If you’re anything like me you have those busy mornings where you’re rushing around like mad but you still need a healthy breakfast to power through your day. Let me introduce you to steel cut oatmeal. Tasty, hearty and easy to make steel cut oatmeal has a regular spot on my breakfast location. While you can certainly make steel cut oats on the stovetop using the Instant Pot is quick, hands off and results in the creamiest texture. Make mornings easier with my Easiest Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal.
The Casual Foodist contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase through these links the Casual Foodist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.
What are steel cut oats?
Steel cut oats (also known as Irish oats or Scottish oats) are less processed than other forms of oats like rolled or quick cooking oats. Whole oat berries (also known as groats) are chopped with steel blades (hence the name “steel cut”) for smaller pieces that still have the outer bran layer and are higher in fiber and nutrients. Steel cut oats have a nutty taste and creamy, yet toothsome texture that is worlds better than that packet of mushy instant oats.
Is steel cut oatmeal healthy?
Steel cut oatmeal is very healthy and a great bang for your nutritional buck. Steel cut oats are high in fiber (studies have shown oatmeal can lower cholesterol), have a low glycemic index (making them a better option for those with diabetes) and high in protein (a great option for people adhering to a vegetarian or vegan diet). Steel cut oats are also gluten free.
Making steel cut oats in the Instant Pot
Steel cut oats can easily be made on the stovetop but using an Instant Pot (I recommend this 6 quart Instant Pot) means no stirring allowing you to focus on the other aspects of your crazy morning. I find the pressure with the Instant Pot also makes for a creamier texture than cooking them on the stove. You can use water, dairy milk or any plant based milk (or a combo) as long as you keep the ratio of oats to liquid the same (1 cup oats:3 cups liquid). I personally like to use half almond milk and half water. Cook your steel cut oats on high pressure for 5 minutes, and then allow the pressure to natural release for at least 10 minutes. When you remove the lid you may find the oats to be a bit liquidy yet, but a quick stir will mix everything together nicely. The oats will also thicken as they cool.
You can eat your steel cut oatmeal immediately but they refrigerate or freeze beautifully making them a great option for meal prep. I personally make a big batch on Sundays so I have breakfast ready to go all week. Top your steel cut oats with fresh or frozen fruit, dried fruit like cranberries or raisins, nuts or nut butters, or chia or protein powder for a nutritional boost. The options for your steel cut oatmeal are endless!
If you like this Easiest Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
Cherry Ginger Smoothie with Greek Yogurt
Apple Scones with Maple Cinnamon Glaze
Butternut Squash Quiche with Goat Cheese and Rosemary
If you make this Easiest Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Instantpot Steel Cut Oatmeal
Equipment
- Instantpot
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cup almond or dairy milk (or milk of your choice)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into the Instantpot and stir to combine. Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes, then allow for natural release for 10 minutes. Stir the oats and serve as desired.
Notes
- You can vary the ratio of water to milk as long as the total remains 3 cups.
- When the oats have finished cooking they may appear a bit liquidy, thoroughly stir your oats and they will thicken up.
- You can serve immediately, or refrigerate or freeze individual portions for meal prep. Microwave for 1 minute to reheat.
Lindsay Fuce says
Love this idea! Sounds like it makes making oats very simple but super yummy and convenient. Thanks for sharing!
Lillie says
Ah HAH! At last the cure for my impatience with experiencing the deliciousness of steel cut oats!
Soheila Hakimi says
I have never had steel cut oats but the way you did them in the Instapot makes them look so creamy and delicious, it made me crave a bowl right now! Now I just have to figure out how you did the berries on top….
Carrie Ann says
I adore oatmeal, and making it in the Instant Pot is so much quicker and easier! Love how you can make a big batch of this and save it for later 🙂
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
I just happen to have some steel-cut oats in the pantry, and I’m making this TOMORROW. I love that this can be cooking while I shower and get ready for work!
Archana says
Well I definitely want this delicious bowl of goodness in the form of steel cut oats. I was not aware of the difference in these oats n quick ones I buy. Definitely time to change that. Thanks.
Genevieve | Fitty Foodlicious says
I need to make this delicious oatmeal for breakfast tomorrow, it looks so healthy and tasty!
Biana says
Such a great idea! I love cooking everything in the Instant Pot, and doing meal prep with Instant Pot is such a great idea!
nancy says
i never thought to use my IP to cook my steel cut oats but it’s brilliant!
Allyssa says
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing oatmeal recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
Jere Cassidy says
I have stayed away from steel-cut oats because I never cooked them well. Thanks for this post to cook the oats in the IP, giving this recipe a try.