Instant Pot Oatmeal Fast Easy And Creamy

I usually don’t like oats unless they are perfectly cooked. Microwaving oats is definitely not my thing. I used to slow-cook oats on the stovetop. However, now I have discovered the art of pressure cooking oats in the instant pot and will never look back to other techniques. Steel-cut oats are not just a quick breakfast; they are also nutritious. They have lots of fiber and a low glycemic index, so they are a much better choice for a healthy breakfast. If you like oats for breakfast, also check out this sweetened Oats Kheer and this savory Indian Masala Oatmeal.

Watch How to Make Instant Pot Oatmeal

Why Make Oatmeal in the Instant Pot?

Hands-free: This recipe for Instant Pot steel-cut oats is completely hands-free. You just add the ingredients and let the Instant Pot do its magic. You can also make these dump-and-start instant pot oatmeal with the pot-in-pot method. This helps with the easy cleanup, so you don’t have to wash the large steel insert. Great for meal prep: These steel-cut oats are perfect for meal prep. The Instant Pot has a large capacity, so you can make a big batch and reheat it for a healthy, nutritious breakfast all week. Delay timer: Oats can be cooked in the instant pot with a delay timer, so you can wake up to a perfectly cooked hot breakfast in the morning.

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Ratio

Steel-cut Oats: 1 cup Liquid: 2.5 cups (water or milk of choice) This is the ratio I follow for making steel-cut oats in the main steel insert or pot-in-pot in the instant pot. You can always add more water/milk while serving to adjust consistency. If adding milk while cooking, I recommend adding a smaller quantity of milk if using dairy or using non-dairy milk.

How Long Does it Take to Cook?

You set the Instant Pot to a pressure cooking time of four minutes (6 minutes for pot-in-pot method). However, the overall time is higher as the Instant Pot takes about 10 minutes to come to pressure, and you will need at least 10 minutes of natural pressure release after the oats are cooked. It might seem like the overall time to cook is the same as on the stovetop. But remember, this is completely hands-off versus having to watch and stir the oats on the stovetop.

How to Make Steel-cut Oats in Instant Pot?

My usual way is to put oats in the instant pot as soon as I wake up. And by the time I am ready, I return to perfectly cooked oats. You can even set them in the night with a delay timer and have breakfast ready when you wake up. Add the oats, water, and/or milk of choice to the instant pot and give it a good stir. Set the pressure cook mode on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the cooking is done, the pressure is released naturally. Voila! Perfect oats are ready.

Pot-in-Pot Method

Add the oats, water, and/or milk of choice to a bowl that fits inside the instant pot. Add one cup of water to the instant pot’s main steel insert, then place a trivet on top. Then, place the bowl with the oats on the trivet. Pressure cook for six minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking is done, let the pressure release naturally, or at least let it release naturally for 10 minutes, then release it manually.

Overnight Instant Pot Oats with Delay Timer

To cook oats overnight with the delay timer, add the oats and water to the pot. Set the timer to the desired time, such as 8 hours (Press pressure cook, then press Timer and adjust to the desired time). The instant pot will start cooking at the set time. Once the pressure is released naturally, add milk and adjust oatmeal to the desired consistency. Dress the oatmeal anyway you like with fresh fruits, nuts or seeds. You can also top with nut butter, some honey or maple syrup, or any other favorite toppings.

Storage

Let the oatmeal cool completely. Place oatmeal in airtight containers in small portions. Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop one container at a time. Add milk or water as needed to adjust the consistency.