so it's partially covering the pot. Continue cooking for additional 5-10 minutes, or until oats have soaked up majority of liquid and are at desired consistency.
When finished cooking, scoop into serving bowls and top with roasted apples and a sprinkle of extra cheddar. Add a little brown sugar, sea salt, additional maple syrup or heavy cream if you'd like. If you have leftovers, store the oats and apples in separate containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days.