Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats — today, we will show you how to make steel-cut oats in your Instant Pot! A quick and easy breakfast that you can make ahead of time.

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

Steel-cut oats are a great source of fiber, protein, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. They also benefit from being gluten-free, so they’re perfect for those with celiac disease or other food sensitivities. Make these steel-cut oats the next time you want something hearty on a cold day or when you need to devour something before running out the door! Plus, it’s just as simple as using your microwave but without all the cleanup!

With this recipe, you can make steel-cut oats in your Instant Pot in just 3 minutes. The best part is that it’s super easy to customize them by adding seasonal fruit, nuts or seeds, chocolate chips, or even cinnamon if you’re feeling adventurous. These recipes are all gluten-free, too, so there’s no need to worry about having a kitchen full of pots and pans when cooking these delicious dishes!

Some of my favorite Instant Pot Steel Cut Oat Recipes are INSTANT POT, EASY BANANA NUT BREAD OATMEAL, and INSTANT POT EASY APPLE PIE OATMEAL.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
  • Water
  • Milk
  • Steel Cut Oats
  • Butter
  • Salt
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Maple Syrup
  • Fresh Fruit

How To Make Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

In your Instant Pot bowl, add the steel-cut oats and butter. Then press the saute button, and saute (and stir) until the butter is melted and the steel-cut oats have a nice toast on them.

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Then pour in the water, and milk, mix well. Set 12 minutes on manual high pressure. (add the lid and make sure the vent is in the sealed position) Do a natural release, and then when the pin has dropped (and it is safe to open the Instant Pot), open the lid and mix.

Sprinkle some fresh fruit on top right before serving.

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe Pro Tips

  • Use the Right Ratio: The ideal ratio for steel cut oats is 1 cup of oats to 3 cups of liquid. You can use water, milk, or a combination of both.
  • Add a Pinch of Salt: Adding a small pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the oats.
  • Use the Pot-in-Pot Method: If you want to avoid the oats sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot, use the pot-in-pot method. Place the oats and liquid in a heatproof bowl, then place the bowl on a trivet inside the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water at the bottom.
  • Pre-soak for Creamier Oats: Soak the oats in water for a few hours or overnight to reduce cooking time and result in creamier oats.
  • Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes after cooking. This helps the oats to fully absorb the liquid and become tender.
  • Stir Before Serving: Stir the oats well before serving to incorporate any liquid that may have settled on top.
  • Add Flavorings After Cooking: Add sweeteners, spices, fruits, and nuts after cooking to prevent them from burning or becoming too mushy.
  • Experiment with Liquids: Use different liquids like almond milk, coconut milk, or even apple cider for a unique flavor.
  • Batch Cooking: Make a large batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze in individual portions for easy breakfasts throughout the week.
  • Reheating: Reheat leftover oats with a splash of milk or water to loosen them up. You can use the microwave or the Instant Pot’s sauté function.
  • Add Protein: Boost the nutritional value by stirring in protein powder, Greek yogurt, or nut butter after cooking.
  • Customize Your Oats: Mix in your favorite toppings like fresh berries, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe Faqs

What is the correct ratio of oats to liquid? The recommended ratio is 1 cup of steel cut oats to 3 cups of liquid. You can use water, milk, or a combination of both.

How long do I cook steel cut oats in the Instant Pot? Cook the steel cut oats on high pressure for 4 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes before opening the lid.

Can I use the quick release method? It’s best to allow natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes to ensure the oats are fully cooked and tender. Using quick release might result in undercooked oats.

How do I prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom? To prevent sticking, you can use the pot-in-pot method. Place the oats and liquid in a heatproof bowl and place the bowl on a trivet inside the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water at the bottom.

Can I make a larger batch? Yes, you can double or triple the recipe. Ensure you maintain the same ratio of oats to liquid and do not fill the Instant Pot beyond the halfway mark to allow room for expansion.

Can I use non-dairy milk? Yes, you can use non-dairy milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. Keep in mind that some non-dairy milks might cause the oats to be creamier or slightly different in texture.

How do I reheat leftover oats? Reheat leftover oats in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to loosen them up. You can also use the Instant Pot’s sauté function for reheating.

Can I add sweeteners and spices before cooking? It’s best to add sweeteners, spices, and flavorings after cooking to prevent them from burning or altering the texture of the oats.

How do I make the oats creamier? For creamier oats, you can pre-soak the oats for a few hours or overnight before cooking. You can also cook the oats with milk or a combination of milk and water.

How long can I store cooked oats? Store cooked oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

Can I add fruits and nuts during cooking? It’s better to add fruits and nuts after cooking to maintain their texture and flavor. Adding them during cooking might result in mushy fruits and soggy nuts.

What if my oats are too thick or too thin? If the oats are too thick, add a little more liquid and stir well. If they are too thin, you can cook them for a few more minutes using the sauté function while stirring continuously.

Can I use steel cut oats for overnight oats in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can prepare overnight oats by cooking steel cut oats in the Instant Pot and then refrigerating them overnight. They will thicken and develop more flavor as they sit.

Serving Suggestions

Steel-cut oats are not just for breakfast anymore! Once considered a hearty morning meal, steel-cut oats have now become the go-to grain for dinners. They make a great side dish.

Some popular options to serve steel-cut oats with are:

  • Fresh Fruit
  • Maple Syrup
  • Honey
  • Chia Seeds
  • Flaxseeds

Equipment Used

Instant Pot Duo 7 in 1: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, 6 Quart, 13 One-Touch Programs

Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats: Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats, 24-ounce (Pack of 4)

Don’t Forget to Pin!

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats — today, we will show you how to make steel-cut oats in your Instant Pot! A quick and easy breakfast that you can make ahead of time.

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups steel cut oats
  • 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 cup fresh fruit, for serving

Instructions

  • In your Instant Pot bowl, add the steel-cut oats and butter.
  • Then press the saute button, and saute (and stir) until the butter is melted and the steel-cut oats have a nice toast on them.
  • Then pour in the water, milk, salt, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup.
  • Set 12 minutes on manual high pressure. (add the lid and make sure the vent is in the sealed position)
  • Do a natural release, and then when the pin has dropped (and it is safe to open the Instant Pot), open the lid and mix.
  • Garnish with fresh fruit.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Serving Bowls

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 314kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 10gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 248mgPotassium: 121mgFiber: 7gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 303IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 98mgIron: 2mg

Share this recipe

We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!