There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of oatmeal on a crisp morning, and that’s why I love making Instant Pot Oatmeal. It reminds me of childhood breakfasts at my grandmother’s house, where she would always have a pot simmering on the stove, filling the air with that sweet, nutty aroma. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite toppings, whether it’s fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. With my busy schedule, I needed a way to enjoy that nostalgic dish without spending ages at the stove, and that’s when I discovered the magic of the Instant Pot. It’s so easy and foolproof that I can whip it up even on the busiest mornings.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
5 g

Diet:
Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Fat:
2 g

Tools Used:
Instant Pot, Oven, Wooden Spoon

Why This Instant Pot Oatmeal Stands Out

Quick and Convenient

One of the best things about Instant Pot Oatmeal is how quickly it comes together. With the pressure cooker, you can have a hearty breakfast ready in just a few minutes. No more waiting for water to boil or oats to simmer. Just toss everything in, press a button, and let the Instant Pot do the work!

Perfect Texture

The Instant Pot creates the perfect texture for your oatmeal, creamy and just right. It’s one of those magical appliances that delivers consistent results every time. You won’t have to worry about undercooking or overcooking your oats.

Healthy and Nutritious

Oatmeal is packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic way to start your day. Full of fiber, it keeps you full longer and is great for heart health. With Instant Pot Oatmeal, you can easily incorporate all sorts of healthy toppings like nuts, seeds, and fruits.

Endless Customization

One of the most exciting aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can mix and match toppings to suit your mood. Craving something sweet? Add some maple syrup and banana. Prefer something savory? Try a sprinkle of cheese and herbs. The possibilities are endless!

Family-Friendly

This recipe is great for families. Kids love customizing their bowls with their favorite toppings, and you can make a big batch to keep everyone satisfied. It’s a wholesome meal that brings everyone together, just like my grandmother used to do.

Instant Pot Oatmeal Ingredients

When it comes to making Instant Pot Oatmeal, the ingredients are simple yet effective. The key players here are the oats, water, and a pinch of salt, which work together to create a base for a warm and satisfying breakfast. You can also add your favorite toppings afterward to make it even more special.

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free, if needed): These oats are perfect for oatmeal as they absorb water beautifully and create that creamy texture we all love.
1.5 cups water (see notes): The essential liquid needed to cook the oats perfectly. Adjust as needed for your desired consistency.
Pinch of salt: Just a hint enhances the flavor of the oatmeal.

Making This Instant Pot Oatmeal

Getting started with Instant Pot Oatmeal is as easy as pie. You’ll love how simple it is to make this wholesome breakfast. Follow these detailed steps to achieve the best results.

Begin by pouring the old-fashioned rolled oats and water directly into the bottom of your Instant Pot. If you wish, add a pinch of salt at this stage, but hold off on other seasonings until after the oats are cooked. This helps ensure that your oatmeal has a clean and rich flavor.
Next, secure the lid of the Instant Pot and turn the steam release valve to the sealing position. This is a crucial step that ensures the pot builds pressure effectively.

Now it’s time to choose your cooking settings. Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and set it to cook at high pressure for zero minutes. Yes, you heard that right—zero minutes! This setting allows the oats to cook perfectly using the residual heat while building pressure.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. This step is vital as it allows the oats to finish cooking gently without being overly mushy.
When the screen displays L0:10, carefully move the steam release valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure. When the floating valve in the lid drops, it’s safe to remove the lid and reveal your perfectly cooked oatmeal.

Serve the oatmeal warm in a bowl and add your favorite toppings. Personally, I love to stir in some almond milk to loosen the texture and then drizzle with maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
If you’re interested in trying a different method, pour an additional cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot and place a trivet over it. In an oven-safe bowl (7 inches in diameter or less), combine the oats and water (you can use milk here if you prefer). Place the bowl on top of the trivet, secure the lid, and cook at high pressure for 1 minute.
Like before, once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes. Then, carefully release the remaining pressure and remove the lid.

Remember to use oven mitts when taking the bowl out, as it will be hot. Transfer the oatmeal to a serving bowl and enjoy it warm with your favorite toppings!

Things Worth Knowing

Cooking Times: Adjust the cooking times depending on the type of oats you use. Old-fashioned rolled oats cook faster than steel-cut oats.
Texture Control: If you prefer your oatmeal creamier, consider adding more water or milk at the beginning or after cooking.

Flavor Infusions: Feel free to add flavorings such as cinnamon or vanilla after cooking for a delightful twist.
Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of water or milk for a quick meal.

Ways to Customize

One of the best things about Instant Pot Oatmeal is how customizable it is! You can mix and match toppings based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving. From sweet to savory, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas:

Storage: Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for up to four days.
Freezing: You can freeze oatmeal in individual portions. Just reheat with a splash of water or milk when ready to eat.
Pairing: Serve with fresh fruit, like bananas or berries, to add natural sweetness and color.

Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
Nut Butters: Swirl in some nut butter for added creaminess and protein.
Sweeteners: Use honey, agave, or maple syrup for sweetness. Add these after cooking to control the flavor.

Accompaniments for Instant Pot Oatmeal

When it comes to serving Instant Pot Oatmeal, there are many delightful ways to enhance your meal.

Fresh Fruits: Top your oatmeal with slices of banana, berries, or whatever seasonal fruits you enjoy. They add natural sweetness and a burst of flavor.
Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle on your favorite nuts like walnuts or almonds for added crunch and healthy fats.

Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt can add creaminess and protein, making your oatmeal even more satisfying.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Drizzle on some sweetener for a little extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with the nutty oats.
Occasions: Perfect for breakfast any day of the week or even as a cozy dinner option in colder months.

Meal Prep: Make a large batch at the start of the week for quick breakfasts. It’s perfect as a grab-and-go option!

FAQ

Absolutely! You can make Instant Pot Oatmeal using just water. In fact, many people prefer it that way because it keeps things light and allows for more flexibility with toppings. If you want a creamier texture but still want to avoid milk, you can add a splash of nut milk after cooking.

The beauty of Instant Pot Oatmeal is its versatility. You can add almost anything your heart desires! Common toppings include sliced bananas, berries, nuts, seeds, honey, and cinnamon. Don’t hesitate to get creative and mix different flavors together for a unique bowl every time!

Storing leftover Instant Pot Oatmeal is easy! Just place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or milk to bring back that creamy texture.

While you can use quick oats, the texture of your Instant Pot Oatmeal will differ. Quick oats tend to become mushy more easily, so if you prefer a firmer oatmeal, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats. If you’re in a hurry, quick oats are still a valid option, just be mindful of the cooking time!

Conclusion

In summary, Instant Pot Oatmeal is a fantastic way to enjoy a warm, comforting breakfast that you can customize to your heart’s content. With its ease of preparation and versatility, it’s a recipe that everyone should try at least once. I hope you’ll give it a go and enjoy the delightful experience of creating your own perfect bowl of oatmeal!

Instant Pot Oatmeal

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Oatmeal is creamy, hearty, and easy to make. Customize your bowl with fresh fruits, nuts, or a sweet drizzle of honey. Enjoy a warm, satisfying breakfast any day of the week!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 2 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

Instant Pot
Oven
Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats certified gluten-free, if needed
1.5 cups water see notes
pinch salt

Instructions

Pour the old-fashioned rolled oats and water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. You can add a pinch of salt if you want to at this point, but don't add any other seasonings until after the oats are cooked. Secure the lid and move the steam release valve to Sealing. Use the Manual or Pressure Cook button to cook at high pressure for zero minutes. (Yes, zero is a real setting!) When the cooking cycle is compete, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. When the screen reads L0:10, you can move the steam release valve to Venting, to release any remaining pressure. When the floating valve in the lid drops, it's safe to remove the lid.

Serve the oatmeal warm, with your favorite toppings. I usually add some almond milk to help loosen the texture at this point, along with maple syrup and cinnamon, to taste.
Pour 1 extra cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot, and place a trivet over that. In an oven-safe bowl that is 7-inches in diameter or less, stir together the oats and water. (You can use milk for this method, if you prefer.) Place the bowl on top of the trivet, then secure the lid and move the steam release valve to Sealing. Use the Manual or Pressure Cook button to cook at high pressure for 1 minute. When the cooking cycle is compete, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. When the screen reads L0:10, you can move the steam release valve to Venting, to release any remaining pressure. When the floating valve in the lid drops, it's safe to remove the lid.
Use oven mitts to remove the bowl of cooked oatmeal, as it will be very hot. Transfer the oatmeal to a serving bowl, so you don't have to worry about burning your hands, then add your favorite toppings and serve warm.

Notes

Tip 1: Nutrition information is for 1 of 2 servings. This information is automatically calculated, and is just an estimate, not a guarantee. Toppings are not included.
Tip 2: If you’re using Method #1, do not replace the water with milk, as it may trigger a burn error. You can usually replace up to half of the water with milk, if you’d like more creaminess, but you can also add milk to the oatmeal after the oats are cooked, to loosen the texture.
Tip 3: You can cook the oats in 100% milk with Method #2 if you’d like to, since the oats will be cooked in a separate bowl, but you’ll still want to use only water on the bottom of the pot for that method.