Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe | foodiecrush.com (2024)

This oatmeal recipe made in an Instant Pot makes make-ahead oatmeal so easy that it’s become my new favorite method for both steel-cut oats and rolled oats!

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, but this oatmeal recipe made in the Instant Pot electric pressure cooker makes make-ahead oatmeal such a cinch, and so convenient, that it’s become my new favorite method. And even better, it works with both steel-cut oats and rolled oats, for a healthy breakfast that I can mix up every day of the week that doesn’t require any babysitting or tending as it cooks. I prefer making oatmeal in the Instant Pot rather than over the stovetop because cooking steel-cut oats the traditional way can take up to 30 to 40 minutes of cooking time. With the Instant Pot, you simply set it and walk away until the timer rings. And even better, it’s awesome for making a big batch to keep in the fridge and warm up anytime with your favorite fixins’.

What’s in This Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe?

This Instant Pot oatmeal recipe can be made using steel-cut or old-fashioned oats, so feel free to use whichever you have on hand. Besides the oats, here’s what you’ll need to make perfectly creamy oatmeal:

• Water
• Almond Breeze Vanilla Almondmilk
• Cinnamon stick
• Kosher salt

One of the things that you need to know about making oatmeal in the Instant Pot is that the oatmeal turns out best when you use almond milk rather than dairy milk in your recipe because almond milk won’t scorch.

I used Almond Breeze almondmilk Vanillafor this master recipe but 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.

Steel Cut Oats vs Rolled Oats: What’s the Difference?

Steel-cut and old-fashioned rolled oats are the same whole-grain cereal oats and carry the same nutritional values health benefits, and antioxidants, they’re just processed differently. They are both:

• High in soluble fiber to keep you full and keep things moving
• Naturally gluten-free (but some cross-contamination can occur during processing, so look for a certified gluten-free product if needed)
• Nutrient-dense and a top-10 superfood
• High in beta-glucan for lowering cholesterol (my friend Stephanie is proof it works!)

Here are the differences:

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 the pressure cooker that is—then there’s only about 1-minute difference in cooking time!).

How to Cook Oatmeal in an Instant Pot

I’m telling you, this Instant Pot oatmeal is a breeze to make.

Here’s how:

Warm it up. Allow 7-10 minutes for the pressure cooker to come up to heat.

Add your ingredients to the Instant Pot. 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, then dish up your homemade oatmeal and enjoy!

What is the Ratio of Oatmeal to Water

The liquid-to-oat ratios are important depending on which type of oat you’re using.

• For steel-cut oats: use a 3 to 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 to 1 ratio aka 2 cups liquid to 1 cup oats (a flatter surface needs less liquid to soften the grain)

I think these ratios are on the money, but it all depends on how creamy or not you like your oatmeal.

How to Make Oatmeal Really Good?

There are so many ways to jazz up your oatmeal. And whole grain oatmeal isn’t just for breakfast anymore. Use it as a whole grain alternative to rice, pasta, quinoa, or farro in savory lunches or dinners with a fridge forage and then #putaneggonit. Or make it the base for a healthy snack or dessert topped with sweet treats. This is the time to use your noggin’, listen to your cravings, and play with your food. Use either steel cut or rolled oat oatmeal interchangeably and add more almond milk in your favorite flavors to your liking. Today I’m sharing how to make Instant Pot oatmeal with both steel-cut oats and rolled oats, plus 10 flavor combinations—from fruit or kale to chocolate chips and nut butters—to make this oatmeal totally your own.

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 and 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: All the food groups are represented in this oatmeal dish that turns breakfast savory or serves up oatmeal for an easy dinner or lunch. I like this best with the steel-cut oats and always #putaneggonit.

Here’s how to make it: Sauté 1 ½ cups chopped kale with 2 sliced mushrooms and ½ clove pressed garlic in a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil until the kale begins to wilt and the mushrooms soften. Add 1-2 teaspoons of soy sauce, tamari, or liquid aminos (my personal favorite) 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.

Can I Double This Oatmeal Recipe?

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.

How Long Does Oatmeal Stay Fresh?

Oatmeal can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the oatmeal in individual portions and reheat it in the microwave.

How to Reheat Oatmeal

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.

Tips for Making the Best Oatmeal

• This oatmeal recipe requires just 3 minutes of cooking time and doesn’t need any babysitting as it cooks in the Instant Pot. However, 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.
• If desired, you can add more spices (nutmeg, ginger, etc) to the base oatmeal recipe. I prefer keeping my oats plain so I can doctor them up differently every day to suit my mood.
• Also, I find that one essential ingredient to any oatmeal is salt, so don’t skip it. It brings out the flavor and enhances each nutty bite.

More Easy Breakfast Recipes to Try

• Avocado Toast with Tomato and Hard-Boiled Egg
• Banana Bread Muffins with Toasted Coconut
• Healthy Caprese Breakfast Sandwiches
• Banana and Chocolate Chip Baked French Toast
• Healthy Egg McMuffins

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo andtag me on Instagramwith #foodiecrusheats.

More Instant Pot Recipes Worth Mastering

• Instant Pot Chicken Breasts (From Fresh or Frozen)
• Instant Pot Butternut Squash
• Instant Pot Monkey Bread
• Creamy Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
• Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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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.