Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

This hearty Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats recipe has transformed my weekday breakfast routine. Instead of rushing through drive-thrus or skipping the most important meal of the day, I can now enjoy a warm, nutritious breakfast with minimal effort. Set it up, go about your morning routine, and return to a perfectly cooked bowl of creamy oatmeal ready for your favorite toppings.

I discovered this method during a particularly hectic work week when I needed something nourishing but had zero extra time. Now my family requests these creamy oats several mornings a week, especially during colder months.

Ingredients

• Steel cut oats provide a nutty flavor and chewy texture unlike regular rolled oats
• Whole milk creates a creamy richness look for organic if possible
• Water can be substituted for a lighter version or mixed with milk
• Salt enhances flavor even in sweet preparations just a pinch does wonders
• Trivet essential for the potinpot method preventing scorching
• Ovenproof bowl must be large enough to allow for expansion during cooking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pot

Pour 2 cups of water into your Instant Pot inner pot. This creates the steam environment. Position the trivet inside ensuring it sits flat. If your trivet lacks handles consider making an aluminum foil sling for easy bowl removal later.

Set Up the Pot-in-Pot

Select an ovenproof bowl that fits comfortably in your Instant Pot without touching the sides. A 7cup stainless steel bowl works perfectly. This method prevents scorching and makes cleanup infinitely easier.

Combine Ingredients

Add 1 cup steel cut oats and 3 cups of your chosen liquid to the bowl. A pinch of salt will enhance flavor even in sweet preparations. Stir briefly to combine ensuring all oats are submerged.

Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing position. Select Manual or Pressure Cook depending on your model. Set for 15 minutes at high pressure. Remember it will take approximately 7 minutes to come to pressure before cooking begins.

Natural Release

Allow a 15minute natural pressure release. This step is crucial for proper texture as the oats continue cooking during this time. Rushing this step results in undercooked oats with excess liquid.

Finish and Serve

Carefully remove the inner bowl using oven mitts or your sling. Stir thoroughly as the mixture will appear liquidy at first but thickens dramatically upon standing. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy your perfectly cooked steel cut oats.

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My absolute favorite way to enjoy these oats is with a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh berries. My husband introduced me to adding a spoonful of peanut butter which melts beautifully into the hot oats. Our Sunday morning ritual now includes a toppings bar where everyone customizes their own bowl.

Storage and Reheating

Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The oats will thicken considerably when chilled. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency. Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. These oats also freeze beautifully in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Topping Inspiration

Transform your basic oats into something extraordinary with thoughtful toppings. For a protein boost, add a spoonful of nut butter or a sprinkle of hemp seeds. Fresh or frozen berries provide antioxidants and natural sweetness. For texture contrast, include sliced bananas, toasted nuts, or granola. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds just enough sweetness without overwhelming the nutty flavor of the steel cut oats themselves. My family favorite is sliced bananas, toasted walnuts, and a light dusting of cinnamon.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your oats turn out too chewy, increase cooking time by 2 minutes next batch. Too soft? Decrease by 2 minutes. The consistency will also vary based on your specific Instant Pot model and altitude. For creamier oats, substitute half a cup of the liquid with coconut milk. If you experience the burn warning, double check that your inner bowl isn't touching the sides of the Instant Pot and ensure adequate water in the bottom of the pot. Remember that oats naturally thicken as they cool, so what might seem too thin initially will likely reach perfect consistency after standing for a few minutes.

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Common Questions

→ Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, almond milk works perfectly as a substitute for regular milk in this method. You can use unsweetened almond milk for fewer calories (approximately 173 per serving versus 263 with whole milk).

→ Why use the pot-in-pot method instead of cooking directly in the Instant Pot?

The pot-in-pot method prevents the oats from sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot and makes cleanup much easier. It also helps the oats cook more evenly without scorching.

→ Can I make fewer servings?

Yes, simply maintain the 3:1 ratio of liquid to oats. For example, for 2 servings, use ½ cup oats and 1½ cups liquid. The cooking time and natural release time remain the same.

→ Why is the natural pressure release important?

Don't skip the 15-minute natural pressure release as the oatmeal continues to cook during this time. This ensures perfect texture and prevents the oats from being undercooked.

→ What if I don't have a trivet with handles?

If your trivet doesn't have handles to easily remove the bowl, make a sling using a long folded piece of aluminum foil to lift the bowl out after cooking.

→ Can I make this in a 3-quart Instant Pot?

For a 3-quart Instant Pot, it's recommended to halve the recipe since finding a bowl small enough to fit properly while still holding the full amount can be challenging.