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.
?️ Recipe Variations and Serving Ideas
- Add maple syrup or brown sugar for extra sweetness
- Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice
- Mix in chopped apples, bananas, or berries
- Add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter
- Top with toasted coconut, nuts, or granola
- Serve with chocolate chips or ice cream topping for a treat
⏱️ 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.
?? Instant Pot Oatmeal Tips
- Use a 6- or 7-inch heatproof bowl for pot-in-pot cooking
- Grease the bowl lightly to prevent sticking
- Stir well after cooking to combine the creamy and thick layers
- Adjust the milk-to-water ratio depending on desired creaminess
- Do not quick-release too early—let it sit for at least 5 minutes
Storage and Reheating
To Store:
Transfer leftover oatmeal to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the consistency. Stir halfway through heating.
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.
