Instant Pot oatmeal takes just a few minutes to prepare and can be doctored up using any sweet or savory toppings you like. Use steel cut or old-fashioned oats, and a blend of milk and water for the creamiest oatmeal of your life.
This recipe is brought to you by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze
I’ve made oatmeal fast in the microwave, low and slow in the slow cooker, on the stovetop, and overnight in the fridge.
Lately, this Instant Pot oatmeal recipe has become my new favorite method. I prefer making oatmeal in the Instant Pot rather than over the stovetop because cooking oats the traditional way can take anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes depending on the type of oats you’re using.
With the Instant Pot, you simply set it and walk away until the timer rings (no stove babysitting!). And even better, it’s awesome for making a big batch to keep in the fridge and warm up anytime with your favorite fixins’.
Heidi’s Tips for Recipe Success
- Use a non-dairy milk when pressure cooking oatmeal because it won’t scorch like regular milk does. (We love Almond Breeze Vanilla Almondmilk in this house.)
- Add both water and milk to your Instant Pot oats for maximum creaminess without making them taste heavy.
- People often forget to salt their oatmeal (but don’t!). Everything needs a little salt for flavor.
What’s in This Recipe?
The full recipe, with amounts, can be found in the recipe card below.
- Oats — I’ve provided instructions on how to make either rolled oats or steel cut oats in the Instant Pot, so use what you’ve got.
- Almond Breeze Vanilla Almondmilk — Using vanilla-flavored almond milk means you don’t have to waste any of that pricey pure vanilla extract you just bought.
- Water — The water dilutes the almond milk enough so that the oatmeal isn’t too rich and creamy.
- Cinnamon stick — I love the warm flavor it adds (omit if you’re making your oatmeal savory). If desired, you can add more spices to the base oatmeal recipe.
- Kosher salt — Just a pinch enhances the flavor of the oats (yes, they have flavor too!) and brings out the notes of vanilla and cinnamon.
Heidi’s Tip: I used Almond Breeze Vanilla Almondmilk for this Instant Pot oatmeal master recipe. However, you could use any of the flavors from Unsweetened Original to the Almond Coconut Blend Original that work equally well. Almond Breeze is available in both refrigerator cartons and easily store-able, shelf-stable cartons so it’s always easy to have it on hand.
How to Cook Oatmeal in an Instant Pot
Heidi’s Tip: Be sure to factor in the time it takes for the pot to pressurize and then naturally release for a total cooking time of about 35 minutes.
- Warm it up. Allow 7-10 minutes for the pressure cooker to come up to heat.
- Add the ingredients. Simply add all the oatmeal ingredients into the Instant Pot, then press the manual setting and set the cooking time for 3 minutes on high.
- Let it rest. Once the cooking time ends, let the oatmeal sit in the pot to naturally release the pressurized steam for 20 minutes.
- Dish, top, and serve. Flip the release valve to let out any remaining steam, dish up your homemade oatmeal, and enjoy!
The Best Oatmeal to Water / Milk Ratio
- For steel-cut oats: Use a 3:1 ratio aka 3 cups liquid to 1 cup oats (less processed needs more liquid to soften the grain)
- For rolled oats: Use a 2:1 ratio aka 2 cups liquid to 1 cup oats (a flatter surface needs less liquid to soften the grain)
FAQs
Whether you use rolled or steel cut oats, the cook time remains the same: 3 minutes on high pressure. You’ll then have to wait about 20 minutes for the Instant Pot to naturally release.
Steel-cut and old-fashioned (rolled) oats are the same whole-grain cereal oats and carry the same nutritional values. They’re just processed differently!
Rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats) are oat kernels (groats) that are steamed and rolled into flakes, then toasted, creating a flatter surface area so they cook quicker.
Steel-cut oats (sometimes called Irish Oatmeal) are less processed by steel blades, making them smaller and chunkier with a texture I really love. They take 3-4 times as long to cook as old-fashioned oats, unless you make them in an Instant Pot.
Yes, very easily! If you double the ingredients, you don’t need to adjust the cooking time at all. Just follow the instructions as written.
Sweet and Savory Oatmeal Topping Ideas
- Maple Banana & Brown Sugar Oatmeal: Top a bowl of oatmeal with sliced bananas, almonds, and a tablespoon of brown sugar with a drizzle of maple syrup and an extra splash of Vanilla almond milk. I like to sprinkle it all with pumpkin pie spice but you could use plain cinnamon or nutmeg instead.
- Apples, Nuts, Cranberries, and Cinnamon: Chopped apples and piquant cranberries are the yin and yang of this breakfast combo. I usually drizzle with honey.
- Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin purée, ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and a splash of vanilla into the oatmeal and top with chopped almonds.
- Tropical Fruit Oatmeal Bowl: Choose any assortment of your favorite tropical fruit including kiwi, pineapple, mango, banana, or mandarin oranges, and always sweet coconut flakes with an extra dose of Almond Breeze Almond Coconut Original. Some Greek yogurt would also be yummy with this combo.
- Nutty Butter and Honey Oatmeal: Stir in a spoonful of creamy peanut butter or almond butter into warmed oatmeal. Drizzle with your honey and chopped nuts for even more protein. Chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp hearts would also be a great addition.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Oatmeal Bowl: Add a spoonful of cream cheese or ricotta to your bowl then swirl in a spoonful of strawberry jam and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for a crunchy topper.
- Berry Berry Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Sundae: Top oatmeal with a handful of your favorite berries (I love raspberries and blueberries), almonds, and mini chocolate chips to make a sweet treat any time of the day. Add any flavor of almond milk to make it even creamier.
- Rocky Road Oatmeal: Top with chopped almonds, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and a drizzle of hot fudge.
- Savory Kale and Mushroom Oatmeal with Bacon and Egg: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté 1 ½ cups chopped kale with 2 sliced mushrooms and ½ clove pressed garlic until the kale begins to wilt and the mushrooms soften. Add 1-2 teaspoons of soy sauce, tamari, or liquid aminos and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes with ½ cup chopped cooked bacon (about 2 strips) and warm through.
- Kimchi and Jammy Eggs: Add chopped kimchi leaves, shredded seaweed, and sesame seeds to a bowl of oatmeal with ramen-style jammy eggs and drizzle with a bit of sesame oil and soy sauce or liquid aminos for a flavor-bomb oatmeal meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Oatmeal can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the oatmeal in individual portions and reheat it in the microwave.
You can reheat your Instant Pot oatmeal in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of milk to loosen up the oats, then top as desired.
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.
Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients
For Steel Cut Oats
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup Almond Breeze almondmilk Vanilla
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 generous pinch of kosher salt
For Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup Almond Breeze almondmilk Vanilla
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 generous pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Add the oatmeal of your choice and the liquid ratios that match to the pot of your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker with the cinnamon stick and kosher salt.
- Press the manual setting and set the cooking time for 3 minutes on high.
- Once the cooking time ends, allow the oatmeal to sit in the pot to natural release the pressurized steam for 20 minutes. Flip the release valve using the end of a wooden spoon to release any residual steam and always face the lid away from you when opening.
- Add toppings of your choice with additional almond milk to taste. Oatmeal can be refrigerated for 3-5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
More Easy Breakfast Recipes to Try
- 20+ Oatmeal Recipes To Kick Off Your Day
- Fluffiest Blueberry Pancakes
- Egg Muffins
- Banana Muffins
- Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Giant Dutch Baby Pancake
- Best Ever Homemade Granola
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This post is sponsored by Almond Breeze. As always, thank you for reading and supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. All opinions are always my own. There may be affiliate links in this post of which I receive a small commission. All opinions are always my own.
Ashley Madison
Thanks for sharing This post…
Ashley Madison
Thanks for sharing informative post
Susie
Hi, I used the rolled oats recipe and the ‘burn’ notice came on my instant pot and saw that the bottom layer stuck to the bottom and there was still quite a bit of liquid at the top. I had mixed it before closing it and setting it as instructed. I doubled the recipe and I read that nothing else should be changed as far as the settings and timings go. Why did it burn?
Farah
I’ve used this recipe for both steel cut and rolled oats. Sometimes I use all water, sometimes I use 1 cup of low fat milk. It always turns out perfect creamy dreamy!
When it’s done I make sure the “keep warm” button is off and set my timer for 15 min which is enough time for the pot to naturally release. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you’ve had such success with it Farah. Your Keep Warm tip is a great one. Thanks for sharing it!
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Thanks Farah! I am glad this one has been helpful for you. I like the natural pressure release method too!
Lynn
I as really disappointed in this. Used rolled oats – they were REALLY gummy.
Sorry it didn’t work for you Lynn. Did you do the same amount of time?
Bernnie
This was perfect! I did use whole milk and lucky for me it didn’t scorch. We’re always tight on time in the mornings so now I can make this right away and no one misses breakfast! Thank you!
Lindsay
Both times I tried this recipe I got the “burn” indication and it was burned badly to the bottom. The middle bit was delicious so I would like to find a solution… any tips?
Heather
Lindsay you could cook the oatmeal using the PIP (pot in pot) method and that will eliminate the burn message. Just note that depending on the type of internal pot you use (ceramic/glass/stainless) the cooking time may need to be adjusted very slightly.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Thanks for sharing this Knowledge Heather!
Jacquie McWatt
I grease the bottom and sides of the pot with coconut oil. That seems to have taken care of the burn problem for me.
april
finally thank you for answering the question sheesh
Cathy Campo
Hi there. Could you clarify the ratio for Steel Cut? Alsomos this cooked on High pressure or “Oatmeal/porridge “ setting?
Thank you!
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
3:1 is the correct ratio. I use the high pressure setting. Thanks for the comment Cathy
Al
I tried the 3 to 1 in an instant pot and it was a liquid mess
Amanda
Would it still turn out well if you put everything in the pot to sit overnight in case you want to set the timer to turn on before you wake up?
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
It might be a little bit too soggy due to the soak time. You could definitley give it a try though! I would love to hear how it turns out!
Janice
I cooked the steel cut oatmeal exactly as written. When I opened the lid, the oatmeal was crusty around the edges and stuck to the bottom of the pan. I like my oatmeal thick but I will definitely use more liquid next time, or as others have suggested, use the porridge setting.
Fabmom
Best recipe! Thank you!
Cathleen Johnson
beautiful ! until I saw the chocolate chips !!! How could you mess up such a perfect, healthy breakfast like that.
RsL
I consider it a win if my kids will even eat oatmeal so if I have to add a few chocolate chips to it to sweeten the deal, I can live with myself
Arlene
Hi
Is this sweetened or unsweetened almond milk ?
Arlene
Karla
Exactly the same thing happened to me. I used unsweetened almond milk. The middle was really good. So I would like to try again avoiding the burn issue. Any ideas?
Thank you for sharing! I love the taste!
Theresa
My instant pot burn it. I followed the water to oats and before it even got to temperature it was burning. What is up with that
Dawn
I used this recipe with a very old and popular brand of old fashion steel cut oats and it worked well. The next time the store was out of that brand I got another brand of steel cut oats and they burned. I figure my mistake but did it second time. I look more closely at container and it was quick cooking steel cut oats. Didn’t know there was even such a thing. I think any “quick” cooking oat will burn
Rachael
Your article says to use a 3:1 ratio butbthe recipe has a 2:1 ratio for steel cut oats. Which one is it (before I put my oats in the instapot)- I’m excited to try this.
Brittany
I thought that too, but the water + almond milk is 3:1
Mppaul2
How does this differ from just using the porridge setting?
Jen
How would this freeze?
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Hi Jen! I would freeze it in small individual containers and then reheat in the microwave.
JEFF
I followed this recipe for both rolled and steel cut oatmeal (I like oatmeal ) in two different Insta pots. Both times I got a BURN warning on the display. I think it’s because the oatmeal thickens quickly, but am not sure. I went ahead and let the pot naturally depressurize, and everything was fine, but I think rather than cooking on manual, the porridge setting may work better.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
That is interesting Jeff, I am glad it was all ok!
Rosie Luke
Hey. I just made using 3 min and turned out good. I put liquid in then oats and did not stir. Don’t know if it matters. In some recipes stirring is not recommended. rl
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
I agree!
Bob
My 2nd try I got the burn message. I thought I was doubling but had already doubled. Also I think if you start with hot water and put oats in last that would help. Other people have better luck with Porridge setting. People seem to have the BURN problem most with the Duo model.
Layla
Bob – your message gave me insight. I tried the exact stated recipe for rolled oats (my first time ever making oatmeal in the instant pot) and got “FOOD BURN” on my screen. And it’s a duo plus that I’m using. I’m bummed.
Kylie
Same here – duo model and Burn message.
Michelle
I got the burn notice too. Stuck a bit to the bottom of the pan. But still very yummy. Only difference was I didn’t use any milk only water.
Michael
I make my oatmeal in a glass bowl. I don’t have to wash the Instant Pot bowl and the glass keeps the oatmeal warm longer. I also never get a burn warning with kerping one cup of water in the metal Instant Pot bowl.
Dawn
How you make steel cut oatmeal in a slow cooker
Dee
I decided to try something simple for my first go at the instant pot. My steel cut outs turned out perfectly this morning. Thanks for sharing:-)
Carlie Roberts
This recipe looks amazinggggg! can’t wait to try it!
Ashley Sorenson
Hope you love it!
Madison
Thanks!! Really yummy & so easy. This morning I turned it on before I worked out so it’d be ready when I was done.
Kendall
If I wanted to double the recipe, do I need to increase the time to cook?
Christina
I was wondering the same thing!
David
Nope I doubled it this morning at normal time. Came out perfect.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Great! Thanks, David!
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Hi Kendall, you do not need to increase the cooking time! Thank you!
Angelina
good one and looks too tasty
Myrth B Priest
We have been using Coach’s Steel Cut Oatmeal. I couldn’t find it at Ogden Costco but my sister brought some back from St. George Costco. It is lots less than the Irish Cans in the grocery store, about $8.00 for a 4 1/2 lb/ bag. I will be trying some of the recipes and suggestions you have given. Thanks, Myrth
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
That sounds so great! I am glad you found it from Costco! What a win!