Creamy, perfectly cooked oats could change your mornings.
Forget the stovetop juggling act. Instant Pot oatmeal is your ticket to creamy, actually fluffy oats without the spills, sputters and stirring. Just set the pot, get on with your morning routine, and let the pressure cooker do its thing. By the time you’re ready, a generous pot of whole‑grain oats will be waiting to give you a feel-good comfort-food start to your day. It’s family‑friendly, nutritious, and makes enough to either feed a crowd or stash leftovers for later in the week. And the best part? Every bowl is a perfect opportunity for your favorite toppings, from cozy classics to colorful, over‑the‑top creations.
And did you hear toppings? That just might be the best part of this oatmeal. Some people love just a pat of butter stirred in, and maybe a drizzle of maple syrup. But you can’t miss going colorful with red and blue berries and a dollop of yogurt. Or try banana slices and brown sugar, or honey and nuts. But savory oats can be just as rewarding: Top with an egg, diced avocado, and crumbled bacon or kimchi, or stir in shredded cheddar cheese and scallions. And just for over-the-top fun, how about peanut butter stirred in and chocolate chips scattered on top.
This recipe uses a combination of water and your choice of milk: It can be dairy or non-dairy, whatever your preference. And you could even replace the milk with additional water for a slightly less creamy version. Flaxseeds in this recipe add a bit more chew, but you could also substitute ground flax. And remember that salt is up to you in oatmeal: While most people like the added depth of flavor about 1/4 teaspoon brings, you could use just a pinch, or none at all. Having your oats exactly how you like them is the benefit of crafting your own hot cereal!
What exactly are old-fashioned oats?
Also called just rolled oats, old-fashioned oats start with oat groats, the seed of oat stalks with just the inedible husk removed. The groats are then steamed and flattened into flakes with large rollers. Each flake contains the bran, germ, and endosperm, making it a whole grain. They cook up slightly chewy and nutty and are the versatile choice for baking things like cookies, muffins, or hearty crumble toppings for pie. They’re also the usual choice for granola and muesli. We recommend them for this recipe since they have a great balance of creaminess and texture.
Other oat products you’ll probably see on the shelves include quick oats, made from the same whole grain as old-fashioned oats but steamed and then rolled thinner and chopped into smaller pieces so they cook in just a few minutes. And steel-cut oats, which are oat groats that have been cut into two or three smaller pieces but not rolled or steamed. Steel-cut oats take longer to cook than other oats and stay chewier.
How do I store leftovers?
Oatmeal is a great food to make ahead and store for later. After the oatmeal has cooled, portion out the oatmeal into airtight containers (or plastic bags) and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the oatmeal for up to 6 months. Reheat both chilled or frozen oatmeal in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water.
Serving suggestions
For pure comfort, serve a dollop of The Best Vanilla Spiced Homemade Applesauce on your oats along with a swirl of vanilla Greek yogurt. Or if it’s berry season, try this easy, jam-like Strawberry Compote or pourable Blueberry Sauce. Love oats, and got a lot on hand? Try making your own oat milk. It takes just minutes and would be excellent in or on your Instant Pot oats.
Instant Pot Oatmeal
Ingredients Â
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup water plus additional for inside pressure cooker
- 2 cups milk any variety
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed
- Salt to taste optional
InstructionsÂ
- Place the trivet inside and add 1 cup of cold water for smaller pots or 1.5 cups for an 8-quart pot.
- In a heat-safe bowl, mix the oats, 1 cup water, the milk, flaxseed, and salt.
- Set the bowl on the trivet, seal the pot, and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
- After cooking, wait for a natural release of pressure for 5 to 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining steam.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the Instant Pot. Serve the oatmeal with your favorite toppings, or cool and store it in the fridge.
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