These Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats turn out perfect every time! This recipe will show you how to make steel cut oats in a pressure cooker, in five different flavours for easy meal prep.
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Are steel cut oats healthier than regular oats?
Steel cut oats are the least processed form of oats.
A whole oat grain is called a groat. To make steel cut oats, the groat is husked and cut into two or three pieces using a steel blade. Steel cut oats are also sometimes called Irish oats.
Another common type of oats are rolled oats. These are groats that are steamed to make them pliable, then they are rolled flat. You can tell the difference between steel cut oats and rolled oats simply by looking at them.
Steel cut oats are chewier and more coarse in texture. This means that they are very filling but also take more time to cook.
Most of the nutritional value of steel cut oats and rolled oats are the same. You will receive a healthy amount of protein and carbohydrates regardless of what style of oats you eat.
However, steel cut oats are higher in fiber than any other variety of oats. Fiber keeps your digestive system moving efficiently. They are also lower in the glycemic index which measures the way a food affects your blood sugar.
How to make Instant Pot steel cut oats (step-by-step)
All you need to put in the Instant Pot for this recipe are coconut oil, coconut milk, water, and steel cut oats, in that order.
Let the Instant Pot work its magic and, with three minutes of cooking time, your breakfast will be ready! Then you can feed the family or divide it into individual portions.
For a sweetener, I sometimes stir some honey or maple syrup into the cooked oats but you don’t need to if you’re fine with unsweetened oats. Cocoa powder is also a great option for sweetening.
From there, you can add extra toppings to make any flavor combination you like!
Add-ins for Instant Pot steel cut oats
Steel cut oats are versatile and can be customized for each family member, or you can divide up the mixture and add different toppings to give you some variety during the week.
Below you’ll find pictures of each version of steel cut oats for you to try yourself!
Tropical steel cut oats
Chocolate steel cut oats
Apple cinnamon steel cut oats
Pumpkin spice steel cut oats
Mixed berry steel cut oats
Even more add-in ideas
In addition to the toppings found at the bottom of this post (), here are some more add-ins you can mix in to your steel cut oats:
- Nut butters
- Flax or chia seeds
- Hemp hearts
- Greek yogurt
- Mashed banana
- Molasses
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Coconut
How long do steel cut oats take in the pressure cooker?
On the stovetop, steel cut oats will take 20-30 minutes to cook.
However, make breakfast in a fraction of the time by using your Instant Pot! The Instant Pot will take about ten minutes to come to pressure. The oats take just three minutes to cook after that.
Do you really need to use almond milk?
I use almond milk in the recipe to keep it free of allergens. If dairy is not a concern for you, feel free to use cow’s milk instead.
You could also use coconut milk, rice milk or any other dairy or non-dairy alternative you prefer.
Or, just use water for the total liquid amount. Just keep in mind that the finished oatmeal won’t be as creamy.
Why a natural pressure release?
When using an Instant Pot, you have two options of how to release the pressure. A natural release takes 15-20 minutes and means you don’t touch the pot until the pressure has released and the lid can be opened.
The other option is a quick release where you have to turn the knob on the Instant Pot to quickly decrease the pressure. A jet of steam will come from the valve on the top of the pot to quickly normalize the pressure inside. This stops the cooking process immediately.
You’ll notice in this recipe I use a natural pressure release for the Instant Pot. For ingredients that are thick or foaming, you want to use a natural release that lets the cooking come to a gradual stop. If you open the valve for a quick release with steel cut oats, the hot foam may clog up the pressure release valve.
Can you double this recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe is perfect for doubling. It’s a great way to feed a crowd or to prepare breakfasts for an entire week.
Meal prepping steel cut oats
Steel cut oats make a healthy and easy solution to busy mornings.
During the weekend, you can make a big batch of Instant Pot steel cut oatmeal. Then you will have enough to use all week. This recipe makes six servings.
You can use meal prep bowls to separate the servings. Stir in the add-ins immediately, or wait until you reheat.
Can you freeze steel cut oats?
Steel cut oats can be either refrigerated or frozen.
They last up to five days in the refrigerator. If you don’t plan to use it all in five days, freeze individual servings in airtight containers.
Steel cut oats last in the freezer for six months. When you are ready to reheat the oatmeal, place the serving in the microwave for one to two minutes.
Other Instant Pot breakfast recipes
Do you love the idea of using your Instant Pot for breakfast? Me too!
Your Instant Pot is the secret to a quick morning meal or a great way to prepare a week’s worth of breakfasts.
Make these Instant Pot breakfast recipes to serve with steel cut oats.
Instant Pot resources
If you’d like some more help with your Instant Pot, I’ve got a great set of resources to help get you started! Sign up for my free newsletter and PDF resources below:
Meal prep tools for this recipe
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning these steel cut oats into your breakfasts for the week
- Freeze these oats in glass microwave-safe bowls up to 3 months
- Order some steel cut oats here
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Learn how to use your Instant Pot to meal prep by subscribing to our newsletter!
Perfect Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 4 cups coconut or almond milk
- 2 cups water
- 2 cup steel cut oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional)
Tropical
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup diced pineapple
Mixed berry
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
Apple cinnamon
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 green apple, diced
Chocolate
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Pumpkin spice
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Pour coconut oil, coconut milk, water and steel cut oats to Instant Pot in that order. Place lid on Instant Pot and make sure valve is set to seal.
- Press the pressure cook button and set to high, then cook for 3 minutes. Instant Pot will take about 15 minutes to come to pressure then pressure cook the 3 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally (about 15-20 minutes), then open the lid when pressure gauge has dropped and the lid opens easily. Stir in honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Remove lid and stir in toppings of choice. Divide among 6 meal prep bowls and garnish with additional toppings (optional). Serve and enjoy! Leftovers will last 5 days in the fridge.
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