Creamy Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Steel cut oats are a nourishing, hearty breakfast option that can be made quickly and easily using an Instant Pot. This Creamy Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats recipe is a perfect way to start your day with a wholesome, delicious meal. The Instant Pot makes the cooking process fast, so you can enjoy creamy, tender oats in less time than traditional stovetop methods. The addition of butter (or ghee) adds richness, while the creamy texture comes from using almond milk or water as the cooking liquid. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this dish can be customized with your favorite toppings to suit any taste.

What makes this recipe even better is how versatile it is. You can adjust the consistency by adding more liquid for a soupier bowl of oats, or less for a thicker texture. Whether you prefer your oats sweet or savory, this base recipe gives you the freedom to experiment. Add fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, maple syrup, or spices like cinnamon for a warm, comforting meal that will keep you full and energized throughout the morning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Convenient

Using the Instant Pot to cook steel cut oats means you can have a delicious, creamy breakfast in under 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time.

2. Creamy Texture

The combination of butter or ghee with your choice of liquid (water or almond milk) ensures the oats are perfectly creamy and smooth, without the need for constant stirring.

3. Customizable

You can easily adjust the consistency and flavor of this recipe by adding various toppings, fruits, spices, and sweeteners to suit your preferences.

4. Nutritious and Filling

Steel cut oats are high in fiber and protein, making them a filling, healthy way to start your day. The oats provide sustained energy, keeping you satisfied for hours.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can make a large batch of oats and store them in the refrigerator for a quick and easy breakfast throughout the week.

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Ingredients

• Butter or ghee
• Steel cut oats
• Water or almond milk
• Salt

Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or another plant-based milk like coconut or oat milk in place of regular milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Sweet Version: Stir in sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar once the oats are cooked. You can also add cinnamon, vanilla extract, or nutmeg for extra flavor.
• Savory Version: Instead of adding sugar or sweeteners, you can turn this into a savory breakfast by stirring in sautéed vegetables, cheese, or even a fried egg on top.
• Add Fruit or Nuts: Top your oats with fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or apples, or add chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Butter

Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and add the butter (or ghee). Let it melt until bubbly, ensuring it coats the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Add the Steel Cut Oats

Stir the steel cut oats into the melted butter, toasting them lightly for about 1-2 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of the oats.

Step 3: Add the Liquid and Salt

Add the 3 cups of water (or almond milk) to the Instant Pot, along with a large pinch of salt. Stir to combine the oats, liquid, and salt.

Step 4: Cook on High Pressure

Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to cook on “High Pressure” for 4 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Stir and Serve

Open the Instant Pot, give the oats a good stir, and check for consistency. If you prefer your oats thicker, you can cook them for an additional minute. Spoon the creamy oats into bowls, add your desired toppings, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Adjust Cooking Time for Desired Consistency: For a thicker texture, you can reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. If you prefer your oats thinner, add a little more liquid and cook for a minute longer.
• Keep an Eye on Liquid: If you find the oats too dry after cooking, add more milk or water and stir to reach your desired consistency.
• Make it Sweeter: If you want a sweeter oatmeal, add maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey after cooking.
• Flavoring the Oats: You can experiment with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to give your oats more depth of flavor.
• Use a Silicone Lid: If you’re having trouble with the Instant Pot’s lid sealing properly, consider using a silicone lid designed for cooking oatmeal to prevent splatters.

How to Serve

These creamy steel cut oats can be served as is or with a variety of toppings. Some popular options include fresh berries, sliced bananas, a drizzle of honey, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. For a heartier breakfast, consider adding a spoonful of nut butter or a dollop of yogurt. You can also pair them with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea for the perfect morning meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a bit more liquid to restore the creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze steel cut oats for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before portioning them into freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to enjoy, reheat by microwaving or simmering on the stovetop with a little water or milk.

Reheating

To reheat your oats, simply add a splash of milk or water and heat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until they’re warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular rolled oats instead of steel cut oats?

While you can use rolled oats, the cooking time and texture will be different. Rolled oats cook much faster, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly depending on the amount of oats and liquid.

3. Can I make this recipe without butter or ghee?

Yes, you can make this recipe without butter or ghee for a dairy-free version. You can use coconut oil or simply skip the fat for a lighter version.

4. Can I make this recipe with milk instead of water?

Yes, you can substitute the water with any type of milk for a richer, creamier texture.

5. Can I use frozen fruit as a topping?

Yes, frozen fruit works well as a topping. Just thaw it a bit before adding it to your oats.

6. Can I cook steel cut oats on the stovetop instead of using an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook them on the stovetop. Use a 4:1 ratio of water to oats, bring to a boil, and then simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Yes, you can mix in a scoop of protein powder once the oats are cooked. Stir it in along with any sweeteners or flavorings.

8. How can I make this recipe sweeter?

After cooking, stir in sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar. You can also add dried fruits like raisins or figs for a natural sweetness.

9. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

10. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using plant-based butter (or skipping it entirely) and almond milk or any other dairy-free milk.

Conclusion

Creamy Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats are a perfect breakfast option for busy mornings. With minimal preparation and a short cooking time, you can have a nourishing, delicious meal in no time. Whether you prefer your oats sweet or savory, this recipe is versatile enough to suit all tastes and can easily be customized with various toppings and add-ins. It’s an excellent option for meal prep, offering a filling, nutritious start to your day. With this simple and easy recipe, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy oats every morning!

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