Creamy Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe – Healthy, Easy & Delicious
If you love starting your day with a wholesome breakfast, this Creamy Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats recipe is about to become your new favorite. Steel cut oats are known for their nutty flavor, chewy texture, and superior nutrition compared to rolled oats. The Instant Pot makes them incredibly easy to prepare—no constant stirring, no stovetop mess, and perfectly creamy oats every time.
Whether you enjoy them plain with a drizzle of honey or dressed up with fruits, nuts, and spices, this recipe gives you a cozy, satisfying bowl of oatmeal that fuels your day.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based like almond, oat, or coconut milk)
- 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
Topping Ideas:
- Fresh fruits (berries, bananas, apples, peaches)
- Nuts & seeds (almonds, pecans, chia, flax)
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom)
- Yogurt or nut butter drizzle
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Melt the butter or coconut oil (optional) and lightly toast the steel cut oats for 1–2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Add liquids: Pour in the water, milk, salt, and optional sweetener. Stir to combine.
- Pressure cook: Cancel sauté mode. Close the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on Manual/High Pressure for 4 minutes.
- Natural release: Let the pressure release naturally for 15–20 minutes. This is key to creamy oats.
- Stir & serve: Open the lid, stir well (the oats may look watery at first, but they thicken as they cool). Add vanilla extract if using.
- Add toppings: Spoon into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes (plus pressure build-up)
- Natural Release: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 bowls
Tips & Variations
- Extra creamy oats: Replace all water with milk or add a splash of heavy cream.
- Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating.
- Flavor boosters: Stir in cinnamon, cocoa powder, or pumpkin spice before pressure cooking.
- Overnight soak: For softer texture, soak oats overnight and reduce cook time to 2 minutes.
- Batch cook: Double the recipe to meal prep breakfasts for the week.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk and skip butter—replace with coconut oil.
- Low-Sugar: Omit maple syrup/honey; use monk fruit or stevia as a sweetener.
- Gluten-Free: Steel cut oats are naturally gluten-free but ensure you buy certified GF oats.
- High-Protein: Stir in protein powder or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Keto-Friendly: Traditional oats aren’t keto, but you can make a similar dish using hemp hearts or chia seeds in the Instant Pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Creamy Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats warm with a variety of toppings to keep breakfast exciting. Try fresh berries and almonds for a light morning, or bananas with peanut butter for a heartier start. These oats are also perfect for kids’ breakfast bowls or even a healthy snack later in the day.
Once you try oats this way, you’ll never go back to stovetop cooking—they’re that creamy and effortless!
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make Instant Pot steel cut oats without milk?
Yes, just replace milk with water for a lighter version. They’ll still turn out creamy.
Q2: Can I reheat leftovers?
Absolutely. Add a splash of milk or water before reheating in the microwave or stovetop.
Q3: What’s the difference between steel cut and rolled oats?
Steel cut oats are less processed, chewier, and take longer to cook. Rolled oats are softer and cook quicker but have a different texture.
Q4: Can I freeze cooked steel cut oats?
Yes, freeze in portions using silicone molds. Reheat with a splash of milk for a quick breakfast.
Q5: Why do I need to let the pressure release naturally?
The natural release ensures the oats finish cooking evenly and become creamy without sticking or burning.
