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Learn to make Instant Pot oatmeal in no time! It’s as easy as pouring in the oatmeal and water, and pressing a button. The Instant Pot can transform your mornings, giving you more time to enjoy this delicious breakfast/snack.
So I have to admit that for the majority of my life, I didn’t like oatmeal. Or at least, I didn’t “think” I liked it. I tried it many times, but the texture never did it for me. But I finally realized that I never had oatmeal MY way (more firm with tons of toppings). This was a game changer for me.
So if you aren’t an oatmeal lover (not sure why you’d be reading this post if not haha, but you never know!) I implore you to give it another shot and experiment with what may work for you.
Pressure Cooker vs. On the Stove:
After realizing that I actually liked oatmeal, I made it on the stove and it boiled over. Have you ever had this happen? If so, you can understand how ridiculously messy, gross, and frustrating it can be to clean it up. UGH. And this is why the Instant Pot/pressure cooker is a dream come true for oatmeal!
Yes, while the Instant Pot may not be “instant” (it does take time to build and release pressure), I find a lot of joy in the fact I can “set it and forget it”, with no possibility of the pot boiling over! No dirty stove- just fresh, hot oatmeal ready to top with your favorites and enjoy.
Pro tips for perfect oatmeal every time:
- This recipe calls for 2 1/2 to 3 cups water. For this amount, it will all depend on how thick/thin you like your oatmeal. If you’re not sure, err on the side of less with 2 1/2 cups water (you can always add a bit more plant-based milk later to thin it out).
- Some 8-quart Instant Pots may give a “burn” message. If you have any issues, I highly recommend checking out this blog post—> Instant Pot Burn Message– which can help you troubleshoot the issue. And if you do have an 8-quart, I’d recommend adding at least 3 cups water to avoid getting that burn message.
- Make sure that your Instant Pot lid is properly sealed (meaning the sealing ring is properly in place and clean) before securing the lid. If not sealed properly, the oatmeal may burn and stick to the bottom of the pot.
- To double the recipe, use the same cooking time (6 minutes).
- Generally, I made this recipe using water. But I also recommend trying out organic apple juice for a tart/sweet twist!
How to make Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
First, add the steel cut oats and the water to the Instant Pot.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and lock. Then press the Porridge button (you can also use Manual/Pressure Cook) and set to 6 minutes. Turn the knob on the top of the lid to ‘Sealing’ (not venting).
The Instant Pot will turn on and start to build pressure. After about 10 minutes, the timer will automatically set to 6 minutes.
When the 6 minutes are done, it will need to sit for an additional 8-10 minutes to release the pressure (you will see the L0:02, etc. on the screen which means it is releasing pressure).
After the the pressure is released, remove the lid. (Note: If the pressure is not released, you won’t be able to open it).
Stir and add the oatmeal to a bowl, and add toppings of choice (see below for topping ideas). Store this oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-6 days. Note: the oatmeal will thicken more as is sits.
Topping ideas:
- I love using chopped Medjool dates, but you can also use this easy Date Paste for a smoother sweet addition. Stir in the date paste to the cooked oatmeal.
- strawberries, flaxseed, chopped Medjool dates, unsweetened coconut flakes and cinnamon (in the photo shown below)
- dates, pecans, apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar
- bananas, blueberries, walnuts, and maple syrup
- blackberries, dates, and almond butter
- vegan chocolate chips, unsweetened coconut flakes, and peanut butter (a great dessert option!)
- Serve this oatmeal with a glass of Homemade Almond Milk. YUM!
- Add some homemade Walnut Butter, mixed with cocoa powder and maple syrup.
This recipe makes a total of 2 1/2 cups cooked oatmeal (if using 2 1/2 cups water), which is roughly 2/3 cup per serving. If you use more water, it may change the serving size.
Helpful Tools:
- Instant Pot– If you don’t have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, this is a good one.
- Measuring Cups– I love to have a variety of different sizes.
If you try this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your photo with #veggie__chick on Instagram. I just love to see my recipes being made in YOUR kitchen!
Instant Pot Oatmeal
Pin RateEquipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats - or regular old-fashioned oats- gluten free if desired
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups water - use the lesser amount for thicker oatmeal
Instructions
- Add the steel cut oats and water to the Instant Pot. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and lock. Press the Porridge button if your pressure cooker has one (or you can also use Manual/Pressure Cook). Set to 6 minutes, and turn the knob on the top of the lid to 'Sealing' (not venting). The Instant Pot will automatically turn on and start to build pressure. After about 10 minutes, the timer will set to 6 minutes and it will begin to cook.
- After the 6 minutes are done, let it sit for an additional 8-10 minutes to release the pressure (you will see the L0:02, etc. on the screen which means it is releasing pressure on low heat). When the pressure is released, remove the lid. (Note: If the pressure is not released, you won't be able to open it).
- Stir and add the cooked oatmeal to a bowl, and add toppings of choice. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-6 days. Note: the oatmeal will thicken more as is sits. See more important tips below…
Video
Notes
- This recipe calls for 2 1/2 to 3 cups water. For this amount, it will all depend on how thick/thin you like your oatmeal. If you’re not sure, err on the side of less with 2 1/2 cups water (you can always add a bit more plant-based milk later to thin it out).
- Some 8-quart Instant Pots may give a “burn” message. If you have any issues, I highly recommend checking out this blog post—> Instant Pot Burn Message– which can help you troubleshoot the issue. And if you do have an 8-quart, I’d recommend adding at least 3 cups water to avoid getting that burn message.
- Make sure that your Instant Pot lid is properly sealed (meaning the sealing ring is properly in place and clean) before securing the lid. If not sealed properly, the oatmeal may burn and stick to the bottom of the pot.
- To double the recipe, use the same cooking time (6 minutes).
- Generally, I made this recipe using water. But I also recommend trying out organic apple juice for a tart/sweet twist!
- Serve this oatmeal with my Homemade Almond Milk. Yum.
- This recipe makes a total of 2 1/2 cups cooked oatmeal (if using 2 1/2 cups water), which is roughly 2/3 cup per serving. If you use more water, it may change the serving size.
- Nutrition information below is for cooked steel-cut oatmeal only and does not include any toppings.
- Topping Ideas: Date Paste, strawberries, bananas, blueberries, blackberries, apples, pears, golden raisins, chopped Medjool dates, cinnamon, flaxseed, coconut flakes, peanut or almond butter, maple syrup or agave, brown sugar, all kinds of nut, vegan chocolate chips, etc.
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published in June 2017, but was republished with new photos, step by step instructions, tips, and FAQs in September 2019.
Karina F says
Hi! You stated an option to use the manual button. The default for that is hihh pressure whereas the porridge button is normal. Do I lower the pressure to normal if I use the manual button? Thanks.
Cathie says
Help! I keep getting ‘burn’ message on the instant pot. What am I doing wrong????
Was I suppose to prep the pot before adding oats and water??? The oats are stuck to the bottom of the pot. Very difficult to clean up!
Christin McKamey says
Hi Cathie, I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m not sure why it would burn. As long as the water covers the oatmeal in the pot, it should not burn. I’ve never had an issue with burning and I don’t do anything to prep the pot. Do you set the pot to “Sealing”?
Anne says
Just tried this and mine said burn and luckily I was standing by. It did in fact burn onto the pot. It didn’t get to cook all the way to a soft texture. This is new to me. Will try another way. Also have an 8.
Christin McKamey says
Hi Anne! It seems there is an issue with newer model Instant Pots and burning. I’ve done a lot of research and found many reasons for it, but I think this article sums it up pretty well. I hope this helps! =) https://www.paintthekitchenred.com/instant-pot-burn-message/?fbclid=IwAR3782NPmrO4JZKwLBHqIGPt9ZsCN3224oB3c7m3Mdi6MBRi_n2MTqaQfuw
Dani says
I have an 8 quart Instant Pot. Does the size of the Instant Pot change anything?
Christin McKamey says
I think an 8 quart would work great. I would be more worried about a 4 quart, that it could boil over. =)
Kelly says
This worked great! Do you have tips for reheating? I’ve tried to make large batches in the past to have for the week but reheating seems like a Herculean effort with it getting so dense in the fridge.
Christin McKamey says
I hear you on the reheating! It does getting pretty thick in the fridge. I usually just add a bit of unsweetened almond milk and smash it down with my fork, then throw in the microwave. Seems to work for me. =) Thanks!
Melanie says
I made steel cut oatmeal in my Instant Pot last week. The instructions stated to avoid sticking use a cooking spray. I used an organic canola spray and it worked great for no stick and easy cleaning. I made them with 2 cups unsweetened organic almond milk plus a cup of filtered water and 1 cup of Bob’s Red mill organic steel cut oats. After pressude released I stirred in cinnamon and I was set with breakfast all week. Each morning I re-warmed a single portion added a banana and a dollop of Nuttzo butter. Heaven! Thanks for your take as well – I want to try the porridge setting so this is great information. It’s going on a Pinterest board!
Christin McKamey says
YAY!! Thanks Melanie, so happy you loved it. =) =) =)
Gary says
What happens if you put in whatever sweetener you use before cooking rather than after?
Christin McKamey says
Hi Gary, I don’t think it matters. I’ve added cinnamon in there before it cooks, and I’m sure it would be equally as good with the addition of sweetener. =)
Cheryl says
I only used 1 cup dry oatmeal because a serving is shown as 1/4 cup and covered with about 1 1/2 inch of water. I divided it into 4 servings, It worked for me. I appreciate your response.
Christin McKamey says
Great feedback, thanks for letting me know! =)
Cheryl says
Christin, this recipe looks great. I’m making it this morning. Do you have a serving measurement for cooked oats? I’m on a wellness plan and counting macros.
Thanks,
Christin McKamey says
This is tricky because it all depends on how much water you use. For 2 1/2 cups dried, I generally end up with about 3-4 cups of cooked oatmeal, but I will have to make it again to measure out exactly how much. Not sure if that really helps you! =)
kdmi says
I read your recipe today and immediately made it (that doesn’t happen very often but I found myself craving oatmeal!). This is the first time I’ve used the Instant Pot to make oatmeal; I wasn’t sure it’d turn out as thick as I like it, but your recipe is perfect (I used 2-1/2 cups water)! The timing is spot on too.
I’m so glad to have this recipe because I’ve been missing oatmeal ever since I got tired of cleaning my stove’s glass top after many crusted, messy spillovers.
Now I have another IP recipe I consider a “keeper” in my files. Thank you! I love this pressure cooker SO much; it helps make vegan cooking an interesting adventure with awesome results 🙂
Christin McKamey says
YAY!! I’m so glad you love this recipe. I too had a bunch of spillovers on my oven and oatmeal is the WORST to clean up cause it’s so sticky! The Instant Pot is a lifesaver. =) Thanks so much for letting me know.
Astrid says
I am going to try this recipe today. Could I use almond milk instead of water for the recipe?
One of my favorite combos for oatmeal is berries, natural pb, and cinnamon 🙂
Christin McKamey says
Hi Astrid, I’m sure almond milk would work great! And that is a good combo- I LOVE peanut butter! =)
Laura says
Hi! Using my instapot for first time with this recipe. Thank you! Question…I doubled the recipe and kept the time at 6 like you said. Everything went as you said excepted the releasing of the pressure. My pot is now up to 20 minutes (LO:20). What did I do wrong?
Christin McKamey says
Hi Laura, I just made it again this morning to double check and it did release the pressure by 20 minutes. What size Instant Pot do you have? I hope it worked out. =)
sue says
Yum! Am enjoying my oatmeal right now! My IP Porridge setting goes for 20 minutes. I added 1 cup of water to the pot, set a wire rack in the pot and put my oatmeal ingredients in a glass bowl to cook.
Christin McKamey says
That’s an interesting way to cook the oatmeal. Thanks for sharing Sue! =)
Judy says
Do you cover bowl? I had oatmeal stuck to bowl and think if it were covered this would not be an issue.
Christin McKamey says
Hi Judy, I’m not sure what you mean. I used an Instant Pot so I tightly closed the lid and set it to “Sealing”. So it was covered. =) Thanks!
Jane says
So you basically steamed dry oatmeal? This is an idiotic way to cook oatmeal.
Christin McKamey says
Hi Jane, no you cook it in water in a pressure cooker. And it works!
Jacque says
Lmao! I’m guessing basic reading comprehension isnt your thing.
Larry says
Are you sure it isn’t the other way around? A wise woman once said “A closed mind can neither give nor recieve.” Thanks Mom. Rest in peace.
Anita says
I’m going to try this next time! Oatmeal sick to the bottom of the pot ? thanks for the idea ??
Roger says
I kept getting the dreaded “Burn” message until I did the same thing. I put my oats and water in a steel mixing bowl (no lid…you want the heat and pressure to get all around your porridge), and then placed it on the wire rack and added 2 cups of water in the bottom of the pot (I have an 8, so I wanted to make sure I had enough water). I used the porridge setting, so 6 minutes of cooking time once it reached operating temperature and pressure. Once the 6 minutes were up, I vented it, and put the porridge into a serving bowl, and ate it
This worked perfectly, but I like my porridge to have a bit of texture.
As for clean-up, put cold water into whatever pot you cook your porridge in..It’ll clean up nicely once you’ve eaten. Cold water seems to work better that hot for this.
Christin McKamey says
Thanks for the awesome tips Roger!!! Yes, for some reason, there are some IP’s that burn more frequently. I’ve never seen that message on my Instant Pot, but I’ve heard many others get the error depending on which model they have. I really appreciate you sharing your tips so it will help others! =)
Lsura says
Could you put cut-up apple chincks in with oatmeal and water?
Christin McKamey says
I haven’t tried that. They may end up being a bit mushy, but it’s worth a try! =)
Penny Leppek says
I add two peeled/cored apples (whole) and 1 tsp Cinnamon to the pot. This makes sure we each get a full apple and it is perfectly cooked. The added Cinnamon is enough flavor that no sweetening is needed.
Christin McKamey says
Hi Penny, this is great! Thanks for the tip. Hopefully other readers will try it (and I will too). =)
Christin McKamey says
Hi I’m sorry it didn’t work out. I think soaking the pot will get it off, at least that has always worked for me. Different brands/temperatures of pressure cookers might give different results, but this recipe always works perfectly for me. Maybe try more water next time. 🙂
James says
What is the instal-pot time setting for doubling the oatmeal recipe? I’m still cooking at 9 minutes.
Christin McKamey says
Hi James, to double the recipe, I set it for the same time as a single recipe and it still cooks the same. =)