Hello, exceptionally creamy, perfectly chewy texture, and easily customizable Instant Pot steel-cut oats! I adore you.
If you share my infatuation with oats, you’ll love my Carrot Cake Oatmeal , Overnight Blueberry Oats , and this Berry Oatmeal Bake .
I’m not sure about you but I’m in love with not only oats, but the Instant Pot too! While the total cook time for steel cut oats is comparable to a stove-top version, the Instant Pot is hands-off off with no stirring required. Which is a total win in my book and probably yours, too! This recipe is super simple; you can add your favorite toppings, and it makes enough to enjoy for breakfast for a few days!
What are steel cut oats?
Steel cut oats 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. (Scroll to the bottom for the recipe card with the full list of ingredients and measurements.)
- Milk : I typically make this with cow’s 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
Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe instructions.
Add everything in and stir
It really doesn’t get easier, you’ll add in the steel cut oats with the milk, water, cinnamon, honey (if using), vanilla, and salt, stir it up and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
Natural release pressure 20 minutes
Allow the pressure to naturally release (you don’t have to touch the Instant Pot, just let it sit there for 20 minutes after it beeps). The release any remaining pressure, remove the lid, and ta da, creamy, perfect, steel cut oats ready to be enjoyed.
Add toppings and enjoy!
Choose your own adventure when it comes to the toppings. Berries, peanut butter, nuts, granola, dried fruit, yum!
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!
More healthy oatmeal recipes:
Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
Carrot Cake Oatmeal
Healthy Baked Oatmeal with Berries
Blueberry Overnight Oats
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📸 Photography by Marie-Catherine Dubé
Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Equipment
- Wooden spoon to stir
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, splash of milk
Instructions
- Pour the milk, water, oats, honey, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and salt into the Instant Pot. 1 1/2 cups milk*, 1 1/2 cups filtered water, 1 cup steel cut oats, 1 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, pinch of salt
- 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 on the Instant Pot will count up).
- Switch the top knob to venting and let any extra steam release, there might not be any steam left. The pin on the lid will drop.
- Remove the lid and use a wooden spoon to stir. Spoon into bowls and top with your favorite oatmeal toppings. Enjoy! Topping ideas: fresh berries, creamy peanut butter raisins, brown sugar, honey, bananas, splash of milk
Video
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!
- This recipe was originally published Sept. 2020, and was updated with new photos Jan. 2025.
