Looking to kick-start your morning with a warm, hearty breakfast that takes almost no effort? This Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats recipe is the ultimate solution for busy mornings. It delivers perfectly creamy, chewy oats in just about 25 minutes—most of which you’re simply waiting while the Instant Pot does all the work. These oats have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and just the right hint of vanilla, ready to be dressed up with whatever toppings you love. Whether you’re hustling to get the day started or just want something cozy and filling, this recipe promises simplicity, speed, and deeply satisfying flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: You simply add a handful of ingredients to your Instant Pot, hit a button, and let breakfast cook itself.
- Hands-Off & Fast: With only 1 minute of prep and a quick cook, there’s no need to hover over the stove, making it unbeatable for hectic mornings.
- Wonderfully Creamy Texture: Steel cut oats cooked in the Instant Pot become incredibly creamy with that signature toothsome bite, never mushy.
- Customizable: The base oats are a blank canvas for any combo of toppings—fruits, nuts, or even spices—so every bowl can be uniquely yours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Steel Cut Oats: The star of the show! These are far heartier than rolled oats and give that deliciously chewy texture. Make sure to use classic steel cut oats, not quick-cook or instant varieties, for the best results.
- Water: Provides the right amount of liquid for the oats to absorb and cook perfectly. You can swap some water for milk if you prefer extra creaminess.
- Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to amplify all those warm, toasty oat flavors. Salt is a must—it keeps the oats from tasting flat!
- Vanilla Extract: Adds beautiful aromatic depth. If you love flavor, vanilla is non-negotiable!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Steel cut oats are among the most flexible breakfasts out there. Here are some of my favorite ways to mix things up:
- Creamier Oats: Substitute half the water for milk (dairy or plant-based).
- Spiced Comfort: Stir in a dash of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice before cooking for delicious warmth.
- Swappable Extracts: Use almond or maple extract instead of vanilla for a flavor twist.
- Add Dried Fruit: Mix in raisins or dried cranberries before cooking for bursts of sweetness.
- Protein Power: Stir in Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder after cooking for an extra boost.
How to Make Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Add water, steel cut oats, a pinch of sea salt, and a splash of vanilla extract to the insert of your Instant Pot. Stir everything together so the oats don’t clump.
Step 2: Set and Forget
Pop on the lid, make sure the valve is set to “sealing,” and set the timer to 4 minutes at HIGH pressure using Pressure Cook or Manual mode. That’s it!
Step 3: Natural Release
When the timer goes off, don’t touch a thing—let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 20 minutes. This step results in the creamiest oatmeal and lets the oats continue to cook gently.
Step 4: Stir and Serve
After 20 minutes, open the valve to release any remaining pressure, then open the lid. Stir the oats thoroughly—any extra liquid will quickly be absorbed as you mix, leaving them thick and luscious.
Step 5: Top and Enjoy
Spoon your oats into bowls and load up on your favorite toppings. Think sliced bananas, juicy blueberries, crunchy almonds, or a drizzle of honey. You can get as creative or as classic as you like.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Natural Release: The natural pressure release is what gives these oats a perfectly creamy texture. Trust it!
- Stir Vigorously at the End: The oats might look watery at first, but resist the urge to panic—just a good stir will bring everything together beautifully.
- Make a Double Batch: Leftover oats are just as tasty and easily reheated throughout the week.
- Add Sweeteners Last: For more control over flavor and to accommodate different tastes, wait to add honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar until serving.
How to Serve
Steel cut oats are the ultimate customizable breakfast. Here are some ways to serve them:
- Classic & Cozy: Top with a sprinkle of brown sugar, a pat of butter, and a splash of milk.
- Fruit-Lover’s Bowl: Load up on fresh berries, chopped apples, or sliced bananas.
- Crunch Factor: Scatter on toasted nuts or seeds—think almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, or even a scoop of nut butter.
- Decadent Dessert: Go sweet and indulgent with chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Savory Twist: Try sautéed greens, a soft-boiled egg, and a pinch of grated cheese for a hearty, sugar-free breakfast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra oats cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days.
Freezing
Steel cut oats freeze beautifully! Scoop individual servings into freezer-safe containers or silicone muffin cups. Freeze up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm straight from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess. Stir well as they’ll thicken in the fridge.
FAQs
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Can I use rolled oats or quick oats instead?
Steel cut oats are essential for this recipe’s iconic texture. Rolled or quick oats need less liquid and time, so swapping them will change the outcome—best stick with steel cut for best results.
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Can I make steel cut oats in advance for meal prep?
Absolutely! They keep well in the fridge and reheat perfectly, making them a dream for make-ahead breakfasts. Portion into containers and top each with different mix-ins if you want a variety through the week.
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Why does it look so watery after cooking?
When you first take off the lid, you might notice excess liquid. This is completely normal! Just stir the oats well and give them a few moments—the remaining water is quickly absorbed, resulting in creamy oats.
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Can I sweeten the oats before cooking?
It’s best to add sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar after cooking. This allows each person to customize their bowl and avoid any potential for burning in the pot.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of perfectly cooked steel cut oats to power you through your day. This Instant Pot method truly makes breakfast effortless and exciting. Whether you stick to the classics or go wild with mix-ins, these oats deliver every time. Give it a try—the simplicity, flavor, and flexibility may just make this your new favorite way to start the day!
Print
Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats recipe is an easy and hands-off way to make hearty, creamy, and nutritious steel cut oats in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings, these oats can be customized with your favorite toppings for a wholesome, filling breakfast.
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup steel cut oats (NOT quick 1-minute cook)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the water, steel cut oats, salt, and vanilla extract into the insert of a 6 QT Instant Pot. Stir to thoroughly combine all ingredients.
- Seal the Instant Pot: Close the lid securely and set the pressure valve to the ‘sealing’ position to ensure no steam escapes during cooking.
- Set Cooking Time: Select the Pressure Cooker or Manual function and set the timer for 4 minutes on HIGH pressure. The Instant Pot will come to pressure before the timer starts.
- Natural Pressure Release: Once the cook time is finished, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 20 minutes. Do not open the lid or move the valve before this time.
- Release Remaining Pressure and Stir: After 20 minutes, carefully move the valve to ‘venting’ position to release any remaining steam. Open the lid and stir the oats vigorously; any excess liquid will absorb as you stir, allowing the oats to thicken.
- Serve: Spoon the steel cut oats into bowls and add your favorite toppings such as sliced bananas, blueberries, sliced almonds, or honey.
Notes
- Do not use quick or 1-minute oats; only regular steel cut oats work well in this recipe.
- If you prefer softer oats, add an extra ½ cup of water.
- The oats may look watery at first, but stirring them will help absorb the excess liquid.
- This recipe is easy to customize with different toppings such as nuts, fruits, or sweeteners.
- To make the oats creamier, you can substitute part of the water with milk or a non-dairy alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
