Start your day with a wholesome breakfast using our simple Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats recipe for perfectly creamy oatmeal every time in just 30 minutes using your pressure cooker. These oats, combined with almond milk and a touch of cinnamon, offer a nourishing way to kick off your morning routine.
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Updated August 2023
Ultimate Guide to Perfect Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Are you ready to kick-start your day with a wholesome and nourishing breakfast that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Look no further than this ultimate guide to creating the perfect batch of Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats. Our family loves having oatmeal for breakfast. Making it in the Instant Pot is our favorite way! You get the perfect consistency every time, and it’s completely hands-off. There really isn’t an easier way to make oatmeal.
Plus, this vegan and gluten-free breakfast can be flavored in so many yummy ways. You can add berries, nuts, peanut butter, dried fruit, or whatever else you like to pair with oatmeal. The possibilities are endless! And this steel cut oatmeal is the tasty foundation of them all.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent on the go, or just someone who wants to enjoy a warm and comforting morning meal, these steel cut oats are about to become your new breakfast obsession. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game to a whole new level of convenience and flavor!
What Are Steel Cut Oats?
Steel cut oats are a fantastic choice for a hearty process. They are a less processed form of old-fashioned rolled oats, so they’re a little larger and require quite a bit more cook time. But with a pressure cooker, it barely takes longer to cook steel cut oats than it does old-fashioned ones!
Packed with fiber, essential nutrients, and low in sugar, steel cut oats provide a steady source of energy that will keep you fueled throughout the morning. They have a heartier, chewier texture, but you can use rolled oats if preferred. They have the same nutritional profile, so you’ll get a healthy and delicious meal in either way!
Difference between Steel Cut Oats vs. Rolled Oats
Wondering if steel cut oats are healthier than rolled oats? All oats start off as oat groats — the whole, unbroken grains so steel-cut and rolled oats actually have the same nutritional profile since they’re all made from whole oat groats.
The difference between steel cut oats and rolled oats are:
- Cooking times – steel cut oats takes longer to cook than rolled oats
- Texture – steel cut oats are heartier and chewier while rolled oats are softer since they absorb more liquid
- How much the oat groat has been processed – steel cut oats are chopped into pieces while rolled oats are steamed, pressed and then rolled flat
- Since steel cut oats are process differently, most people have mentioned that they keep you fuller longer until lunch time.
Why Use an Instant Pot?
There are so many good reasons to make your oatmeal in the Instant Pot. First of all, it’s very low-effort compared to making it on the stovetop. The cooking process is hands-off, and there’s no need to stand by the stove waiting for the water to boil.
Once the oatmeal is cooked, your Instant Pot will keep it warm for you! And the oatmeal comes out perfectly light and fluffy every time. If you’re new to the pressure cooker, be sure to check out my Instant Pot Tutorial to familiarize yourself with the appliance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Prepare to gather your breakfast essentials:
- Gluten-free steel cut oats: The star of the show, these oats are the base of your nourishing meal. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats as needed.
- Unsweetened almond milk (or water): Provides the creamy liquid needed to cook the oats to perfection.
- Optional Flavor Enhancements: Cinnamon, sweeteners (date syrup, maple syrup, etc.), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to elevate the taste.
- Toppings Galore: Berries, chia seeds, nut butter, and a splash of milk for a customizable and delightful finish.
How to make Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Start your day with a nourishing and hassle-free breakfast by following these simple step-by-step instructions for making Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats. In just a matter of minutes, you’ll have a bowl of creamy, hearty oatmeal ready to be customized with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Your Instant Pot: Lightly coat the inner pot with cooking spray or coconut oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine Oats and Liquid: Add gluten-free steel cut oats to the Instant Pot, and pour in unsweetened almond milk (or water) for cooking.
- Set the Instant Pot: Secure the lid, close the vent, and press the MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOKER) button. Set the cooking time to 4 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10-15 minutes. This lets the oats absorb any remaining liquid.
- Fluff and Flavor: Once pressure is released, open the lid, and give the oatmeal a good stir. Add cinnamon, sweetener, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
- Top and Enjoy: Scoop the oatmeal into serving bowls, and personalize with toppings like fresh berries, chia seeds, nut butter, milk or a dollop of yogurt of choice.
Step 6: Top and Enjoy
- Scoop your creamy oatmeal into serving bowls.
- Enhance your creation with an array of toppings: Fresh berries, nutritious chia seeds, indulgent nut butter, and a splash of creamy milk.
Tips for Success
- Instant Pot Size Matters: We recommend using a 6 quart Duo Instant Pot for this recipe.
- Patience is Key: Keep in mind that it takes time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and release steam naturally. Plan for a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Coat the Inner Pot: Prevent sticking by lightly coating the inner pot with coconut oil or cooking spray before adding your ingredients.
- Sweeten & Flavor to Taste: Play around with the flavorings and amount of sweetener you add to your oatmeal until you’re satisfied with the taste.
- Add Salt: Adding a pinch of salt to the oatmeal is a great way to bring out all your flavorings.
- Proper Oat-to-Liquid Ratio: The oat-to-liquid ratio is crucial. Follow the recipe for optimal results.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally after cooking for about 10-15 minutes. This ensures the oats continue to absorb liquid and become creamy.
- Stir After Cooking: After you release the pressure from your Instant Pot, stir around the oatmeal. This will help any excess liquid get absorbed.
- Add-After-Cooking Ingredients: Hold off on adding cinnamon, sweeteners, or other additions until after the cooking process. This helps preserve flavors and textures.
- Allow time for the oatmeal to cool: Remember, the oatmeal may appear slightly liquidy after cooking, but it will continue to absorb liquid as it cools.
Storage and Freezer Instructions
- How to store: Got leftovers? No worries! Store your cooked steel cut oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- How to reheat: When reheating, simply add a splash of milk or water and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- How to freeze: To freeze, portion out your oatmeal into individual servings in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve up your Instant Pot steel cut oats in your favorite breakfast bowl, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings! Drizzle with additional sweetener, sprinkle on more cinnamon, or add a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess.
Variations and Substitutions
- Flavor Frenzy: Experiment with different flavors by swapping out vanilla extract for almond or coconut extract, and try adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom.
- Milk Makeover: Opt for different plant-based milks or even cow’s milk if you prefer.
- Sweetener Swap: Switch up your sweetener of choice or skip it altogether if you prefer a naturally sweet oatmeal.
- Nutty Delights: Customize your toppings with chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
Toppings Ideas
Let’s talk toppings. There are tons of tasty things you can add to your oatmeal! Here are some of my favorite additions and serving ideas.
- Top with Seeds: Adding chia seeds or hemp seeds to your oatmeal is a great way to sneak in some additional benefits and nutrients as well as flavor.
- Add Nut Butter: Top your oatmeal with almond butter, cashew butter or another kind of nut butter for some extra protein.
- Serve with Berries: Fresh or freeze-dried berries make a great topping or side for Instant Pot oatmeal.
- Serve with Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes go great with oatmeal, as a topping or a side. Try adding cubed, roasted sweet potatoes on top or pairing your oatmeal with a side of Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes.
How To Store and Reheat Leftovers
Instant pot oatmeal keeps well, which makes it great for meal prep! You can store cooled oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If you want to freeze your oatmeal, separate it by pouring individual portions into a muffin tin. Flash freeze the pan for an hour, then transfer the oatmeal cups to a freezer-safe container. Enjoy them within 4 months, and thaw them out overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Before you heat up leftover oatmeal, you’ll want to add a splash of water or milk to make up for the loss of moisture during storage. Microwave individual portions of oatmeal for 15-second increments, adding water or milk as needed, until warm.
Can I cook rolled oats in the Instant Pot?
Yes! To cook Instant Pot rolled Oats, all you have to do is adjust the oats to water ratio:
- GREASE THE POT: the inner pot as usual.
- ADD THE OATS: add 3 cups of rolled oats, 5 1/2 cups of water and set for 4 minutes on HIGH Pressure.
- NATURAL RELEASE: Release naturally for 15 minutes after it’s done.
More Instant Pot Recipes to Try
Want more fool-proof dishes to make in your pressure cooker? These are sure to be a hit!
More Oatmeal Recipes You Might Like:
This easy Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats recipe makes perfectly creamy oatmeal every time. It's a healthy and delicious gluten-free breakfast that comes together in less than 30 minutes!
- 1 cup gluten-free steel cut oats
- 3 cups unsweetened almond milk , may also use water if you prefer
- Optional: cinnamon , preferred sweetener (date syrup, maple syrup, coconut nectar syrup, sugar-free maple syrup, Yacon syrup etc.) vanilla extract, pinch of salt
- Toppings of your choice: berries chia seeds, nut butter, splash of milk
- ground cinnamon
- preferred sweetener , date syrup, maple syrup, coconut nectar syrup, sugar-free maple syrup, Yacon syrup etc.
- pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- berries
- chia seeds
- nut butter
- splash of milk
- To avoid sticking, lightly coat the inner pot of your Instant Pot with coconut oil or cooking spray.
- Add oats into the Instant Pot followed by milk.
- Secure the lid and close the vent.
- Press the MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOKER for newer Instant Pot models) button and set to 4 minutes.
- After the oats finish cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally (about 10-15 minutes).
- After the pressure releases, open the lid and give the oatmeal a good stir. Any extra liquid will absorb as it cools.
- Add cinnamon, sweetener or other additions you like.
- Top oatmeal with fresh fruit, nut butter, a splash of milk, or any other toppings you like.
I use 2 cups of Steel Cut Oats and 5 cups of milk or water and set the cook time to 5 minutes. I do NOT recommend making a larger batch at once, as it caused the outer parts to burn when I tried.
Grease the inner pot as usual.
Add 3 cups of rolled oats, 5 1/2 cups of water and set for 4 minutes on HIGH Pressure.
Release steam naturally for 15 minutes after it's done.
Stir. Add sweeteners, flavorings, toppings and enjoy!
Recipe Video
It takes time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and also to let the steam release naturally. I would plan for 30 minutes start to finish for this oatmeal to be on your table.
We use a 6 quart Duo Instant Pot.
Elyse -
Yum, we make this all the time and it comes out perfect. Thank you!
Gregory -
This was so easy and delicious. Thank you!
Jayne -
Yum! Thank you.