Make perfect Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats with this easy, fail-proof pressure cooker recipe for a healthy, whole-grain oatmeal breakfast or anytime meal. It cooks faster than on the stovetop!
It’s morning, and you want a healthy breakfast that is easy as can be. Get your Instant Pot ready because we are about to make the best Instant Pot steel cut oats!
Why We Love This Recipe!
Preparing steel cut oats in a pressure cooker is so easy and practically fail-proof. Just set it and let the Instant Pot work its magic!
Steel cut oats can be enjoyed warm during the chilly months. And in the warmer months, they can be eaten chilled. We love making these overnight breakfast jars.
On their own, steel cut oats are mild in flavor. It’s the toppings that truly make them interesting and worthy of our everyday attention.
You’ll find plenty of topping ideas for your oats in this easy recipe, including apple, banana, berries, nut butter, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, maple syrup, etc. All perfectly healthy, easily accessible, and economical!
Steel Cut Oats vs. Other Oats
Steel-cut oats have fewer calories per serving compared to regular oats, although not by much. The most significant difference is how they are processed. Steel cut oats are less processed and simply chopped up whole oat groats, while other oats are rolled and steamed for faster cooking.
Can I substitute with other oats? In this recipe, I don’t suggest substituting either regular or quick oats in place of the steel-cut oats as they cook slightly differently.
So without further ado, grab your Instant Pot, and let’s get to it!
And if you don’t have an Instant Pot, try this Slow Cooker Overnight Steel Cut Oats or Stovetop Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need to start is just 2 simple ingredients:
- Steel cut oats – This heart healthy grain can be found packaged with the other oats. Some stores will carry it in the bulk section.
- Water – Water is the best for cooking steel cut oats in the Instant Pot, and it’s economical as well. I would save adding any type of plant milk after cooking or when serving.
For versatility and flavor, you can layer with optional add-ins:
- Vanilla
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
How To Make Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Making steel cut oats in the Instant Pot couldn’t be any easier!
Once the oats and water are added to the insert of the Instant Pot, attach the lid and twist to lock, close the valve to SEALING. Manually set to HIGH pressure and cook for 4 minutes. Let natural release for 15 minutes. The total time from beginning to end is about 20 – 25 minutes, depending on how long it takes to come to pressure.
Recommended Equipment: This is the Instant Pot (affiliate link) I use and love. Keep in mind if using another model, results may differ.
Tips For Success!
When making steel cut oats in an Instant Pot, the ratio I like to use is 1:2.5. Use 1 cup steel cut oats to 2 ½ cups of water. This ratio results in a perfectly creamy and not too soupy consistency. Once done, feel free to stir in ½ cup of almond milk, or your favorite non-dairy milk to thin a bit more.
No, I don’t recommend substituting other oats for steel cut in this recipe because they cook differently.
How To Store + Reheat
- Refrigerator: Steel cut oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 – 5 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat: Warm steel cut oats on the stovetop over low, adding a splash of water or milk to thin a bit, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave, stopping to stir every 30 – 45 seconds, until warmed through.
- Meal prep: You can easily make a double batch and store in serving size containers with toppings of choice for a healthy, chilled meal on the fly.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few of our favorite flavor combinations for a healthy and delicious breakfast:
- Blueberry, Almonds + Cinnamon: Top the oatmeal with fresh blueberries, chopped or slivered almonds, a dash of cinnamon, drizzle of pure maple syrup and almond milk.
- Apple Walnut Steel Cut Oats: Top with fresh diced apple or Warm Skillet Cinnamon Apples, chopped walnuts, a drizzle of pure maple syrup and almond milk.
- Peanut Butter, Banana + Chocolate Chips: For a healthy steel cut oats rich in protein, serve with 2 tablespoons of Almond Butter over top with sliced banana, sprinkle of chocolate chips (or cacao nibs), dash of cinnamon, drizzle of maple syrup and almond milk.
- Strawberries and Cream: Top oats with fresh sliced strawberries, coconut cream or Vegan Cream, pure maple syrup, and sprinkle of cardamom. It’s super simple and utterly delicious!
- Berries and Cream: Top with fresh berries (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and/or blueberries) and a sprinkle of cardamom or cinnamon, and drizzle with coconut cream (or almond milk) and maple syrup.
- Peanut Butter & Jelly: Another protein rich oatmeal with 2 tablespoons of your favorite Almond Butter and Berry Chia Jam or Blueberry Compote with a drizzle of pure maple syrup and coconut cream or plant milk.
More Vegan Breakfast Recipes!
- Simple Tofu Scramble
- Breakfast Potatoes
- Classic Vegan Pancakes
- 1 Bowl Apple Baked Oatmeal
- Vegan Vegetable Frittata
If you try this Instant Pot recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.
PrintINSTANT POT STEEL CUT OATS
- Prep Time: 1 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2– 3 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Instant Pot, pressure cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cups steel cut oats
- 2 ½ cups water
- pinch of salt
Optional add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom
To Serve
- 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup, per serving
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or oat, cashew, soy, or your favorite plant milk)
- handful of berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- 1 – 2 tablespoons nuts or seeds (almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, etc.)
Instructions
Add the steel cut oats, optional spices & vanilla, pinch of salt, and water to the Instant Pot insert. Attach lid and twist to lock. Turn the valve to SEALING position. Manually set to HIGH pressure and cook for 4 minutes. Let natural release for 15 minutes.
Serve in individual serving bowls or glass containers, and top with your choice of toppings, pure maple syrup and non-dairy milk.
Makes about 2 cups (⅔ – 1 cup per serving)
Serves 2 – 3
Store: Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 – 5 days. Warm on the stovetop over low, adding a splash of water or milk, until warmed through.
Notes
Need a few ideas, try any of these serving suggestions:
- Blueberry, Almonds + Cinnamon: Top the oatmeal with fresh blueberries, chopped or slivered almonds, a dash of cinnamon, drizzle of pure maple syrup and almond milk.
- Apple Walnut Steel Cut Oats: Top with diced apple, chopped walnuts, a drizzle of pure maple syrup and almond milk.
- Peanut Butter, Banana + Chocolate Chips: For a healthy steel cut oats rich in protein, serve with 2 tablespoons of Almond Butter over top with sliced banana, sprinkle of chocolate chips (or cacao nibs), dash of cinnamon, drizzle of maple syrup and almond milk.
- Strawberries and Cream: Top oats with fresh sliced strawberries, coconut cream or Vegan Cream, pure maple syrup, and sprinkle of cardamom. It’s super simple and utterly delicious!
- Berries and Cream: Top with fresh berries (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and/or blueberries) and a sprinkle of cardamom or cinnamon, and drizzle with coconut cream (or almond milk) and maple syrup.
- Peanut Butter & Jelly: Another protein rich oatmeal with 2 tablespoons of your favorite Almond Butter and Berry Chia Jam or Blueberry Compote with a drizzle of pure maple syrup and coconut cream or plant milk.
Recommended Equipment: This is the Instant Pot (affiliate link) I use and love. Keep in mind if using another model, cooking times may differ.
Nutrition is calculated with 1 tablespoon maple syrup and ¼ cup almond milk.
Nutritional values are estimates only. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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Laura says
Just made this for breakfast with the apple, pecan and cinnamon combo. So delicious!
★★★★★