Holly Yzquierdo

In the realm of wholesome breakfast options, few foods offer the same level of satisfaction and nourishment as steel cut oats. Making them in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for my morning routine.

I love steel cut oats (I usually buy these that are gluten-free) but the standard 10-20 minutes of stove top cooking most packages recommend seems to take me longer. Instead, I use my Instant Pot!

What are Steel Cut Oats?

Steel cut oats, also known as Irish oats or pinhead oats, are a minimally processed form of oat groats. Unlike rolled oats or instant oats, which are flattened and steamed, steel cut oats are made by simply chopping the oat groats into small pieces with steel blades. This minimal processing retains the natural texture and flavor of the oats, resulting in a hearty and chewy cereal with a rich, nutty taste.

One of the primary reasons for the popularity of steel cut oats is their impressive nutritional profile. These whole grains are rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutrient-dense addition to any meal.

Oatmeal Additions for Breakfast

I enjoy oatmeal because there are hundreds of ways to customize a bowl to keep breakfast exciting. Adding various ingredients to steel cut oatmeal can enhance its flavor, texture, and nutritional value.

Here’s a list of ingredients you can add to your steel-cut oatmeal for a delicious and satisfying breakfast:

1. Fresh or dried fruit – Sliced bananas, berries, diced mango, sliced apples or pears, dried cranberries, chopped dates or figs
2. Nuts and seeds – Chopping almonds, walnuts pecans or cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds
3. Sweeteners – Maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, brown sugar, coconut sugar
4. Spices and flavorings – Ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, almond extract, cardamom, ginger, allspice
5. Plant based dairy – Almond, soy coconut or oat milk, vegan butter, coconut cream
6. Protein boosters – Nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter), plant-based protein powder (pea protein, soy protein, hemp protein)
7. Flavor enhancers – Unsweetened cocoa powder, shredded coconut, lemon or orange zest, espresso powder
8. Crunchy toppings – Granola, cacao nibs, crispy cereal, toasted coconut flakes
9. Savory options (for savory oatmeal):
   • Sautéed vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers)
   • Fried or poached egg
   • Avocado slices
   • Sliced tomatoes
   • Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, chives)
   • Vegan cheese
   • Hot sauce or salsa

Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to create your own unique and delicious bowl of Instant Pot oatmeal for breakfast!

How Long Does Instant Pot Oatmeal Take to Cook?

If this is your first time cooking with the Instant Pot, it is important to note that it takes a while for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure. That means once you start it, it may take 15 minutes for more before it starts counting down the 3 minute cooking time. This is normal. After it’s done cooking, it takes time for the pressure to drop.

It’s still easier than cooking it on the stove because you have to watch your pot and stir regularly. With the Instant Pot, you can walk away and come back to perfect oatmeal. You may want to start it when you wake up. Then come back to it after you’ve gotten dressed and ready for the day.

How to Make Instant Pot Oatmeal

Ingredients

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 3 cups water
• optional spices (cinnamon)
• toppings of your choice (fruit)

Instructions

Step 1 – Dump into Instant Pot

Dump oats into the Instant Pot followed by the water.

Step 2 – Cook

Close the lid and close the vent. Press MANUAL and use the arrow buttons to go to 3 minutes.

Step 3 – Natural Release

After the oats finish cooking, press the OFF button or unplug the Instant Pot so the pressure will release naturally.

Step 4 – Stir

After the pressure releases, open the lid and give the oatmeal a good stir. It will probably have extra liquid, this will absorb as it cools.

Step 5 – Add Toppings

Add cinnamon or other additions and allow to cool slightly before serving. Top oatmeal with fresh fruit of your choice, apples are shown.

Servings

This recipe makes about 2-3 servings depending on how hungry you are and how much you add for the toppings. You can easily double this recipe, and store it for easy breakfasts all week. There is no need to adjust the cooking time.

More Oatmeal Recipes

If you love oatmeal like I do, check out these other great recipes using steel cut oats:

• Bake Oatmeal Bars with Fruit
• Oatmeal Cups
• Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
• Banana Nut Oatmeal (Instant Pot or Stove Top)
• Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal