How to Make Steel Cut Oats in the Instant Pot
Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats are the creamiest, easiest way to make big-batch oatmeal with a few simple ingredients for a family-friendly, kid-approved breakfast.
Once I started making steel cut oats in an Instant Pot, I’ve never returned to the stovetop method.
Pressure cooking is much faster and yields a creamier, smoother porridge. Plus, there’s no soaking or babysitting a pot on the stove!
We’ve updated this post with a step-by-step recipe pictures to make Instant Pot steel cut oats foolproof for your family. Scroll to the end for our favorite topping and flavoring ideas!
How to Cook Steel Cut Oats in An Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker
This Steel Cut Oats recipe will work in any brand of electric pressure cooker, including the Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or Power Pressure Cooker XL
Cooking Pressure Cooker Steel Cut Oats is quick and easy, with just three simple steps.
- Toast your oats in butter using the Sauté function. (optional)
- Stir in the water and a pinch of salt, seal up the lid and set the cook time for 10 minutes at high pressure. Use a 10 minute natural pressure release, then remove the lid and give the oats a good stir.
- Finally, top with your favorite sweeteners, mix-ins, and toppings.
Steel Cut Oats vs. Rolled Oats
There are a few different types of oats you’ve probably noticed on supermarket shelves. The difference between each type is the amount that the whole kernel is processed.
- Quick-cooking oats are the most highly processed, with more of the whole grain removed. They’re also the fastest-cooking.
- Rolled oats are, well, rolled flat. They take longer to cook than instant oats, but not quite as long as steel cut.
- Steel cut oats are processed by chopping the whole grain into small pieces, resulting in oats that look more like rice than flat oat flakes. They take longer to cook.
Steel cut oats have a chewier granular texture when cooked, where rolled oats tend to meld together into more of a mush.
💡 Tip: You may also see steel cut oats labeled Irish Oats or Scottish Oats.
This recipe uses regular steel-cut oats. (If you have quick-cooking steel cut oats, then try a 2 minute cook time and a 10 minute natural pressure release.)
Why Toast the Oats in Butter?
We always toast our oats in the pressure cooker pot with a bit of melted butter or oil. This helps keep the oats from foaming up as they cook and adds more flavor to the oats.
If you’d like, you can skip the toasting step to cut back on calories. However, to avoid foaming, I’d recommend letting the pressure release naturally all the way
You can use canola oil, coconut oil, or butter interchangeably for this recipe.
Make-Ahead Steel Cut Oats
This is a great recipe for breakfast meal prep. You can make a big batch of steel cut oats in an Instant Pot and store refrigerated for 3 to 5 days in an airtight container.
❄️ Steel cut oats also freeze well. I like to put individual portions in freezer-safe ziplock bags.
You can enjoy the leftovers cold or warm up your oats in the pressure cooker using the pot-in-pot method. (Or, just microwave until heated through.)
Doubling the Recipe
You can easily make an even bigger batch of steel-cut oats by doubling or tripling the ingredients. The cook time will remain the same.
The larger the batch, the more important it is to use butter or oil to help reduce the foaming. Be sure not to fill your pressure cooker more than halfway full.
Flavorings & Toppings for Pressure Cooker Steel Cut Oats
When it comes to flavoring and topping your Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats, the possibilities are pretty endless.
Mix your favorite sweeteners and spices right into the cooking liquid before sealing up the pressure cooker lid.
Some favorite flavoring ideas include:
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice
- Vanilla or almond extract
- Maple syrup, honey, or molasses
- Swap the water for almond milk or apple juice
And after your oats are cooked comes the fun part of sweetening and topping your breakfast with crunch, color and flavor. Try:
- Cocoa powder, a splash of cream, and fresh strawberries
- Almond butter, sliced banana, and a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and chopped walnuts
- Coconut flakes and sliced fruit
- Our favorite homemade granola
- Berry compote or fruit jam
Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 1/2 cups water
- Dash of salt
- Fruit splash of cream, brown sugar, for serving
Instructions
- Select Sauté and melt the butter in the pressure cooking pot. Add the oats and toast for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they smell nutty.*
- Add the water and salt. Lock the lid in place. Select High Pressure and 10 minute cook time.
- When the cook time ends, turn off the pressure cooker and allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then finish with a quick pressure release. When the valve drops carefully remove the lid.
- Stir the oats well. If you prefer thicker oats, allow them to sit for a few minutes until they reach your desired consistency.
- Top with milk or cream, fresh or dried fruit, chopped nuts or granola, and your favorite sweetener—brown or white sugar, or maple syrup.
Notes
Nutrition
15 Amazing Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipes
Now that you’re a pro at making perfectly tender and flavorful Instant Pot steel cut oats, try these other popular porridge recipes!
Cinnamon Roll Steel Cut Oats
Cinnamon roll steel cut oats is a topped with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a swirl of cream cheese icing. It's the perfect compromise between healthy and just eating a cinnamon roll for breakfast.
Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats with Pecan Pie Granola
Pumpkin Spice Steel Cut Oats are a hearty, fiber-filled breakfast made with pumpkin puree and warm fall spices. It’s even better topped with my buttery pecan pie granola.
Lemon Blueberry Steel Cut Oats
Lemon Blueberry Steel Cut Oats are creamy, and lightly sweet—flavored with lemon zest, loaded with blueberries and chia seeds, and topped with sliced almonds and a splash of milk.
Vanilla Latte Steel Cut Oats
For the coffee lovers! Vanilla Latte Steel Cut Oats have the flavors of a popular coffee drink in a good for you, hearty breakfast.
Cinnamon Apple Steel Cut Oats
Fresh apples lend a wonderful texture to the creamy, cinnamon-flavored oats. It's a major step up from those packets of instant oatmeal in the morning!
Almond Joy Steel Cut Oats
Start your day with a little chocolate! This heart-healthy recipe is quick and easy to prepare, topped with sliced almonds, toasted coconut, and mini chocolate chips.
Strawberries and Cream Steel Cut Oats
Steel cut oats toasted in butter, cooked in the pressure cooker until they’re tender, then mixed with sweet, sliced strawberries and chia seeds, served topped with brown sugar, almonds and a splash of cream.
Mason Jar Steel Cut Oats - Bakery Edition
Recipe from TIDBITS | Marci's mason jar steel cut oats series continues with favorite bakery flavors, including salted oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, peach melba, and toasted coconut marshmallow!
Banana Custard Steel Cut Oats
Recipe from TIDBITS | This recipe uses the pot-in-pot method to cook the oats. If you have an air fryer lid, it'd be a perfect way to melt a crisp crust of turbinado sugar on top of your oats before serving.
Single Serving Steel Cut Oatmeal Recipe
Recipe from 365 Days of Slow Cooking and Pressure Cooking | Cooking for one? This recipe is just enough to cook for one. (If you're using a newer model of Instant Pot, I recommend using just water to help avoid the burn notice.)
Steel-Cut Oats with Agave and Pecans
Recipe from Kalyn's Kitchen | Looking for a no-sugar recipe? Agave is a great option, and the pecans give this breakfast the perfect slight crunch.
Peaches and Cream Steel Cut Oats with Cinnamon Maple Drizzle
Recipe from TIDBITS | You can make an easy peach compote to keep in the fridge, so it's ready to go on this easy Peaches & Cream steel cut oats recipe.
Steel Cut Oats with Rhubarb and Apple Topping
Recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod | For Instant Pot oats directions you can use our instructions, but don't miss out on this amazing rhubarb and apple topping.
Banana Bread Steel Cut Oats
Recipe from Mel's Kitchen Cafe | Bananas, honey, and chopped nuts give you the flavors of your favorite banana bread recipe in a keep-you-full-for-hours steel cut oats recipe.
Meal Planning: Ready Mix Steel Cut Oats
Recipe from TIDBITS | Ready-to-mix bags of steel cut oats are the perfect make-ahead, easy breakfasts on busy mornings!
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I cook a big batch and then portion it into a muffin tin. Then put the tin into the freezer. Once frozen, the “muffins” can be stored in a zip bag and heated in the microwave as needed.
Smart idea – thanks for sharing!
I make mine in a pot in pot with coconut milk and haven’t had any problems they turn out great!
Sounds tasty!
I usually cook my steel cut oats in the microwave. In the end a single serving takes about the same amount of time. But as you have said, this method is so much easier. I found your recipe just as my husband was gathering the big pot to cook it in the microwave, so I thought I’d give it a try. . It does foam… a lot, so a big pot is necessary for the microwave. For the person that questioned cooking it with milk, the microwave might also be an alternative . I love the nutty smell of the oats cooking in butter. I now see why you use less water in the pressure cooker. I agree the texture is very smooth and nice. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Thanks Susan – glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I’m interested to know what type of oil you used.
Hi Andrea – I generally buy canola oil but any oil that you like the flavor of would work, or butter if you prefer. It just helps keep the foaming to a minimum. Enjoy!
Will these last a few days if you make extra or do they need to be eaten right away?
Hi Susan – yes, my daughter often makes a big batch for her family and serves them over several days. Enjoy!
How would I double the recipe? Is it as simple as doubling the ingredients? Thanks.
Hi Amy – yes, simply double the ingredients, but use the same cook time. Enjoy!
Hi Barb,
I have a Costco size bag of Bobs red mill quick cooking steel cut oats. I have always made MaCanns, which are not quick cooking steel cut oats. Would I adjust the cooking time 5 minutes and 5 minute quick release?
Thank you!
Shelly
Hi Shelly – I’d do a 2 minute cook time and a 10 minute npr.
Thank you Barbara! When I am not sure or confused about something IPot, you and your website always manage to throw me a “life raft”!
Thanks Shelly! Happy to be your go to person.
Is there a reason to use oil? Always trying to keep calories at a minimum? LOL
Hi Karla – the oil helps keep the oats from foaming. You could eliminate it, but I would do a complete natural pressure release if you do. Enjoy!
Thanks so much Barbara. BTW, love your recipes, comments/help that you give everyone. I send all of my friends who get IPs to your site. Keep up the good work.
That’s so nice – thanks Karla!!
Hi Barbara,
Can you tell me what PSI your pressure cooker runs at?
I made the oats in mine this morning and they were a bit crunchy and a bit watery. My PC runs at about 11psi.
Thanks
Hi Paul – generally I test receipes in the Instant Pot but I’ve made steel cut oats in several electric pressure cookers. Are you sure you had a good seal? Have you cooked steel cut oats before because they do stay somewhat crunchy and the wateriness can be adjust just by letting the oats sit?
Has anyone done this in a bowl in the pan? I’ve read about this method, and I was planning on making one serving at a time, right in the bowl I’d eat it from. (in saucepan, I’d use 1/3c. oats, some fruit, ~1c. water, coconut oil, a little salt) sitting on the rack above water. I really hate soggy oatmeal, but I like it al dente. Just wondering if I’d hate cleaning the pan as much as I do the saucepan. ugh
Yes, I do this every morning!
1/4 cup SC oats in my serving dish, 3/4 cups water with, and about 1/2 cup water below/in the inner pot/liner, set the dish on a steaming rack and “steam” for 3 minutes, 10 minutes NPR, then release any remaining pressure and serve.
Thanks Donna! I’ll have to give it a try.
Apologies for being nearly a year late to this thread! I’m thrilled to learn about using my IP for steel cut oats, and even more so with the idea of being able to do one serving directly in the bowl you’re going to eat from. My question is, is there a specific type of bowl to use over another? Ours are all basic Correlle, is that safe to use in the IP?
Hi Heather – so great that you’re loving pressure cooking. Anything that is oven safe should be fine to use in the pressure cooker. So your Correlle should be fine.
Hi Barbara! I love using my 6-qt electric pressure cooker and am always looking for new recipes that can be prepared in it. I also love steel cut oats. I made this recipe this morning. It was so easy and turned out very good. I’m just wondering if I could double or triple this recipe in my 6-qt.? Love this site and am constantly referring to it.
Thanks Mary! I’m glad you’re enjoying my site and my recipes. That’s always nice to hear. You could easily double or triple the recipe. Just be aware that you’ll need to do a longer natural pressure release because oats tender to foam up through the valve if it’s opened too soon. If that happens, just close it and wait a little longer. 🙂
So I made a triple batch today to last a week for my husband and me. Added unpeeled diced apple and cinnamon and will sweeten with pure maple syrup. It turned out just fine as you said. It’s so convenient to put the ingredients in the pressure cooker and just walk away. Thanks so much for your speedy reply.
Great! It really is such an easy way to make oats. I haven’t cooked them any other way since I made them in the pressure cooker the first time.
I like to make my Oatmeal with all milk versus water. Could I do that in the pressure cooker or does it have to be water?
Hi Cecilia – you can use all milk instead of water, but it may foam more, so use a longer natural pressure release.
I tried making them with milk this morning as that is also how I prefer my oats. I wouldn’t recommend it. The milk ended up with a grainy texture that was not good at all.
Would I use the same recipe for Bob’s Red Mill Muesli?
Hi Ingrid – no the cooking time would be way too long for muesli. Have you tried soaking muesli overnight rather than cooking it? http://www.barbarabakes.com/2012/06/overnight-refrigerator-oatmeal-with-berries/
Great recipe! I stumbled upon your blog looking for a steel cut oat pressure cooker recipe and this was perfect. For my own batch, I added a chopped apple (skin left on) in the very beginning, then topped it with maple syrup.
Thanks Georgy! I love mixing fruit with my steel cut oats. Love the idea of cooking the apple with the oats. I may have to try it tomorrow morning.