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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.
Melissa says
I don’t have a “porridge” button. If I use the “pressure cook” button, should it be set on high or some other setting?
Christin McKamey says
Yes, the high setting works. Thanks! =)
Owl & Bear says
We have the small 3 quart Instant Pot, and it’s prone to burn oatmeal. The solution that *always* works is to let the oats soak in the liquid a couple minutes before sealing up the Instant Pot and starting it. The reason it burns is because the oats aren’t yet saturated and they stick to the bottom and burn. What’s so nice about this solution is that you otherwise don’t have to put in extra liquid, which produces runny oatmeal, so the texture is nicer. Give it a try!
Christin McKamey says
Awesome, thank you! I love the idea about letting the oats sit for a minute!! =)
LovinIt says
Great! 3 cups water was a bit too thin, so maybe 2.5 at first, but that’s what she says in the instructions. Love the recipe. Oats are not hard, like many steel cut oats can be when not cooked well. Great recipe. I added cinnamon and ground cardamom. After cooking, I put some coconut milk and maple syrup. Yummy!
Christin McKamey says
Yay, thanks so much. All of your additions sounds amazing! =)
Grace Reilly says
Hi, I’ve been making oatmeal in a glass bowl on top of the metal rack (with water underneath) and water also measured in the bowl with the oatmeal. Love this as I can carefully lift the oatmeal bowl out (with a kitchen towel) and also let it cool and go right into the fridge with a lid. Easy cleanup!
Christin McKamey says
Yay, thanks Grace! So happy to hear that! =)
Betty says
Thanks for this post, I was wondering if I could use a pot in pot method.for this recipe. I will be trying this tomorrow morning. ?
Christin McKamey says
Hi Betty, yes another reader tried this method. She said she made it in a bowl on top of the metal rack (with water underneath) and water also measured in the bowl with the oatmeal. She said she likes this method because she could carefully lift the oatmeal bowl out (with a kitchen towel) and also let it cool and go right into the fridge with a lid. I hope this helps! =)
Neena says
Thank you for referring your readers to my Burn message post. Love your website and your story!
Christin McKamey says
Thank you Neena! Your post is very valuable- I appreciate you putting it together! It’s a great resource. =)
Bette says
What is the smallest amount if steel cut oats can you use in IP
Christin McKamey says
I have made 1/4 cup of steel cut oats and it worked for me. However, for the time involved, I think it’s much better to use at least 1 cup, as 1/4 will not make much. Hope that helps. =)
S Schroedl says
I have tried both Steel Cut Oats and Old Fashion Rolled Oats. Both times it spewed all over. My valve is seated just fine — with no problems on any other IP recipes. The first two times I used “Pressure Cook” button and toggled to Low. The recipes that I used said Instant release. That was probably the big problem why it spewed up the into the top and all over the place. THIS TIME I selected the “Porridge” button and toggled to make sure I had “Less” (pressure) and “Low” (Pressure Level) buttons selected.. I also halved the recipe (fearing the boiling over problem). On rolled oats I used 2.5 cups water and 1 cup oats. Made 2 generous servings for two persons. I pressure cooked my rolled oats 4 minutes and then did a manual release for 7 minutes. Perfect! No mess, creamy oats, and not too much left over. I find saving and reheating leftover oats not good. I have to add so much water (or milk) when reheating because it has firmed up like a wad of glue. The leftovers are just never as creamy good as when first made. So I prefer to make less and consume fresh.
Christin McKamey says
Thanks for sharing your experience! I’ve seen that some 8-quart models tend to burn quite easily so it’s good you found a workaround. I do have an 8 quart AND a 6 quart and follow the recipe exactly and it works every time, so it’s really a mystery! But I’m glad you found a solution that works for you. =)
Deb says
3qt Instant Pot –2.5C water, 1C Steel Cut Oats and I added a dribble of EVO. Followed directions of Pressure cook 6 mins, L:009…
PERFECT. Stirred in Plain Greek Yogurt, MonkFruit and a drizzle of Maple Extract.
Thank you for sharing this recipe. LOVE it!!
Christin McKamey says
Yay, thanks Deb!! Thank you for adding in the exact details; that’s helpful for others! =)
Carl says
What about halving the recipe? Alternatively, any recommendations for reheating the leftovers? (I am very new to IP).
Christin McKamey says
Hi Carl, it would work fine halving the recipe. For me, if I’m going to go through the effort of making it, I usually just make a bigger batch so I can eat it for a few days. =) For leftovers, you can add a bit more water so it doesn’t stick and heat in a stovetop. Or you could microwave. Thanks!