How to Make Steel Cut Oats – 6 Ways in the Instant Pot + Stove

How to make Steel Cut Oats – 6 Ways – with instructions to make the perfect creamy bowl of steel cut oatmeal in the Instant Pot pressure cooker or the stove-top. A hearty and comforting make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings.

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With all the oatmeal recipes we have on our site, you can guess that oatmeal is one of our favorite make-ahead breakfasts around here.

Are you a steel cut oats fan? Steel cut oats are similar to rolled oats except that they are processed differently. Steel cut oats are heartier and chewier which helps you feel fuller longer. 

My kids are obsessed with steel cut oats and love changing up the way they enjoy their daily bowl of oatmeal. So today, I’ve got 5 delicious and fun variations that you can try.

You can find all the recipes for these flavors by scrolling down to the recipe card at the end:

1. Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats
2. Blueberry Steel Cut Oats
3. Carrot Cake Steel Cut Oats
4. Peanut Butter Steel Cut Oats
5. Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats
6. Strawberry Steel Cut Oats

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT BOWL OF STEEL CUT OATS – 6 WAYS

So how do you make steel cut oats? Before we begin, let’s take a look at what are steel cut oats.

ARE STEEL CUT OATS HEALTHIER THAN ROLLED OATS?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between steel cut oats vs. 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 the two 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.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST INSTANT POT STEEL CUT OATMEAL

To make a delicious and creamy bowl of steel cut oats, start off with 1 cup of steel cut oats and 3 cups of liquid.

1. To make the perfect bowl of steel cut oatmeal in an Instant Pot, you literally just add the steel cut oats and liquid into the Instant Pot. So simple & takes ONLY 4 minutes of cooking time.
2. The best part of all is that you don’t need to stir your oatmeal at 6 in the morning. It’s totally hands off! To avoid sticking, I usually lightly coat the inner pot with coconut oil (or you can use any other oil or butter if you prefer).
3. Now if you are familiar with an Instant Pot,  you do have to keep in mind that it takes the cooker some time to come up to pressure.
4. This can take about 5 minutes. Plus you need to factor in the additional time it takes for the pressure to release naturally – about 12 minutes. So I would plan for 30 minutes start to finish for this oatmeal to be on your table.
5. Add any spices, sweeteners, fruit and give it a good stir.

BENEFITS OF USING AN INSTANT POT TO COOK STEEL CUT OATS:

My absolute favorite way to ensure I make the best steel cut oats is using my Instant Pot because:

• completely hands-off & not having to stand at the stove to monitor the pot – just set and forget it
• no spilling over or waiting for water to boil
• keeps the oats warm after they are cooked
• the end results are totally worth it and completely foolproof! You’ll get oatmeal that cooks up perfectly light and fluffy.

HOW TO MAKE PERFECT STEEL CUT OATS ON THE STOVE:

RATIO OF LIQUID TO OATS:

• For the best bowl of creamy steel cut oats, I like to start off with 1 cup of steel cut oats and 3 cups of liquid.
• I typically use almond milk but water or half milk (of your choice) and half water work great as well.

ADD A PINCH OF SALT:

• You can skip the salt if you prefer but that tiny amount really does help to enhance and bring out the flavor so the oatmeal does not end up tasting bland

DO NOT LEAVE UNATTENDED AND BE SURE TO STIR FREQUENTLY

• Oats tend to boil over even when simmered low so it’s important to keep an eye on the pot and stir and scrape the bottom of the pot every so often so the oatmeal does NOT stick.

WHAT OTHER TOPPINGS CAN I ADD TO STEEL CUT OATMEAL?

This simple recipe contains just two main ingredients – almond milk and steel cut oats.

But you can certainly jazz up your oatmeal with sweeteners or any spices you like. Maple syrup, honey, coconut nectar or any other low carb sweetener like liquid monk fruit, SWERVE, erythritol or stevia would work as well.

Finally, add your favorite toppings and you’re good to go!

6 DELICIOUS STEEL CUT OAT FLAVORS:

APPLE CINNAMON STEEL CUT OATS – click link for recipe or scroll below on the recipe card

• steel cut oats
• ground cinnamon
• chopped apples
• chopped pecans
• drizzle of almond butter or date caramel, for topping (optional)

BLUEBERRY STEEL CUT OATS – recipe below on the recipe card

• steel cut oats
• vanilla
• sliced almonds
• fresh blueberries
• drizzle of almond butter, for topping (optional)

CARROT CAKE STEEL CUT OATS – click link for recipe or scroll below on the recipe card

• steel cut oats
• ground cinnamon
• ground ginger
• ground nutmeg
• ground cloves
• shredded coconut
• grated carrots
• maple syrup
• vanilla
• walnuts or pecans
• coconut chips, for topping (optional)
• raisins, for topping (optional)

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA STEEL CUT OATS – recipe below on the recipe card

• mashed banana
• maple syrup, optional or adjust to taste
• vanilla
• peanut butter
• chopped nuts, for topping
• sliced bananas, for topping

PUMPKIN STEEL CUT OATS – click link for recipe or scroll below on the recipe card

• pumpkin pie spice
• ground cinnamon
• maple syrup
• pumpkin puree
• walnuts or pecans
• pepitas, for topping (optional)
• dried cranberries, for topping (optional)

STRAWBERRY STEEL CUT OATS – click link for recipe or scroll below on the recipe card

• steel cut oats
• vanilla
• fresh strawberries
• melted chocolate, for topping (optional)

More oatmeal recipes:

• Baked oatmeal cups – 12 Ways,
• Steel cut oats in the Instant Pot (seriously the best for crazy school mornings)
• Classic oatmeal – 6 Ways made with old-fashioned rolled-oats
• Best Overnight Oats – 8 Ways

5 from 3 votes

Print

Steel Cut Oats - 6 Ways

Prep Time

8 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

19 mins

 

Steel Cut Oats - 6 Ways - healthy make-ahead steel cut oatmeal just perfect for busy mornings. Best of all, instructions to make in the Instant Pot pressure cooker or the stove-top and easy to customize with your favorite flavors.

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple, birthday breakfast recipe, blueberry, carrot cake, Instant Pot, oatmeal, peanut butter, pumpkin, steel cut oats, stove, strawberry

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 252 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

START WITH THIS BASE OATMEAL RECIPE FOR ALL THE FLAVORS:

• 1 cup steel cut oats use gluten free as needed
• 3 cups almond milk can also use water if you prefer
• Optional sweetener of choice maple syrup honey, coconut sugar, stevia, erythritol etc.
• Instant Pot I use a 6 Quart DUO
• Large Pot

APPLE CINNAMON

• 1/2 cup chopped apples I used gala
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup honey or low carb liquid sweetener optional
• drizzled almond butter or date caramel

BLUEBERRY

• 3 tablespoons shredded unsweeteend coconut
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup honey or low carb liquid sweetener
• 1 tablespoon almond butter plus more for topping if desired
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries plus more for topping

CARROT CAKE

• 1/2 cup grated carrots about 1 medium carrot
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut divided, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, pecans or dried raisins , for topping (optional)

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA

• 1/2 medium ripened banana mashed well
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon coconut sugar honey or low carb sweetener, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons smooth or crunchy peanut butte plus more for toppingplus more for topping
• 1/4 teaspoon chopped walnuts or peanuts for topping , optional
• banana slices , for topping (optional)

PUMPKIN

• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree canned or fresh
• 1 tbsp pecans chopped
• 1 teaspoon pepitas (pumpkin seeds) , plus more for topping
• 1 teaspoon dried cranberries , plus more for topping

STRAWBERRY

• 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup honey or low carb liquid sweetener
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup chopped strawberries plus extra slices for topping if desired
• melted chocolate for topping optional

Instructions

TO COOK IN THE INSTANT POT - START WITH THIS BASE OATMEAL RECIPE FOR ALL THE FLAVORS:

1. To avoid sticking, lightly coat the inner pot of your Instant Pot with coconut oil or cooking spray.
2. Add oats into the Instant Pot followed by liquid.

FOR PLAIN OATMEAL:

1. Secure the lid and close the vent.
2. Press the MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOKER for newer Instant Pot models) button and set to 4 minutes.
3. After the oats finish cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally (about 10-15 minutes).
4. After the pressure releases, open the lid and give the oatmeal a good stir. Any extra liquid will absorb as it cools.
5. Divide into bowls and top each with desired toppings and more milk as desired.

APPLE CINNAMON

1. Add the apples and cinnamon into the Instant Pot along with the oats and liquid. Secure the lid and close the vent.

2. Press the MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOKER for newer Instant Pot models) button and set to 4 minutes.
3. After the oats finish cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally (about 10-15 minutes).
4. After the pressure releases, open the lid and give the oatmeal a good stir. Any extra liquid will absorb as it cools. Stir in the maple syrup.
5. Divide into bowls and top each with more chopped apples and a drizzle of almond butter, date caramel and milk, if desired.

BLUEBERRY

1. Add the coconut into the Instant Pot along with the oats and liquid. Secure the lid and close the vent.

2. Press the MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOKER for newer Instant Pot models) button and set to 4 minutes.
3. After the oats finish cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally (about 10-15 minutes).
4. After the pressure releases, open the lid and give the oatmeal a good stir. Any extra liquid will absorb as it cools. Stir in the vanilla, almond butter and maple syrup.
5. Divide into bowls and top each with blueberries and a drizzle of almond butter, date caramel and milk, if desired.

CARROT CAKE

1. Add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and carrots into the Instant Pot along with the oats and liquid. Secure the lid and close the vent.
2. Press the MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOKER for newer Instant Pot models) button and set to 4 minutes.
3. After the oats finish cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally (about 10-15 minutes).
4. After the pressure releases, open the lid and give the oatmeal a good stir. Any extra liquid will absorb as it cools. Stir in the maple syrup, coconut and chopped nuts.
5. Divide into bowls and top each with more coconuts, nuts and milk, if desired.

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA

1. Add the mashed bananas into the Instant Pot along with the oats and liquid. Secure the lid and close the vent.
2. Press the MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOKER for newer Instant Pot models) button and set to 4 minutes.
3. After the oats finish cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally (about 10-15 minutes).
4. After the pressure releases, open the lid and give the oatmeal a good stir. Any extra liquid will absorb as it cools. Stir in the sweetener, vanilla and peanut butter.
5. Divide into bowls and top each with more peanuts, banana slices and milk, if desired.

PUMPKIN

1. Add the pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon into the Instant Pot along with the oats and liquid. Secure the lid and close the vent.
2. Press the MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOKER for newer Instant Pot models) button and set to 4 minutes.
3. After the oats finish cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally (about 10-15 minutes).
4. After the pressure releases, open the lid and give the oatmeal a good stir. Any extra liquid will absorb as it cools. Stir in the sweetener and pumpkin puree.
5. Divide into bowls and top each with more pumpkin seeds, cranberries and milk, if desired.

STRAWBERRY

1. Secure the lid and close the vent.
2. Press the MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOKER for newer Instant Pot models) button and set to 4 minutes.
3. After the oats finish cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally (about 10-15 minutes).
4. After the pressure releases, open the lid and give the oatmeal a good stir. Any extra liquid will absorb as it cools. Stir in the sweetener, vanilla and chopped strawberries.
5. Divide into bowls and top each with more strawberry slices, melted chocolate and milk, if desired.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE STOVE:

1. Combine oats and liquid in a medium pot over medium high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and a gentle simmer. Do not leave unattended.
   

   Continue simmering until thickened and desired creaminess, about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping along the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking. Remove from heat.
   

   Stir in any spices, sweeteners and add-ins as directed above according to the flavor desired. Divide into bowls and add desired toppings.
   

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts

Steel Cut Oats - 6 Ways

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 252 Calories from Fat 54

% Daily Value*

Fat 6g9%

Carbohydrates 32g11%

Fiber 8g32%

Protein 8g16%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.