Set yourself up for a fabulous day with this easy recipe for a hot and nutritious breakfast that’s hands-free ready in 25 minutes!
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But mornings in my household are pretty hectic—we scramble to get ourselves ready, so there’s no time to scramble eggs! It’s usually easier to just grab a granola bar or muffin as we rush out the door. Or skip the meal entirely. Not ideal!
This Instant Pot steel-cut oats recipe is a game changer. It delivers a delicious and healthy hot breakfast in 25 minutes flat. And because the cooking is hands-free, I can get it started, jump in the shower, and then still have time to sit down and enjoy it. Plus, you can really make this dish your own by crowning it with any and all of your faves—from berries and bananas to nuts and seeds to jams and nut spreads. The combination of warm, creamy, earthy flavors from the oats and nutty, fruity brightness from the toppings sets me up for an energetic day!
Whether you’re looking for a stronger start to weekdays or a cozy weekend treat, you’ll love how quickly and easily this dish comes together. And you’ll appreciate how it helps you feel full, focused, and fierce all morning!
Tips for adjusting your oats
- For an eight-quart Instant Pot, reduce the cook time to three minutes.
- For a three-quart Instant Pot, halve the ingredients but keep the cook and release times the same as directed.
- For a thicker texture, cook for 10 minutes on high and use a shorter release time.
- If you prefer granulated white or brown sugar as your sweetener, add it after cooking to avoid possible burn warnings.
- Use plant-based milks rather than dairy for safer, creamier results. Add dairy—which is more likely to scorch and cause burn warnings in the Instant Pot—after cooking.
- Stir in vanilla extract or citrus zest after pressure cooking for aromatic, well-balanced oatmeal. Their intense flavors can diminish under high pressure, so adding them at the end boosts freshness.
How do I store leftovers?
Let your steel-cut oats cool completely before storing, but don’t leave them at room temp for more than 2 hours. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. Cooked oats also freeze well for up to 3 months. Portion cooled leftovers into muffin tins, silicone cups, or individual serving-sized scoops on a lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat individual portions directly from the fridge or freezer in the microwave for 1–3 minutes or on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or milk until hot and creamy. Thaw larger batches overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving suggestions
Serve Instant Pot steel-cut oats alongside other breakfast and brunch staples. For pie-like sweetness, top yours with homemade Strawberry Sauce or Blueberry Sauce. Amp up the protein by pairing your oats with Muffin Tin Eggs or this Easy Breakfast Tacos Recipe. Or make them part of a brunch spread that includes crowd-pleasers like Quiche Lorraine and Cinnamon Roll Casserole.
Instant Pot Steel-Cut Oats
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk, or additional water
- 2 cups steel-cut oats
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey, optional
- Toppings of choice like fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, nut butter, or extra sweetener
Instructions
- In the bowl of your 6-quart Instant Pot, stir together the water, almond milk, steel-cut oats, salt, and cinnamon. If desired, stir in the maple syrup or honey for sweetness.
- Secure the lid and set the steam release valve to “sealing.” Select the “manual” or “pressure cook” function and set to high pressure for 4 minutes. The Instant Pot will take several minutes to come to pressure before cooking begins.
- When the cook time completes, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes (the display will show “L:10” or similar). Then, carefully move the valve to “venting” to release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
- Stir the oats thoroughly—they will be hot and may appear loose at first but will thicken as they cool.
- Taste and adjust with extra cinnamon or sweetener if needed. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
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