Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

There’s nothing cozier than a bowl of these Instant Pot steel cut oats. This creamy concoction is made with sweet potato and studded with golden raisins and warming winter spices. Set it the night before and wake up to a bowl ready to go in the morning.

When I bought my Instant Pot a few years ago, I’ll be honest, I really didn’t want to love it. The last thing I needed was another small appliance to store. It didn’t take me long to fall in love though.

The first thing I made was an entire chicken in the thing and when it only took 20-ish minutes for it to be cooked and basically fell apart on my cutting board (I hate carving whole birds almost just as much as countertop clutter), I was sold.

A few soups, stews, a roast, a dozen hardboiled eggs later, it quickly became me new favorite kitchen toy. With the option to slow cook and sauté in the Instant Pot as well as pressure cook, it just makes much more sense as my main countertop appliance than a slow cooker (which has been moved to the basement shelves only to be used every now and then).

Making steel cut oats in the Instant Pot is something I actually tried relatively early on in my experimentation with it. I didn’t really think the internet needed another oatmeal recipe and with an overnight steel cut oats recipe, a stove-top steel cut oatmeal recipe and a slow cooker steel cut oats recipe already on here, I hemmed and hawed about posting this version.

Already knowing I love sweet potato in baked goods like these sweet potato oat bars and these sweet potato bran muffins, the idea of adding sweet potato to steel cut oats seemed perfect for the colder weather months.

Pressure cooking would get the sweet potato tender enough to mash right into the oats without having to precook it and it would do it all in literally just minutes. The result is a creamy, slightly chewy bowl of comfort.

These Instant Pot steel cut oats have just a touch of sweetness thanks to the golden raisins (that plump up so perfectly while cooking), warming flavor from the spices, they’re hearty, filling and begging for a touch of milk/cream on top and a drizzle of maple syrup on a cold fall or winter morning.

I’ll always love a simple apple cinnamon combination like this stove-top recipe for apple cinnamon oatmeal but this creamy steel cut oats bowl is delicious way to switch things up.

What Are Steel Cut Oats?

Steel cut oats are a type of whole grain oat that is minimally processed. Unlike rolled or instant oats, which are steamed and flattened, steel cut oats are simply chopped into small pieces using steel blades. This minimal processing helps retain more of the oat’s natural flavor and texture, resulting in a chewy, nutty oatmeal. They are also known for their nutritional benefits, including high fiber content, which can help with digestion and keep you feeling full longer.

It’s important to note that while oats themselves are naturally gluten-free, steel cut oats can only be considered gluten-free if they are made with certified gluten-free oats. Cross-contamination can occur during manufacturing or packing, so it’s crucial to check the packaging if you need to avoid gluten.

Why You’ll Love Making Steel Cut Oats In The Instant Pot

• Easy Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just set it up the night before, and you’ll have a warm, nutritious breakfast ready in the morning.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious and hearty breakfast without much effort.
• Versatile: You can customize your bowl with your favorite toppings like nuts, fruits, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Healthy and Filling: Packed with fiber and nutrients from steel cut oats and sweet potatoes, this breakfast will keep you full and energized.
• Overnight Oats Alternative: If you love overnight oats, you’ll enjoy this hot version that’s just as easy but perfect for colder mornings.

Ingredient to Make Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

• Steel Cut Oats: These provide a chewy texture and are the base of the recipe. They hold up well during pressure cooking.
• Sweet Potato: Adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture when mashed into the oats.
• Golden Raisins: Plump up during cooking and add bursts of sweetness without any added sugar.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with a subtle sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, making the oats perfect for cold mornings.
• Cardamom: Contributes a unique, aromatic flavor that complements the other spices.
• Ginger: Adds a hint of spice and warmth, balancing the sweetness.
• Kosher Salt: Brings out the flavors in the oatmeal and balances the sweetness from the raisins.
• Milk: Adds creaminess to the oats after cooking, making them rich and smooth. Use any kind of milk you like.

How to Make This Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe

This recipe is incredibly simple. The full recipe ingredient list and directions can be found below but here’s a quick rundown.

Start by tossing your steel cut oats, chopped sweet potato, golden raisins, water and spices into the Instant Pot. Close the lid, make sure the lever is set to “sealing” and set the pot to cook on manual for 15 minutes.

Once the cooking is done, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure. When the pin drops, carefully open the lid and give the oats a good stir. You can leave the sweet potatoes as they are or mash them into the oats for a smoother texture.

Finally, stir in your choice of milk and a pinch more salt if desired. Serve your cozy, creamy oats in bowls, and feel free to top them with your favorite add-ons like nuts, fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy this comforting breakfast on a chilly morning!

Toppings Ideas and Recipe Variations

There are so many delicious ways to customize a bowl of Instant Pot steel cut oats. Here are some topping ideas and variations to keep your breakfast exciting and flavorful:

• Nut Butter: Add a dollop of peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter for extra creaminess and protein.
• Honey: Drizzle some honey over your oats for added sweetness.
• Fruit: Top your oatmeal with fresh banana slices, blueberries, strawberries or raspberries for a burst of natural sweetness and color.
• Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts, pecans or cashews for a crunchy texture.
• Chocolate Chips: For a decadent twist, sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top. Sweet potato and chocolate chips always make breakfast feel like dessert!
• Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based milk and skip the honey or replace it with maple syrup.

Experiment with these toppings and variations to find your perfect bowl of oatmeal!

My Pro Tips

Tips for Perfectly Cooking Steel Cut Oats in the Instant Pot

Use the Right Ratios: The key to creamy steel cut oats is using the correct ratios of oats to liquid. For this recipe, stick to the given measurements to ensure the perfect consistency.

High Pressure Setting: Always cook your steel cut oats on the high pressure setting in the Instant Pot. This ensures that the oats cook thoroughly and achieve that creamy texture.

Natural Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure after cooking. This gradual release helps the oats absorb the liquid fully and prevents them from becoming too mushy.

Stir After Cooking: Once the pressure has been released and you open the lid, give the oats a good stir. This helps distribute the sweet potatoes evenly and ensures a smooth consistency.

Adjust Liquid as Needed: If you prefer a thinner oatmeal, you can add more liquid after cooking. A splash of almond milk or any milk of your choice will do the trick.

Pre-Soak for Speed: If you’re short on time, pre-soak the steel cut oats overnight. This can reduce the cooking time slightly and ensure even creamier oats.

Steel cut oats vs. rolled oats – which is better?

Steel cut oats are less processed, have a chewier texture, and take longer to cook than rolled oats. Rolled oats cook faster and have a softer texture. This Instant Pot recipe is specifically written for steel cut oats as they need a longer cooking time.

How long does it take to cook instant pot steel-cut oats?

It takes 15 minutes to cook the oats on high pressure, plus about 10 minutes for natural pressure release.

How to store leftovers

Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions. For reheating, use the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to restore the creamy texture or reheat on the stove-top in a pot.

More Ways To Enjoy Oats

This triple chocolate steel cut oatmeal is a chocolate lovers dream and a wonderfully decadent way to start your day. The individual portions are fun too.

You can also bake with them and make this baked cherry almond steel cut oat breakfast.

If finding the time for steel cut oats in the morning is too much to ask, enjoy rolled oats in a variety of ways like this simple stove stop strawberry oatmeal recipe or this indulgent bowl of apple carrot cake oatmeal.