Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Hello, exceptionally creamy, perfectly chewy texture, and easily customizable Instant Pot steel-cut oats! I adore you.

If you share my infatuation with oats, you’ll love my Carrot Cake Oatmeal, Overnight Blueberry Oats, and this Berry Oatmeal Bake.

I’m not sure about you but I’m in love with not only oats, but the Instant Pot too!  While the total cook time for steel cut oats is comparable to a stove-top version, the Instant Pot is hands-off off with no stirring required. Which is a total win in my book and probably yours, too! This recipe is super simple; you can add your favorite toppings, and it makes enough to enjoy for breakfast for a few days!

What are steel cut oats?

Steel cut oats are processed a bit differently than average rolled oats.

Rather than being rolled, steel cut oats are processed by chopping the whole oat groat into several pieces. I personally really like the wholesome, chewy texture of steel-cut compared to the rolled oats. 

Instant Pot steel cut oats ingredients

Making Instant Pot oatmeal doesn’t require any special ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make Instant Pot steel cut oatmeal. (Scroll to the bottom for the recipe card with the full list of ingredients and measurements.)

• Milk: I typically make this with cow’s milk, but you can use almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, etc.
• Water: This recipe calls for equal parts water and milk; you’ll need 1 1/2 cups of each.
• Steel-cut oats: oats are chock full of nutrients and soluble fiber. I usually buy the Bob’s Red Mill Brand or buy it in bulk if I can find it.
• Cinnamon: I love adding ground cinnamon for a warming flavor.
• Vanilla bean paste: this is optional. You can also add in a splash of vanilla extract.
• Salt: adding a pinch of salt helps to bring out the natural nutty flavor of the oats.

How to make steel cut oats in an Instant Pot

Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe instructions.

Add everything in and stir

It really doesn’t get easier, you’ll add in the steel cut oats with the milk, water, cinnamon, honey (if using), vanilla, and salt, stir it up and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.

Natural release pressure 20 minutes

Allow the pressure to naturally release (you don’t have to touch the Instant Pot, just let it sit there for 20 minutes after it beeps). The release any remaining pressure, remove the lid, and ta da, creamy, perfect, steel cut oats ready to be enjoyed.

Add toppings and enjoy!

Choose your own adventure when it comes to the toppings. Berries, peanut butter, nuts, granola, dried fruit, yum!

My favorite healthy oatmeal toppings

When it comes to picking your oatmeal toppings, the options really are endless. If you make these Instant Pot steel cut oats without the cinnamon and vanilla paste, they’d be a great base for both sweet and savory oats.

Here are a few of my go-to healthy oatmeal toppings:

• Raisins
• Dried fruit (dates, apricots, apples)
• Sliced banana
• Pure maple syrup or honey
• Chopped fresh fruit (berries, apples)
• Toasted nuts
• Toasted coconut
• Nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter)
• Chia seeds

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