These Foolproof Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats turn out perfect every time. They’re a healthy breakfast idea with 5 flavours for easy meal prep.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Coconut oil – you can leave this out altogether or add in some more coconut milk instead.
- Coconut or almond milk – use any dairy or dairy-free milk of your choice. You can also double up on the water, just keep in mind that the oats won’t be as creamy.
- Steel cut oats – rolled oats/old-fashioned oats would also work.
- Honey – maple syrup or agave would be good too, or you can leave this out altogether if you don’t want the added sweetness.
Tropical
- Shredded coconut – use either sweetened or unsweetened coconut.
- Diced pineapple – fresh pineapple is best, but defrosted frozen pineapple will work in a pinch.
Mixed berry
- Frozen mixed berries – use any combination of berries of your choice. Raspberries, strawberries and blackberries would all be delicious!
Apple cinnamon
- Cinnamon – nutmeg would be the best substitute here.
- Green apple – or another apple of your choice.
Chocolate
- Cocoa powder – chocolate protein powder or chocolate chips can also be used.
Pumpkin spice
- Pumpkin puree – if you don’t have any pumpkin puree, add in some nutmeg and ginger instead.
- Cinnamon – nutmeg would be the best substitute here.
How to make steel cut oats in the Instant Pot
- Add the first 4 ingredients to the Instant Pot in order.
- Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
- Do a natural pressure release.
- Stir in the honey and any toppings.
- Divide amongst bowls, serve and enjoy!
What are steel cut oats?
Steel cut oats are the least processed form of oats. A whole oat grain is called a groat and 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 is 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 coarser in texture. This means that they are very filling but also take longer to cook. However, when you make Instant Pot steel cut oats, they’ll be ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
The Best Steel Cut Oats Instant Pot Flavours
When it comes to what to add to your oats, you can try out different toppings and flavours until you find one you like. I rounded up some of my favourite add-in combinations for your Instant Pot steel cut oats below!
You can also try adding in some nut butter, flax or chia seeds, hemp hearts, Greek yogurt, mashed banana, molasses, dried fruit, nuts and coconut. The options are pretty much endless when it comes to the toppings.
Tropical steel cut oats
Chocolate steel cut oats
Apple cinnamon steel cut oats
Pumpkin spice steel cut oats
Mixed berry steel cut oats
Frequently Asked Questions
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 fibre than any other variety of oats, which keeps your digestive system moving efficiently. They are also lower in the glycemic index which measures the way a food affects your blood sugar.
To make steel cut oats in the Instant Pot, you’ll need 2 cups of water and 4 cups of milk for every 2 cups of steel cut oats, so the total liquid to oats ratio is about 3:1.
Make sure your Instant Pot is properly sealed and that you’ve added in enough liquid to prevent your Instant Pot steel cut oats from burning. All in all, the Instant Pot is a great way to make steel cut oats because you can pretty much just set it and forget it.
Steel cut oats are gluten free, but I’d recommend checking the package to ensure that they haven’t had any cross-contamination.
Storing and reheating
These Instant Pot steel cut oats are a great breakfast meal prep recipe. You can make a big batch on the weekend, then store individual serving sizes in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir in the add-ins immediately or wait until after you’ve finished reheating the oats
You can use meal prep bowls to separate the servings. Stir in the add-ins immediately, or wait until you reheat. If you’re reheating, add a bit more liquid then microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Steel cut oats can also be eaten cold if you’re on the go!
Can you freeze steel cut oats?
You can definitely freeze steel cut oats. Serve individual serving sizes in airtight glass containers for up to 3 months. Let the oats defrost in the fridge the night before you want to eat them then reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
If you plan on freezing your oats, it might be best to wait until after reheating to add in your toppings so everything stays as fresh as possible.
More Instant Pot breakfast recipes
- Instant Pot Egg Bites
- The Best Ever Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole
- Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
- More Easy Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes
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.
Foolproof Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats {5 Ways}
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.