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.

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.

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.

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.

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe

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

Units Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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