Instant Pot Oatmeal (With Rolled or Steel-Cut Oats)
“Best instant pot oat meal recipe, easy to follow. Try settng “delay start” function the night before, to up to 1 hr before breakfast time! Oatmeal will be ready when you are!” Laura
Make a hearty breakfast of perfectly creamy, healthy, comforting instant pot oatmeal with rolled oats or steel-cut oats. And, avoid the dreaded burn message, get inspired with yummy toppings and amp up the nutrition for you and your kids.
Just 3 simple ingredients – oats, water, salt. We’ve done the research and testing to gather all the tips and tricks for you.
What to expect
Oatmeal on its own is a super healthy natural food. Certain toppings like brown sugar or maple syrup can alter that. But are they good!
Is the instant pot method faster than the stovetop?
- For rolled oats, no (stove top 5-10 minutes, instant pot 20 minutes).
- For steel oats, yes (stove top 30-40 minutes, instant pot 20 minutes)
When you factor in the time it takes for the instant pot to come to pressure and do a partial natural release, there is no time advantage for rolled oats (there is for steel cut oats). Keep in mind, we’re not talking about instant oats here.
Why bother using an instant pot for oatmeal?
- No babysitting while it cooks, meaning you don’t have to change the heat levels and stir.
- It’s quicker for steel-cut oats.
- For a larger group, you can leave the oatmeal on ‘warm’ for 90 minutes without affecting the taste or texture while you take care of other stuff.
Ingredients – tailored to your taste
- Oats: Choose your type of oats – steel-cut oats or rolled oats. Steel-cut oats are chewier, nuttier and more dense with slightly more fiber (6 grams vs 5 grams). I prefer old fashioned rolled oats which have a milder, creamier smoother consistency. The instant pot process and cooking time are the same for both. Don’t use quick oats or instant oats for this recipe as they may become too mushy or gluey.
- Water: 2 cups water for rolled oats; 3 cups for steel-cut oats
Variations and Substitutes
Liquid options: I use water since I like to add cream afterwards 🙂 Or substitute half water and half unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond milk or soy milk. I suggest you don’t use regular cow’s milk, as some say it can cause the Instant Pot to burn.
Add-ins for an even more nutritious breakfast: Add one or more of these simple ingredients while cooking the oatmeal:
- 1/2 tablespoon of chia seeds (packed with fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids). Add a little extra water as chia seeds absorb a lot of water.
- 1/2 tablespoon flax seeds (high in fiber, good protein and excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids).
- Chopped prunes (good fiber). My grandson loved this as a baby as the prunes have a natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) pumpkin purée.
Toppings and flavor combinations
Add any toppings you love – healthy or splurge-y. My dad loved oatmeal with salt and a splash of cream. I’m a cream and brown sugar fan. We have lots of ideas in the recipe notes for inspiration.
Step by step instructions
Tips to Prevent the Burn Message
We have made this recipe many times without getting a Burn message. However, Instant Pot models vary, and new models have been reported to be more sensitive when cooking starchy foods like oatmeal. Here are some preventative tips:
- Use water or unsweetened non-dairy milk instead of cow’s milk.
- Make sure the sealing ring is properly installed.
- If using an 8-quart Instant Pot, DO NOT cut the recipe in half.
- If you own a newer Instant Pot model or have previously received a Burn warning with oatmeal, add an extra 1/4 cup (59 ml) water.
- If your Instant Pot still displays a Burn warning, see the FAQ below for the pot-in-pot method.
What to serve with oatmeal
With toppings, oatmeal is a breakfast in itself. For a brunch, try serving it with:
- scrambled eggs (foolproof Gordon Ramsay method)
- pumpkin spice pancakes
- sous vide poached eggs (with easy hollandaise sauce)
- tropical fruit salad
- homemade English muffins (easy step by step)
Make ahead, freeze, store
Make the oatmeal 60-90 minutes ahead and leave it sit on ‘warm’ without affecting the taste or texture. Stir and serve. Add a bit of extra liquid if it becomes too thick. See recipe notes for storing, freezing and reheating instructions.
Recipe FAQ
For this recipe, use old-fashioned rolled oats or steel-cut oats. If you only have quick oats, reduce the water slightly. Do not use instant oats, which become too soft and mushy in the Instant Pot.
Rolled oats and steel-cut oats are both whole grain oats (groats), but they’re processed differently. Rolled oats are steamed and flattened, so they cook faster and have a softer, creamier texture. Steel-cut oats (also called Irish oats) are chopped into small pieces, making them chewier with a nuttier flavor.
All plain oats are highly nutritious. They’re rich in soluble fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Steel-cut, old-fashioned and quick oats have very similar nutrition. Steel-cut oats contain slightly more fiber, while instant oatmeal packets are often less nutritious because they may contain added sugar and sodium
Rolled oats – 2:1 (2 cups of water to 1 cup oats)
Steel-cut oats – 3:1 (3 cups of water to 1 cup oats)
In both cases, if you like your oatmeal a little looser or wetter, add 1/4 cup/59 ml extra liquid. If your Instant Pot has a sensitive Burn sensor or you prefer a looser oatmeal, add an extra 1/4 cup (59 ml) of liquid.
While this recipe has worked consistently in our 6-quart Instant Pot, some newer Instant Pot models have a more sensitive Burn sensor. If you’ve followed the tips above and still receive a Burn warning, try the pot-in-pot method.
To do this, pour 1 cup (237 ml) of water into the Instant Pot insert and place the trivet inside. Combine the oats, water and salt in a heatproof bowl that fits on the trivet. Set the bowl on the trivet, lock the lid and pressure cook using the same cooking time and natural release in the recipe. Because the oatmeal isn’t in direct contact with the hot bottom of the Instant Pot insert, this method is much less likely to trigger a Burn warning.
In a 6 quart pot, you can double or halve the recipe without any change to the time.
In an 8 quart pot, you can double the recipe using the same time. Do NOT halve the recipe in an 8 quart pot. Note that if you double the recipe, it will take longer for the instant pot to come to pressure.
Different brands of steel-cut oats can vary in thickness and cooking time. If your oatmeal is too firm, pressure cook for an extra 1-2 minutes next time. If it’s too watery, let it sit for a few more minutes after opening the lid, as oatmeal continues to thicken as it cools.
If you make this recipe, let us know how it went! A rating & comment below mean a lot to us.
Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe (with rolled or steel oats)
Equipment
- Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker I use a 6 quart pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup cup rolled oats or steel-cut oats, Note 1
- 2 cups water (use 3 cups for steel cut oats), Note 2
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping options
- fruits, nuts, brown sugar, maple syrup, dates, cinnamon, milk, cream (see Note 3 for more options)
Instructions
- MAKE INSTANT POT OATMEAL: Place oats, water (or substitute) and salt in instant pot. Note 4 for add-ins. Stir. Place lid on pot, Lock in place. Turn knob to Sealing. °Set to High Pressure for 2 minutes. It will take 5-6 minutes to build the pressure before the 2-minute countdown starts. °When finished, you will see an "L" on the face of the instant pot. Do a 10 minute natural release (L will reach 10). Turn knob on lid to Venting with a spoon, keeping your hands and face away, to do a final quick release. Open when the button on top drops.
- FINISH AND SERVE: Open lid. Stir. Oatmeal will thick on standing. If too thick, stir in a splash of water or milk. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Notes
- Oats to use: Use old-fashioned rolled oats or steel-cut oats. Quick oats can be used with a little less water, but they’ll have a softer texture. Do not use instant oats, which become mushy. If using steel-cut oats, note that brands vary. If they turn out too firm, increase the pressure cook time to 3-4 minutes next time.
- How much water/milk to use:
- For a looser oatmeal, add an extra 1/4 cup (59 ml) of water. You can also stir in more water or milk after cooking if needed.
- You can substitute up to half the water with unsweetened non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy milk).
- We don’t recommend cow’s milk, as it can trigger the Burn message.
- Oatmeal toppings and flavor combos:
- Fresh fruit and nuts – blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, bananas, apples, pears, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
- Fall version – sprinkle on pumpkin pie spice and a splash of maple syrup
- Tropical version – banana slices, kiwi slices and grated coconut
- Carrot cake oatmeal – mix in finely grated carrot, cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins then top with maple syrup and a dollop of yogurt.
- Banana bread-ish – sliced bananas, cinnamon, chopped nuts.
- Simple decadence – half and half cream + brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon
- Other toppings – chopped dates, chocolate chips, peanut butter or nut butter, granola.
- Add-ins to make the oatmeal even more nutritious: Stir one or more of these into the oatmeal before cooking:
- 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds (add a few extra tablespoons of water)
- 1/2 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- Chopped prunes
- 1/4 cup pumpkin purée
- How to prevent oatmeal from burning: This recipe has worked consistently in our 6-quart Instant Pot, but some newer models have a more sensitive Burn sensor. To reduce the chance of a Burn message:
- Use water or unsweetened non-dairy milk (not cow’s milk).
- Make sure the sealing ring is properly installed.
- In an 8-quart Instant Pot, it’s best to double the recipe (DO NOT halve it)
- If you have a newer Instant Pot model or have received a Burn message before, add an extra 1/4 cup (59 ml) of water.
- If you still get a Burn message, see the FAQ for the pot-in-pot method.
- Can I halve or double the recipe?
- In a 6 quart pot, you can double or halve the recipe without any change to the time.
- In an 8 quart pot, you can double the recipe using the same time. Do NOT halve it.
- A doubled recipe will take longer to come to pressure.
- Make ahead
- Make 60-90 minutes ahead and leave it sit on ‘warm’ without affecting the taste or texture. Stir and serve. Add a bit of extra liquid if it becomes too thick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Oatmeal can also be frozen for 2-3 months in ready-to-eat portions in sealed containers or ziploc bags.
- Reheat oatmeal in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
I bought a green IP DUO at a garage sale because the price was right. It was my first IP, but I’ve had several clones through the years.
Added a cinnamon stick for flavor.
turned out great.
Faster than my clones.
Great idea about the cinnamon stick. Glad your new IP worked out well 🙂
Hi, I used my instant pot for steel oats and added 2.5 cups of water under high pressure x 2 minutes as mentioned above. The oatmeal was coarse and watery.
Please advise.
Hi Deb. Sorry to hear your oatmeal wasn’t as soft and creamy as it should be. Steel-cut oats can vary a bit by brand and sometimes need a little more cooking time to soften fully.
If the oatmeal turned out coarse and watery, try either increasing the pressure time to 3–4 minutes, or using 3 cups of water for 1 cup steel-cut oats and cook for 3 minutes, then let it sit for a few minutes after opening the pot to thicken.
That should give you a creamier texture. Hope the next batch turns out great!
I followed the instructions but my oatmeal burnt! Instant pot said “food burnt”. How is that even possible? I followed the recipe exactly
Hi Millan. I know that’s frustrating. I assume you used a 6-quart Instant Pot and no cow’s milk in the recipe. Even so, thick foods like oatmeal can occasionally trigger a burn notice.
The only other things I can think of, as noted in the recipe notes, are making sure the seal ring is fully in place and lightly spraying the bottom of the pot. Those small details have helped other readers avoid the burn message. I hope it works better next time 🙂
The oatmeal turned out great…nice and creamy! I used 3/4 cup light coconut milk and 1/4 cup water. Topped with sliced bananas, chopped prunes and a drizzle of honey.
Great flavor combo!
I wish I could say this worked great for me. I followed your directions to a T and kept getting the burn food message. I ended up throwing it in a pot because I could not get rid of the burn message. The only thing I didn’t do, nor could I do was to spray the bottom of the pan.
Sorry you got the dreaded burn message 🙁 I assume you read the 4 suggestions I made in the recipe notes to prevent the burn message. I am not sure what else to suggest other than adding a little more liquid and making sure you stir well before cooking. And perhaps checking to see that your sealing ring is in the proper position.
Thank you for all the info. Such a time saver. My husband has quite a few add in. Flax, chia, raisins, brown sugar, pumpkin seeds. Is it okay to add in during the cooking time?
Great question Theresa. You can definitely add raisins during the cooking process. Flax and chia seeds would be ok as well, but they do absorb a lot of liquid and they will thicken the oatmeal, so you should add a bit more water (you might have to experiment to get it to your liking – maybe start with 1/4 cup extra). I would add the brown sugar and pumpkin seeds after cooking. The brown sugar will melt in easily and it would be easier to adjust the amount to your liking especially if you add sweet raisins. The pumpkin seeds will stay crunchier. I hope that helps!
Perfect!! So creamy
Best instant pot oat meal recipe, easy to follow. *Try settng “delay start” function the night before, to up to 1 hr before breakfast time! Oatmeal will be ready when you are!*
What a great tip! Thanks Laura.
Excellent recipe and lasts a long time in the frig. I make pumpkin spice dry mixtures, apple pie mixtures and then add about 1/8 tsp
to bowl of oatmeal and add brown sugar to taste. Husband loves it.
I love your flavor tweaks! Thanks for sharing
Not sure why it took me so long to move from stovetop to instapot for this recipe! Made it this morning and added the flax and chia seeds and it turned out perfectly! No constant stirring and no pot to scrub. Used your recommendation in the notes and sprayed cooking spray just in case.
Yay! Super healthy with flax and chia seeds. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment.