Instant Pot Oatmeal
This basic Instant Pot oatmeal is like a blank canvas, ready for your favorite flavors and toppings. This version is made with old-fashioned rolled oats.
This Instant Pot oatmeal is made using the pot-in-pot method. The oats are cooked to creamy perfection in a pan or bowl in the Instant Pot. Make sure to use a heat-safe glass, ceramic, or metal bowl that will fit in your Instant Pot. The oatmeal cooks in than 30 minutes to prep and cook from start to finish!
The recipe doesn’t include any extra flavors, but feel free to customize it if you like. A few tablespoons of maple syrup or brown sugar or a cinnamon stick would be excellent additions, or add a cup of finely chopped apple along with some cinnamon. If you have leftover pumpkin purée, add about 1/3 cup to the oats along with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Hands-off cooking. The Instant Pot produces perfectly cooked oats with no stirring.
Clean and easy. The pot-in-pot method keeps the oatmeal from sticking or scorching.
Versatile base. Add any toppings or flavors you like—sweet or savory.
Great for meal prep. Make once and enjoy effortless breakfasts for days.
Ingredient Notes
- Rolled oats – Old-fashioned oats cook up creamy with just the right chew.
- Water and milk – A mix creates a creamy texture while preventing the oatmeal from being too heavy.
- Salt – A small amount brings out the flavor of the oats.
- Toppings – Fresh fruit, nuts, maple syrup, and spices all work beautifully.
Steps to Make Instant Pot Oatmeal
- Add water to the Instant Pot and set a trivet inside.
- Combine the oats, water, milk, and salt in a heat-safe bowl.
- Place the bowl on the trivet inside the pot.
- Seal the Instant Pot and pressure cook until the oats are tender.
- Allow a brief natural release, then carefully remove the lid.
- Stir the oatmeal to blend the texture.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Tips
- Use a bowl that fits comfortably inside the pot without touching the sides.
- If the oatmeal is too thick, stir in a splash of milk after cooking.
- Add sweeteners or spices after cooking so flavors stay bright.
- Double the batch if using a larger bowl that fits the inner pot.
Make-Ahead
You can make the oatmeal in advance and refrigerate it for easy breakfasts throughout the week. Reheat with a bit of milk or water and add your favorite toppings before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Cinnamon apple. Stir in diced apples and cinnamon after cooking.
- Berry maple. Add fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Peanut butter banana. Mix in peanut butter and sliced bananas.
- Savory oats. Add cheese, herbs, and a fried egg for a savory breakfast.
- Chai-spiced. Mix in cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and a splash of vanilla.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with berries, bananas, or dried fruit.
- Pair with nuts or seeds for crunch.
- Add maple syrup, honey, or cinnamon sugar.
- Top with yogurt or cream.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It will thicken as it chills.
Freeze: Portion the oatmeal into single servings and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding milk or water to loosen the texture.
Instant Pot Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups water, plus 1 cup for the inner pot
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
- Prepare the Oats: In a heat-safe bowl that will fit in the Instant Pot inner pot, combine the oats, 2 cups of water, the milk, and salt. Place the bowl on the trivet and then lower it into the Instant Pot.
- Pressure-Cook: Secure the lid and ensure the steam release valve is set to sealing (this is automatic on some models). Choose manual/pressure cook (depending on your Instant Pot model), high pressure, and set the timer for 8 minutes. When the time is up, allow a natural release for 5 minutes and then quickly release the remaining pressure. Remove the lid and stir the oatmeal.
- Serve the Oatmeal: Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and top with berries, cinnamon-sugar, maple flakes syrup, or sliced bananas.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
