Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, wholesome breakfast that’s both nutritious and effortlessly delicious, Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats are your new best friend. These oats bring a wonderful nutty flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture, all made simple thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. In just minutes, you can have a warm, comforting bowl ready to be customized with your favorite toppings—perfect to kickstart your day or prep for busy mornings ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats is refreshingly straightforward. Each component plays a key role in building the creamy, hearty texture and allowing the natural flavors to shine through.

• Steel cut oats: The star of the show, these oats provide a firm, chewy bite unlike rolled oats and are packed with fiber and nutrients.
• Water or milk: Using water keeps it light, while milk adds a creaminess that makes each spoonful decadent.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances the oats’ natural nuttiness and balances the flavors beautifully.
• Toppings (fresh fruit, nuts, honey): These add vibrant color, texture contrast, and sweetness to your bowl, making every bite exciting.

How to Make Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Step 1: Prep Your Instant Pot

Start by making sure your Instant Pot is clean and plugged in. This simple prep makes the cooking process seamless and keeps things safe and tidy.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Pot

Pour in the steel cut oats, followed by your choice of water or milk and a quarter teaspoon of salt. These ingredients create the ideal base that will transform into creamy, flavorful oats.

Step 3: Secure and Cook

Place the lid on your Instant Pot and set the valve to ‘sealing.’ Select high pressure and set the timer for 10 minutes. During this time, the pressure cooker works its magic, tenderizing the oats perfectly.

Step 4: Natural Pressure Release

Once cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step ensures the oats finish cooking gently and develop their signature creamy texture.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Carefully vent any remaining steam, remove the lid, and use a fork to fluff the oats. This will lighten the texture and make them even more inviting. Now it’s time to enjoy or add your chosen toppings!

How to Serve Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Garnishes

Adding garnishes personalizes your bowl and brings additional layers of flavor and texture. Popular choices include fresh berries, chopped nuts like almonds or pecans, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and even a sprinkle of cinnamon or chia seeds.

Side Dishes

For a fuller breakfast experience, serve your Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats alongside lightly toasted whole-grain bread, a side of scrambled eggs, or some savory sausage. These pairings not only complement the oats’ mild sweetness but also balance the meal with proteins and fats.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the breakfast bowl: layer your cooked oats in parfait glasses with fruit and yogurt for a visually stunning breakfast treat, or chill and reheat them with a splash of milk for a quick grab-and-go option. You can even bake the oats with fruit on top for a cozy baked oatmeal twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The oats will thicken as they chill, so you might want to stir in a splash of milk when reheating to bring back their creamy texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep your oats longer, freezing works well. Portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the oats by warming them in a saucepan over low heat or microwaving, adding a little water or milk as necessary to loosen the consistency. Stirring halfway through heating helps ensure even warmth and smooth creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use rolled oats instead of steel cut oats in the Instant Pot?

While rolled oats cook faster and require less liquid, they will become mushy when pressure cooked. For that perfect chewy texture, steel cut oats are highly recommended for this Instant Pot recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply use a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk to keep this dish completely vegan without sacrificing creaminess.

How thick or runny will the oats be?

The oats tend to be creamy with a bit of chew but not runny. You can adjust the texture by adding more liquid if you prefer a looser consistency or less liquid for thicker oats.

Can I add spices or flavorings during cooking?

Yes, spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract can be added before cooking to infuse the oats with extra warmth and aroma. A pinch of salt is also essential to enhance overall flavor.

What’s the best way to prevent oats from sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot?

To avoid sticking, make sure to stir the oats and liquid well before cooking. Using milk or adding a little butter or oil can also help create a slight barrier between oats and the pot.

Final Thoughts

Once you try making Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats, you’ll wonder how you ever started your day without them. They’re not only quick and easy but also endlessly versatile and satisfying. So grab your Instant Pot, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a warm bowl of comfort that feels like a hug in every spoonful.