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Delicious & Easy Instant Pot Oatmeal: Your Guide to a Perfect Bowl Every Time

Transform your morning routine with this truly exceptional Instant Pot Oatmeal recipe! Forget soggy, bland oats; this method delivers perfectly creamy, wonderfully warm, and utterly delicious oatmeal in a mere 10 minutes of active cooking time. Not only is it incredibly nutritious and unbelievably fast, but its versatility knows no bounds. With a simple swap of toppings and mix-ins, you can create a unique, satisfying breakfast experience every single time, ensuring you never get bored of this healthy staple. Prepare to make your mornings smoother, tastier, and more wholesome!

A large bowl of creamy Instant Pot Oatmeal topped with chopped pecans, sliced bananas, and fresh blueberries.

Why Instant Pot Oatmeal is a Breakfast Game-Changer

The Instant Pot has revolutionized countless kitchen tasks, and making oatmeal is certainly one of them. This pressure cooker method elevates simple oats to an entirely new level, offering distinct advantages that make it our go-to for a perfect morning meal.

Unbeatable Creaminess and Texture
Our Instant Pot oatmeal stands out for its incredibly creamy and tender texture. This isn’t just any oatmeal; it’s a luscious, comforting bowl that feels far more indulgent than it is. The secret lies in the pressure cooking process combined with the rich, dairy-free goodness of almond milk. The sealed environment of the Instant Pot allows the oats to absorb liquids more effectively and cook uniformly, resulting in a consistently smooth, velvety consistency without constant stirring. Say goodbye to gummy or watery oats, and hello to breakfast perfection!
Effortless & Hands-Off Preparation
For those chaotic mornings when juggling multiple tasks feels impossible, this recipe is a true lifesaver. It’s ridiculously easy and wonderfully hands-off. Simply combine all the ingredients in your Instant Pot, give them a quick stir, and set the pressure cooker for just 5 minutes. The Instant Pot handles the rest, allowing you to focus on other morning preparations, get ready for your day, or simply enjoy a few extra moments of peace. No more hovering over the stove, constantly stirring to prevent sticking or boiling over – the Instant Pot gives you back valuable time and peace of mind.
Endlessly Customizable for Every Palate
Oatmeal is a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity, and this Instant Pot version is no exception. It’s a brilliant way to utilize dried goods and fresh ingredients you might have on hand. From a sprinkle of chia seeds and shredded coconut to fresh berries, various nuts, or even a touch of chocolate, the possibilities are limitless. This versatility means you can effortlessly reinvent your oatmeal every time you make it, catering to different cravings, seasonal produce, or dietary preferences. It truly is the ideal base for a nutritious and ever-evolving breakfast.

Fuel Your Day: The Incredible Health Benefits of Oats

Beyond their delicious taste and satisfying texture, oats are a nutritional powerhouse, making them an excellent choice for a healthy breakfast. Incorporating Instant Pot oatmeal into your diet can offer a myriad of health advantages:

Rich in Fiber: Oats are exceptionally high in soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan. This type of fiber is renowned for its ability to reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, promoting better heart health. It also helps stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing down glucose absorption, which is beneficial for managing and preventing type 2 diabetes.
High in Antioxidants: Oats contain unique antioxidants called avenanthramides, which are found almost exclusively in oats. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties and can help lower blood pressure. They also work with vitamin C to prevent LDL oxidation.
Weight Management: Thanks to their high fiber content, oats are incredibly filling. They help promote a feeling of satiety, reducing overall calorie intake and supporting healthy weight management. The slow digestion of complex carbohydrates also provides sustained energy throughout the morning, preventing mid-morning slumps and cravings.
Vitamins and Minerals: Oats are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and B vitamins (B1, B5). These nutrients play crucial roles in energy production, bone health, immune function, and overall metabolic processes.
Improved Digestion: The dietary fiber in oats supports a healthy digestive system, aiding in regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. It also contributes to a healthy gut microbiome, which is increasingly recognized for its impact on overall health.

Starting your day with a bowl of Instant Pot oatmeal is a simple yet effective way to nourish your body and set a positive tone for your well-being.

Elevate Your Bowl: Creative Topping Ideas for Instant Pot Oatmeal

The beauty of Instant Pot oatmeal truly shines in its ability to be customized. While the base recipe is fantastic on its own, adding toppings transforms it into an exciting culinary adventure. The options are truly limitless, allowing you to tailor your bowl to your mood, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have readily available. We’ve used classic combinations like chopped pecans, fresh blueberries, sliced bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of brown sugar, but don’t stop there!

Sweet & Indulgent Options

Fresh or Frozen Fruit: Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), sliced bananas, diced apples, peaches, or cherries. These add natural sweetness, vitamins, and a pop of color.
Nuts & Seeds: Chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews, chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp hearts, or sunflower seeds. These provide healthy fats, protein, and satisfying crunch. Toasted nuts enhance their flavor even further.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, agave nectar, or a dash of stevia. Adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.
Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or cardamom can add warmth and complexity.
Butters & Spreads: A spoonful of peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even Nutella for a decadent treat. Melted chocolate chips also make an irresistible addition.
Coconut: Shredded coconut (toasted or untoasted) brings a tropical flair and unique texture.
Dried Fruit: Raisins, dried cranberries, chopped dates, apricots, or cherries offer concentrated sweetness and chewiness.
Granola: A handful of your favorite granola adds extra crunch and texture.

Savory & Unexpected Twists

Don’t be afraid to venture beyond sweet! Oatmeal can be a fantastic base for savory creations, providing a comforting and hearty alternative. Think of it as a grain bowl that’s ready in minutes:

Greens: Sautéed spinach, kale, or arugula can be stirred in for an extra boost of nutrients.
Eggs: A fried egg, poached egg, or even scrambled eggs on top add a significant protein punch and richness.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms bring an earthy, umami flavor.
Cheese: A sprinkle of your favorite cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan, can melt into the warm oats for a savory, creamy finish.
Herbs & Spices: Fresh chives, parsley, black pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile.
Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado adds healthy fats and a creamy texture.
Protein: Add cooked bacon bits, a crumbled sausage patty, or smoked salmon for a truly robust meal.

Feeling minimalist? This Instant Pot Oatmeal is so flavorful and creamy that it tastes absolutely incredible with just a simple pat of butter or a generous swirl of maple syrup. The choice is yours – experiment and discover your new favorite combination!

Essential Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Oatmeal

Achieving consistently perfect Instant Pot oatmeal is straightforward, but a few key tips can ensure outstanding results every time.

Choosing Your Oats

For this recipe, we specifically recommend old-fashioned rolled oats. These oats are partially steamed and rolled, which gives them a flatter shape and allows them to cook quickly while maintaining a satisfying texture. While steel-cut oats also work well in the Instant Pot, they require a different liquid ratio and longer cooking time (typically 7-10 minutes with a natural pressure release for a chewier result). Instant or quick oats are generally too thin for pressure cooking and can become mushy; they are best reserved for stovetop or microwave preparations.

Liquid Ratios & Variations

The combination of water and almond milk in this recipe creates the ideal creamy consistency. However, you can certainly customize your liquid base:

Milk Alternatives: Feel free to swap almond milk with other plant-based options like coconut milk (for extra richness), cashew milk, or soy milk. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile.
Dairy Milk: If you prefer, regular cow’s milk can also be used, but be mindful that dairy milk can sometimes be more prone to scorching in the Instant Pot, though it’s less of an issue with oatmeal recipes compared to thicker sauces.
Water Only: For a lighter, less creamy oatmeal, you can replace all the milk with water. Just note that the texture will be less decadent and rich. Adjust the amount of butter or other fat if you go this route to compensate for flavor.

Maintaining the overall liquid volume (5 cups for 2 cups of oats) is crucial for the perfect consistency, regardless of your chosen liquids.

Natural Pressure Release vs. Quick Release

For this recipe, we use a Quick Release (QR) of the pressure. This means that once the 5-minute cook time is complete, you manually turn the valve to the “Venting” position to rapidly release the steam. This prevents the oats from overcooking and becoming too mushy. If you were to let the pressure release naturally (NR), the residual heat would continue to cook the oats, resulting in a much softer, almost paste-like consistency, which some prefer but is generally not ideal for old-fashioned oats.

Preventing the “BURN” Message

The Instant Pot “BURN” message typically indicates that something is sticking to the bottom of the pot. With oatmeal, this is rare if you follow the instructions, but ensure you stir all ingredients thoroughly before cooking and that there are no solids directly at the bottom without liquid. Using a non-stick inner pot can also help, but it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe.

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For more delicious recipes, visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes.

Instant Pot Oatmeal

Prep:

10 minutes

Cook:

5 minutes

Total:

15 minutes

Rich and creamy oatmeal, ready to eat in just 10 minutes! Add your favorite toppings for a quick and easy breakfast you’ll love every time!

Cheryl Malik

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4
servings

Ingredients

For the Instant Pot Oatmeal

▢

3
cups
water
▢

2
cups
almond milk
sweetened or unsweetened
▢

1
tablespoon
unsalted butter
▢

½
teaspoon
salt
▢

2
cups
old fashioned oats

Get Recipe Ingredients

Equipment

Instant Pot or similar pressure cooker
large wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Instructions

Add 3 cups water, 2 cups almond milk, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 cups old fashioned oats to Instant Pot insert. Stir ingredients together until well incorporated.
Secure lid on Instant Pot with valve in Sealing position. Set Instant Pot to Manual Medium Pressure and set cook time to 5 minutes. Instant Pot will pressurize, then 5-minute cook time will begin.
Once 5-minute cook time ends, carefully Quick Release internal pressure. Use caution as any escaping steam will be incredibly hot.
Carefully remove lid and set aside. Portion oatmeal into serving bowls, add toppings as desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Almond Milk: Feel free to swap this out with coconut milk, cashew milk, soy milk, or even just replace it with water. Note, though, that using only water will make your oatmeal less creamy.
Meal Prep: Divide the prepared oatmeal into airtight containers and let cool completely, then seal containers and refrigerate until ready to enjoy. Oatmeal will keep up to 5 days if stored properly.

Suggested Topping Combinations

Classic Sweet: Maple syrup, chopped pecans, and fresh blueberries
Banana Nut: Honey and sliced bananas
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream: Chocolate chips and melted peanut butter
Fruity Almond: Sliced strawberries and melted almond butter
Raspberry Hazelnut: Fresh raspberries and melted Nutella
Warm Spice: Maple syrup, cinnamon, and brown sugar
Crunchy Boost: Chia seeds, granola, and toasted almonds
Savory Garden: Chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and a fried egg
Winter Citrus: Dried cranberries and orange zest

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Beyond Breakfast: Meal Prep and Storage Solutions

One of the many advantages of Instant Pot oatmeal is its excellent suitability for meal prepping. Preparing a larger batch means you can enjoy delicious, healthy breakfasts throughout the week with minimal effort. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Cool Completely: After cooking, allow the oatmeal to cool down completely before transferring it to storage containers. This prevents condensation from forming and keeps the oatmeal fresh longer.
Portioning: Divide the prepared oatmeal into individual airtight containers. This makes grabbing a quick breakfast on busy mornings incredibly convenient. Glass containers are ideal as they are microwave-safe and don’t retain odors.
Refrigeration: Store the sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency, or enjoy it cold.
Freezing (Optional): For longer storage, cooked oatmeal can be frozen. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture might change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming a bit softer.

With a little foresight, your Instant Pot can become your ultimate tool for hassle-free, nutritious meal prep, ensuring you always have a wholesome breakfast ready to go.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Oatmeal

Got questions about making the best Instant Pot oatmeal? We’ve got answers!

Can I use different types of oats in this recipe?

While this recipe is specifically optimized for old-fashioned rolled oats, you can use steel-cut oats with a slight adjustment to cooking time and liquid. For steel-cut oats, use the same liquid ratio but increase the cook time to 7-10 minutes with a natural pressure release. Instant or quick oats are not recommended for pressure cooking as they tend to become too mushy due to their delicate structure.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe! The cooking time under pressure will remain the same (5 minutes), but the Instant Pot will take longer to come to pressure due to the increased volume of liquid. Always ensure you don’t fill your Instant Pot past the “max fill” line to allow for proper pressure buildup and safe operation.

How do I prevent a “BURN” error message?

The “BURN” message usually indicates that food is sticking to the bottom of the pot. With this oatmeal recipe, it’s generally not an issue because the liquids (water and milk) are plentiful. However, always ensure you stir all ingredients thoroughly before closing the lid to prevent any dry oats from settling directly on the bottom. Using a good quality inner pot and avoiding scraping the bottom vigorously with metal utensils can also help maintain its non-stick properties over time.

Should I add fruit before or after cooking?

For best results, it’s generally recommended to add fresh or frozen fruits after the oatmeal has cooked. Adding them before can sometimes cause them to break down too much or alter the liquid consistency. Dried fruits, however, can be added before cooking as they will rehydrate beautifully in the Instant Pot, adding a wonderful sweetness and chewiness.

Is Instant Pot oatmeal freezer-friendly?

Yes, cooked Instant Pot oatmeal is freezer-friendly! Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of milk or water to restore its creamy texture.

More Delicious Breakfast Recipes You Will Love!

If you enjoyed this Instant Pot Oatmeal, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of our favorite breakfast creations that are guaranteed to brighten your mornings and satisfy your cravings:

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How to Make Vegan Overnight Oats: 4 Ways
Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Frozen Waffles in the Air Fryer
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Instant Pot Scrambled Eggs
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Frozen Hashbrowns in the Air Fryer

We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to make our Instant Pot Oatmeal a regular part of your breakfast rotation. Its speed, health benefits, and incredible versatility make it an unparalleled choice for anyone looking for a simple yet delicious start to their day. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings and make it truly your own. Happy cooking!