Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Budget-friendly AND foolproof! That’s my kind of breakfast!

Steel cut oats have been around for centuries! Fun fact: at one point they were exclusively used as animal feed! That is until Quaker Oats stepped in and began marketing them as a hearty and delicious breakfast. Turns out, Quaker Oats was right! Steel cut oats have a subtle nutty flavor, and when cooked, are even creamier than other types of oatmeal. I also love steel cut oats because they help lower cholesterol and are good for your digestive system. All around, steel cut oats are healthy and delicious. Plus, when you use your Instant Pot, it’s literally the easiest breakfast ever! Steel cut oats cook so much faster in the Instant Pot than on the stovetop, so I highly recommend utilizing the Instant Pot.

This is a breakfast that I could eat every day and never get bored of. Sometimes I serve my oats with bananas and honey, and on other days I opt for almond butter and strawberries. The possibilities are endless!

Steel cut oats are a handsfree, tasty breakfast dish for you and whoever you want to share it with! I like to make a big batch of it so I can sleep in the next morning and not have to decide what to eat for breakfast. Who doesn’t want to sleep in for longer? Steel cut oats also reheats very quickly and easily! Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this recipe.

Hungry for more oat options? Instant pot oatmeal uses rolled oats instead of steel cut oats. Both equally delicious choices! If you’re a hardcore steel cut oats fan, then check out this overnight steel cut oats recipe to add to your collection. Additional ways to cook with steel cut oats can be found here.

Instant Pot Tips

This recipe uses a 6-quart Instant Pot, but if yours is a different size, don’t worry. You can make some slight adjustments and your oats will still be delicious! If you have an 8-quart pot, reduce the pressure cooking time to 3 minutes. Feel free to double the ingredients–but no need to double the cooking time. If you cook with a 3-quart Instant Pot, simply half all of the ingredients. You do not need to adjust the cooking time.

Almond or a plant-based milk is preferred for this recipe. Sometimes dairy milk will burn while cooking and I wouldn’t want that to ruin your breakfast! Just keep an eye out if you do try this recipe with dairy milk.

Ingredients

3 cups water
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or substitute with additional water
2 cups steel cut oats
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey optional
Toppings: fresh fruit chopped toasted nuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, additional maple syrup or honey, splash of milk

How to Make Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Step 1: Combine ingredients in the pot. In your 6-quart Instant Pot, mix together the water, almond milk, steel cut oats, salt, and cinnamon. If desired, sweeten with maple syrup or honey.

Step 2: Cook the oats. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to ‘sealing’. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting on HIGH for 4 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully venting any remaining steam and opening the lid.

Step 3: Finish and serve. Stir the oats well. They will be very hot, so take care when tasting. Adjust the flavor with additional cinnamon or sweetener if needed. The oats will thicken upon cooling. Serve in bowls with your favorite toppings.

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Steel cut oats can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for 5-7 days. You can reheat the oats in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or milk for additional creaminess.
You can also store cooked steel cut oats in the freezer for up to 3 months. I like to divide the oats into silicone baking cups before putting them in a plastic bag or airtight container. When I’m ready to eat the leftovers, I remove the silicone cup, put the oats in a bowl with a splash of milk, and reheat in the microwave.

Are steel cut oats healthy?

Yes! Steel cuts oats are less processed than instant and rolled oats. They are a great source of fiber, vitamin B, and iron. This recipe is also vegan!

Should I soak the oats overnight?

You do not have to soak the steel cut oats overnight for this recipe. However, if you choose to soak them overnight, they will be softer and will cook slightly faster in the morning.

What are steel cut oats?

Steel cut oats are chopped pieces from groats. Okay, so what are groats? Groats are hulled and toasted wholegrain.

Can I use oat milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, you can! I love making steel cut oats because I can customize it however I like. Use any kind of milk you prefer! You can also top with whatever fruits or nuts you like!

Serving Suggestions

Steel cut oats are creamy and healthy, but also a lot of fun to make because you can serve it an endless number of ways! My favorite fruits are kiwi, bananas, and strawberries. What are yours? Try them with a steaming hot bowl of steel cut oats! I love cinnamon, but I also like to add a dash of nutmeg and perhaps a drizzle of almond butter with my oats. Peanut butter is also a fun option! And of course, you can’t go wrong with a spoonful of honey for a little bite of sweetness. If you’re favorite part about making oats are the toppings, then I highly recommend adding vanilla berry jam to your heaping bowl of steel cut oats! Thank me later!

On a Saturday morning, I like to whip up a bigger breakfast for myself. Breakfast potatoes and steel cut oats are the way to go! However you choose to serve your oats, I hope you love them as much as I do! Cheers to fun and healthy breakfasts!