How to make the best Instant Pot Oatmeal with old-fashioned oats, milk (even almond), and water. They are creamy and delicious with a variety of toppings!
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Why This Recipe Works
Since the Instant Pot appeared in my kitchen, I have been discovering countless ways to use it. It can make the best pot roast ever or bake a cheesecake. Now, I make our oatmeal in my Instant Pot too! It's super fast, no need to stir it during cooking and it's creamy and delicious. I tested this recipe with different ratios of oats to liquid to ensure the oatmeal won't burn. This recipe is fail-proof! Use almond milk and coconut oil to make them vegan.
Ingredients needed:
- oats: I used old-fashioned oats; see my information below for different types of oats
- milk: any kind: almond, 2% or skim
- water: needed for pressure cooking
- butter or coconut oil: needed for the creamy texture
- salt: adds flavor
How to make Instant Pot Oatmeal?
- Pour water and milk into your Instant Pot.
- Add oats, butter and salt.
- Close the lid, press "manual" or "pressure cook" setting.
- Set timer to 3 minutes.
- The IP will start coming to pressure.
- Once the cooking cycle is done, let the Instant Pot release the pressure naturally.
- Open the lid and stir.
- Serve with fresh fruit, nuts, honey, etc.
What kind of oats can I use?
Depending on the type of oats you are using, the cooking time and ratios of oats to liquid will vary:
- old-fashioned rolled oats: the ratio of oats to water is 1:2 (for every cup of oats, you will need 2 cups of liquid; I use a mix of water and almond milk.
- stell-cut oats: the ratio of oats to water will be 1:3. They are less processed oats and take longer to cook. Set timer to 4 minutes.
- instant oats: I do not recommend using instant oats in this recipe. They will overcook and turn into complete mush.
Variations:
- peanut butter banana: add ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter to hot oatmeal and stir. Serve with sliced bananas.
- chocolate strawberry: stir in 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to hot oatmeal. Serve with sliced strawberries.
- berries and nuts: top the oatmeal with blueberries, raspberries or blackberries, chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts) and drizzle with honey
- apple cinnamon: chop apples and saute with brown sugar and cinnamon; use as a topping with a dash of ground cloves
- savory: top oatmeal with sauteed mushrooms, garlic and herbs
Recipe FAQs:
Yes! This recipe is perfect made in the small size Instant Pot. The cooking time stays the same. You can also double the amount of ingredients and keep the cooking time the same.
Nope, you can use just water to make these oats. I like the creamy texture from the almond milk so I use 1 cup of water and 1 ¼ cups of milk.
Yes! You can make this oatmeal, cool it completely, and store it in a container with a lid, in the fridge for up to 5 days.
More Instant Pot recipes:
For more recipes using the digital pressure cooker, feel free to browse our Instant Pot Category.
Also, check out my Instant Pot Guide for Beginners, filled with all the info you need to get started with your new appliance! Seeing BURN message on your IP? Read my Instant Pot Burn Message post to learn why and how to save your dish.
If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!
Instant Pot Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup water
- 1.25 cups milk almond, 2% or skim
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or butter
- ⅛ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make sure the insert is in your Instant Pot. Pour water and milk into the Instant Pot.
- Add oats, coconut oil and salt. Stir.
- Close the lid and set valve to sealing position.
- Make sure the Instant Pot is set to cook at HIGH pressure.
- Press "manual" or "pressure cook" setting and set timer to 3 minutes.
- The appliance will beep and start building pressure, which can take about 6 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is done, press "cancel/off" and unplug the Instant Pot. Do not switch the valve. Let the IP release the pressure naturally. It will take about 10 minutes.
- When the pressure pin is down (if it's not, gently nudge it with a wooden spoon), carefully open the lid away from your face. Stir the oatmeal. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes, then stir vanilla.
- Serve with desired toppings.
Notes
- Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
- If you are using steel-cut oats, use additional cup of liquid and set timer to 4 minutes.
Julie says
I haven’t tried this recipe yet but I was wondering if this could be prepared the night before and use the delay mode?
Anna says
Hi Julie! If you mix all ingredients and let them sit overnight, the oats will absorb the liquid and won't cook properly. I do not recommend using a delay mode for this recipe. I hope this helps!
Lin says
I made this. It did turn out creamy.
Is the butter added to prevent foaming? Can I leave it out?
Didn't care for the vanilla, will leave out next time.
katerina says
This is fantastic! We love oatmeal and this makes things so much easier!!
Anna says
Absolutely! My kids love it!
Trang says
So good and healthy and I don’t have to make a mad rush to prep breakfast for everyone anymore!
Anna says
Right? Instant Pot makes it so easy!
Stephanie says
Worked perfectly! My family loves oatmeal so I made a huge batch this weekend and it was super easy and super delicious!
Anna says
That's wonderful, Stephanie! Thank you!