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.
Vic
What a great instant pot recipe. My friends gave me their (unused) one and I’ve been looking for new recipes ever since. Perfect way to make a bunch of oatmeal that doesn’t require babysitting it over a hot stove. I didn’t add the cinnamon stick because I just add my own flavours before I eat, but this worked great.
Ashtyn
Worked perfectly for me in my Ultra. Rolled oats, water 1:2 , cinnamon sticks and I added thick sliced apples and they cooked perfectly. No burn. Great texture. Thank you
Dale
Love it! What an easy and great tasting way to make oatmeal.
Thanks for sharing!
Dale
So much easier than cooking oats the traditional way. Thanks for sharing!!
Ciela
Was surprised to see ~500 calories per serving. I happened to Google “amount of calories in cooked oatmeal” and what came up was: 1 cup cooked oatmeal = 158 calories. Just thought this might be of interest.
MaryTaylor
I made it and you are correct. It is the best oatmeal ever. I made it with Old Fashioned Oatmeal, because I couldn’t find any Irish Oats, which is what I USE TO prefer.
I’m sticking with this Oatmeal
I added frozen cherries, cut in half and a few walnuts with it. Fantastic!
Thanks for the approval Mary, and frozen cherries sound great!
Mark
I did 2min High pressure cook, and natural release.
2 cups steel cut organic Azure oatmeal.
6 cups of water.
I started it up at like 6am, and only got to it at 9am. So, it sat in Keep warm for at least two hours.
It was perfect! Just like “boil and stir” for 40min method. There is no crunch at all, each grain is thick and creamy.
The extra water was minimal, and once I fluffed it, the water got absorbed by oatmeal.
Thanks
Glad to hear it worked for you Mark! Thanks for the extra info from your cooking.
Susan W. Cox
I put this on this morning on my way out the door to do my early morning/senior hour grocery shopping. I came back 90 minutes later and the oatmeal was still warm and a perfect consistency. I used steel cut oats and your ingredients as listed. I made 2 adjustments. The book “The Instant Pot Miracle” recommends that you spray the inside of the pot with cooking spray — I used the coconut oil version — and that you put 2 cups of water in the bottom, use the trivet, and cook the oatmeal in a heatproof dish. I have a corning ware casserole dish that is the perfect size. Otherwise, I followed your directions and you cannot beat the consistency. My go-to recipe from now on for sure! Thanks to you and your sister.
Sam Fisher
Followed the recipe and it was PERFECT! THANK YOU!!
Brooke
I am needing to make oatmeal for 30 people. Can you multiple this recipe for that many and will the time remain the same?
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
You may need to split that into two batches
Jasper Kat
Sorry to be pedantic but, the correct expression is: “more than Carters have liver pills”. They were known for the little, silver liver pills they produced and sold.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Ok thank you!
Ann
I have a 6 qt IP. I made steal cut oatmeal. Very good but had too much. I’m only one in house who eats oatmeal. Can I make smaller recipe?
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
You could definitely half the recipe!
Hi Ann, sure you could cut the recipe in half.
Wendy Mitchell
I followed the directions exactly for rolled oats, doubling the recipe and it came out PERFECT! I will never make oatmeal any other way! It is so delicious. Reminds me of how my grandmothers use to taste.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
I am sure glad that this was a hit for you!
Elena
it burned the oatmeal. can you please add to the recipe that for those with duo the porridge option is the best?
many thanks
Jennifer Bair
Love this recipe! Any tips on making this recipe for a crowd? Like for 10 people? Would I need to increase cook time? Thnx
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.
Marilyn
I use the pot-in-pot method which is a smaller pot on a trivet, in my instant pot. Remember to add 1 – 1 1/2 cups of water under the trivet! It is perfect every time. The clean up is easy too. I read elsewhere that using milk may create the burn message if the p-i-p is not used.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Thanks for the info Marilyn!
Roberta
I made this according to your recipe this morning for the rolled oats and sprinkled brown sugar and chopped dates after I cooked the oats. It was perfect. If you add 1 1/2 cups water to outer pot doing pot in a pot, do you also put 2 cups water, or water/milk combo, in the inner pot with the 1 cup of oats?
Thanks.
Evie
The absolutely BEST OATMEAL I’ve ever made. I used almond milk and added a chunk of vanilla bean instead of a cinnamon stick.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
YUM!
Anne
This was great! So easy! I used rice milk and water with the rolled oats and had no problems with burn. I had all my liquids at room temp. That may have helped since that will cut down on time it takes to get to pressure. Those with burn issues may want to warm up their liquids a bit. I like my oats a little harder but that’s just a personal preference so I’ll play around with the times but what a great way to make oatmeal and super easy clean up! Thank you!
Thanks for the tip Anne, that’s a good idea.
Jann
I made the rolled oats in my instant pot and used Porridge setting on 3 minutes and it came out perfect! Is it ok to double this recipe and does it need to cook longer?
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Great question! With the pressure in the pot, It shouldn’t need to cook longer!
AMM
Just used these rations and it was Perfect! Used Whole milk instead and as I know i tend to like mine wetter I added about a 1/4 cup more milk. Also I used pumpkin pie spice and added just two table spoons of brown sugar. Mixed thurouhly and set for the 3 min> i was too excited though and released pressure at 13 min past cook time and was not dissapointed this was marvelous. Topped with bananas and honey!
Anna
This recipe is amazing! I’ve received IP several days ago and totally went crazy about it. I decided to use soy milk instead and slightly more water and it came out just perfect! Added banana, spoon of peanut butter and some hazelnuts. Thanks for the recipe!
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
The IP is soooooo fun! Enjoy!
Faith M Bowe
Made this just as your recipe called for and it came out fine. No burning , no crispy edges but it was a little “wetter” than I prefer. Also, I’d rather not use the Almond milk at all, as I prefer drier, chunky oatmeal. Can I use just all water and no almond milk? And how do I get it thicker? Add more oatmeal or less water? If so….how much? Sorry. I’m just new with Instapots and very unsure. Lol! Thanks!
Shari Giarraputo
How many servings would this recipe make?
Jett
Hi Heidi!
Your blog says rilled oats are 2 to 1 but the recipe says to 1 – can you clarify?
Thanks!
Cheryl
Has anyone tried making in glass canning jars? Looking for a way to make batches and not have to transfer… Thanks!
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
You could absolutely make this in glass Cheryl!