Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

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

I’m not sure about you but I’m in love with not only oats, but the Instant Pot too.

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

While the total cook time for steel cut oats is fairly comparable to a stove top version, the Instant Pot is hands off with no stirring required. Which is total win in my book, and probably yours too!

This recipe is super simple, you can add your favorite toppings, and it’s great to enjoy for breakfast all week long!

What are steel cut oats?

Steel cut oats have 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:

• Milk: I typically make this with cows 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

1. Add all the ingredients into your Instant Pot and gently mix them together. Secure the lid and plug in the Instant Pot, then press “Pressure Cook” and set the Instant Pot to cook on HIGH pressure for 4 minutes.
2. Once the Instant Pot is done, let it sit (natural release) for an additional 20 minutes. Then, switch to venting and let any extra steam release.
3. Serve the oats with your favorite toppings!

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

FAQ

Tips for making Instant Pot steel cut oats

• I used whole milk in this recipe, but you’re welcome to use any milk you’d like. Both dairy and non-dairy milk will work in this recipe.
• If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, feel free to add a splash of vanilla extract instead.
• And it goes without saying that you can doctor up your Instant Pot steel cut oatmeal however you’d like. A little vanilla and cinnamon is just the beginning!

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Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats make mornings MUCH easier or you can easily prep the night before and heat up in the morning! Be sure to note the time it takes for the Instant pot to pressurize (about 9 minutes) and then a 20 minute natural release for a total cooking time of about 35 minutes – but it's totally hands off!

5 from 4 reviews

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 112kcal

Author: Tawnie Graham of Kroll’s Korner

Equipment

• Wooden spoon to stir

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Ingredients

• ▢ 1 1/2 cups milk*
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups filtered water
• ▢ 1 cup steel cut oats
• ▢ 1 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup (optional)
• ▢ 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract (optional)
• ▢ 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• ▢ pinch of salt

Topping ideas: fresh berries, creamy peanut butter raisins, brown sugar, honey, bananas

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Instructions

• In the Instant Pot, pour in the milk, water, oats, honey, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon ,and salt. Give this a gentle stir to mix.
• Secure the lid, be sure the valve is set to the sealing position. Plug in the Instant Pot and press the "pressure cook" button and set it to HIGH pressure for 4 minutes.
• Once the Instant Pot beeps, let the oats sit for an additional 20 minutes (this is called the natural release method, the time will count up).
• Switch the top knob to venting and let any extra steam release, there might not be any steam left. 
• Remove the lid and use a wooden spoon to stir. Spoon into bowls and top with your favorite oatmeal toppings. Enjoy!

Video

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Notes

• *I use whole milk, but you can use whatever milk you like best.
• Leftover cooked oatmeal will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding extra milk as needed to loosen up the oats. 
• Want to make this with rolled oats? No prob. You will use a 2 to 1 ratio or 2 cups liquid/milk to 1 cup oats! Cooking time & method is the SAME!

Find Kroll’s Korner on Instagram!Mention @krolls_korner or tag #krollskorner

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (no toppings) | Calories: 112kcal

Hi, I’m Tawnie!

Welcome to my tiny “korner” on the Internet! I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves cookies as much as kale. (OK, maybe I like cookies a little bit more but shh, don’t tell anyone). I am so glad you’re here! Follow along for hassle free, realistic and approachable recipes.

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