Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats are a quick and heart-healthy breakfast option. Top with berries, bananas, or any other favorite toppings for a filling meal that will keep you satisfied all day.
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Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Breakfast is an essential part of the day, and these steel cut oats are an excellent way to begin it.
When I post my overnight oats recipe, the most common question I get is if steel cut oats may be used. The answer is no, since they must be prepared, as shown below in this steel cut oats recipe.
This nutritious oatmeal dish has blueberries, bananas, and cinnamon, and is mildly sweetened with pure maple syrup or honey. The Instant Pot performs all of the work here, much as in my Instant Pot baked oatmeal recipe, so the hands-on time is minimal. Then serve immediately or split among containers and fridge for breakfast all week.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
- Quick and simple. This dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, but the hands-on time is only a few seconds once the ingredients are added to the pressure cooker.
- Great for dinner preparation. If you want a hearty breakfast for a busy morning, make a huge batch of these oats and reheat them up all week.
- Simple to personalize. Feel free to substitute your preferred fruit for the bananas and blueberries in this recipe, or to add additional toppings like as nut butter and nuts.
What Are Steel Cut Oats?
Steel cut oats are simply less processed than rolled or quick oats. As a result, they have a more chewy, grainy texture than rolled oats.
The term refers to the fact that they are cut with steel blades, resulting in a thicker, rice-like texture. Rolled oats, on the other hand, are cooked and rolled till flat.
Steel cut oats require more cooking time than quick, ground, or rolled oats due to their texture and lack of processing. However, utilizing the Instant Pot shortens the cooking time, resulting in a morning porridge with a nuttier taste and a chewier texture than quick rolled oats.
Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Ingredients
- Steel cut oats – You can find gluten-free steel cut oats if needed.
- Water
- Cinnamon sticks – Add a warm flavor to the oats.
- Fruit – I used bananas and blueberries. Fresh or frozen berries will both work.
- Milk – Any milk you prefer will work, whether it’s nut, soy, or skim.
- Pure maple syrup – Honey is another option if preferred.
- Ground cinnamon – For topping the oatmeal.
How To Make Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Making steel cut oats in the Instant Pot takes only a few seconds of hands-on time.
- Combine the ingredients. Stir the oats and water in the pressure cooker. Add the cinnamon sticks.
- Cook. Cover and cook at high pressure for 6 minutes. Allow for natural release.
- Assemble oatmeal bowls. Remove the cinnamon sticks and combine the blueberries with the oats. Pour one cup of oats into each bowl, then top with milk, half a banana, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Finish with a pinch of cinnamon. Enjoy the warmth!
More Topping Ideas
There are several garnish options for steel cut oats once they have been prepared. Here are several substitutions (or additions) for the bananas and blueberries in this recipe:
- Other berries (fresh or frozen)
- Peaches
- Apples (you can add these before cooking as well)
- Pumpkin puree (added before cooking)
- Chia seeds or flax seeds
- Nut butter
- Nuts
FAQs
Can Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Be Prepared in Advance?
Absolutely. Steel cut oats are ideal for meal prep since they can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to a week.
To do so, proceed as described above, but leave out the fruit and milk. Refrigerate in tiny containers. Microwave for approximately a minute, then reheat on the stove with a little liquid to loosen. Stir in the milk and chosen toppings.
Can You Freeze Cooked Oats?
Yes, you may freeze the steel cut oats. The best method to accomplish this is to freeze it in a muffin tray. Once frozen, place the individual portions in a ziplock bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as indicated above.
More Recipes You Might Like
- The Best Turkey Club
- Easy Chickpea Egg Salad
- Easy Mini Quiche
- Veggie Ham and Cheese Breakfast Egg Casserole
Recipe Card
Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Ingredients
- 2 cups steel cut oats gluten-free, if necessary
- 6 cups water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 medium ripe bananas
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup milk of your choice nut, soy or skim
- 8 teaspoons pure maple syrup or honey
- ground cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Stir together the steel cut oats and water in the bowl of the pressure cooker.
- Cook for 6 minutes on high pressure after adding the cinnamon sticks and covering.
- Allow the pressure to naturally release.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks and discard, then toss in the blueberries.
- Pour 1 cup of oatmeal into each bowl, then top with 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 sliced banana, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Refrigerate leftovers in glass or plastic containers. To reheat, microwave for 2-3 minutes until warm, then top with desired toppings.