Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, hearty breakfast that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, this Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe is exactly what you need. It transforms simple oats into a creamy, flavorful delight with minimal effort and maximum comfort. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you get perfectly cooked steel cut or rolled oats every time, infused with cinnamon and a touch of vanilla almond milk for natural sweetness. It’s wholesome, filling, and totally customizable to your morning mood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, giving the oatmeal a lovely balance of creaminess, spice, and just the right texture to start your day off right.

• 2 cups water: Provides the cooking base and helps the oats soften perfectly without becoming mushy.
• 1 cup Almond Breeze almondmilk Vanilla: Adds a rich vanilla flavor and creamy texture without dairy.
• 1 cup steel cut oats: Offers a satisfying chewy bite that’s hearty and filling; you can also use old fashioned rolled oats for a different texture.
• 1 cinnamon stick: Infuses the oatmeal with a warm, comforting spice that makes every spoonful taste naturally sweet.
• 1 generous pinch of kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot

Start by pouring your oats into the Instant Pot along with the water and almond milk. Tuck in the cinnamon stick and sprinkle in the kosher salt. This combination sets the stage for the incredible depth of flavor that develops as everything cooks together under pressure.

Step 2: Set the Cooking Time

Seal your Instant Pot lid and press the manual or pressure cook button. Set the timer for just 3 minutes on high pressure. It’s quick, but trust the process—the natural release coming next will do the rest of the work.

Step 3: Let It Naturally Release Pressure

After the cooking time ends, don’t rush to open the pot. Let it sit and naturally release steam for 20 minutes. This slow release helps the oats to settle into the perfect creamy consistency without turning gummy. Afterward, flip the valve with a wooden spoon to release any remaining steam, making sure to keep the lid facing away from you for safety.

Step 4: Add Your Favorite Toppings

Now for the fun part: dollop on extra almond milk if you like it creamier, and add whatever toppings you adore. Fresh fruits, nuts, a drizzle of honey, or a spoonful of nut butter all work beautifully here.

How to Serve Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe

Garnishes

Think beyond plain oats by adding vibrant berries, sliced bananas, toasted nuts like pecans or almonds, or even a sprinkle of chia seeds. These garnishes add flavor, texture, and visual appeal, turning your bowl into a personalized breakfast masterpiece.

Side Dishes

A dollop of Greek yogurt or a side of scrambled eggs pairs wonderfully with this hearty oatmeal, offering a nice protein boost. Or keep it light with fresh fruit salad alongside, perfect for a balanced morning meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Instant Pot oatmeal in pretty glass jars for a grab-and-go breakfast or layer it parfait-style with yogurt and fruit. You can also turn it into overnight oats that benefit from a quick Instant Pot finish in the morning for extra creaminess and warmth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe stores beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it into the fridge for easy reheating on busy mornings.

Freezing

If you want to prep in bulk, oatmeal freezes well in portion-sized containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave while stirring occasionally.

Reheating

For reheating, add a splash of almond milk or water to loosen the texture since the oats tend to thicken in the fridge. Warm it over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of steel cut or rolled oats?

Quick oats are much thinner and cook faster, so they aren’t ideal for pressure cooking in the Instant Pot. They will likely become overly mushy or burn. Stick to steel cut or rolled oats for best results with this recipe.

Do I have to use a cinnamon stick?

No, although the cinnamon stick adds wonderful warmth during cooking, you can substitute with ground cinnamon added after cooking if you prefer. It’s a bit less infused but still tasty.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is already vegan since it uses almond milk and plant-based ingredients. Just be sure to use a vegan sweetener or toppings if adding any.

Is Instant Pot oatmeal healthy?

Absolutely! Using steel cut oats provides a good source of fiber and protein, and cooking them in almond milk and water keeps it light and nutritious. It’s a filling breakfast that supports sustained energy.

Can I double this recipe for more servings?

You can! Just double all ingredients but be cautious not to fill your Instant Pot beyond the maximum fill line to ensure proper cooking and safe pressure release.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s both easy and absolutely delicious, I can’t recommend this Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe enough. It’s simple, wholesome, and customizable—perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekends. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite way to start the day.

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