Instant Pot 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

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!