Hearty and Healthy Steel Cut Oats Recipe (Instant Pot)

What do I love about this Hearty and Healthy Steel Cut Oats Recipe made in the Instant Pot? Packed with flavor and nutrition, this breakfast option is ideal for busy mornings when you need a quick and satisfying meal. It is so incredibly comforting and can be topped with any of your favorite ingredients. It can also be made ahead of time for meal prep!

Steel-cut oats, also known as Irish oats, are whole oat groats cut into smaller pieces using a steel blade. Retaining a chewy texture and nutty flavor, they're loved for their nutritional value including high fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Hearty and satisfying, they offer a nutritious base for breakfast dishes.

Why we love this recipe:

• It's filling: A hearty and satisfying breakfast option.
• It's Customizable: With a variety of topping options to suit your taste preferences.
• It's Easy: Perfect for busy mornings.
• It's Nutritious: Wholesome ingredients provide lasting energy throughout the day.

If you like this breakfast recipe, you may also love our Scrambled Egg Sandwich or our Biscuit Gravy.

Jump to:

• What Ingredients Will You Need?
• Step-By-Step Guide
• What Are Some Good Substitutions?
• How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
• What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
• How Should You Store This?
• What Are Some Expert Tips?
• Kid-Friendly Steel Cut Oats Ideas:
• More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
• 📖 Recipe
• Important Food Safety Tips
• 💬 Share Your Thoughts

What Ingredients Will You Need?

• Steel Cut Oats: Get ready for a hearty breakfast with chewy steel cut oats, packed with fiber and nutrients.
• Banana: Add natural sweetness and potassium with sliced banana, perfect for a creamy texture.
• Dried Cherries or Craisins: Kick up the flavor with tart dried cherries or Craisins, adding color and sweetness.
• Walnuts: Add crunch and omega-3s with chopped walnuts, complementing the oats' texture.
• Brown Sugar: Sprinkle on a touch of brown sugar for caramelized sweetness without going overboard.
• Half and Half: Indulge with a drizzle of half and half for creamy richness, or use milk for a lighter option.

Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Step-By-Step Guide

How to Cook Steel Cut Oats:

STEP ONE: Prepare the Oats

Prepare the oats by adding 1 ½ cups of steel-cut oats and 4 ½ cups of water to your Instant Pot. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can cook the oats on the stove according to the package directions.

STEP TWO: Set the Instant Pot

Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 12-13 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.

STEP THREE: Stir Well

After the natural release, carefully open the valve to release any remaining steam, then open the pot and stir the oats well.

STEP FOUR: Top and Serve

Serve the cooked oats in bowls, topped with sliced banana, dried cherries or Craisins, chopped walnuts, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and a drizzle of half and half.

What Are Some Good Substitutions?

• Banana: Substitute with sliced apples or berries for a different flavor.
• Dried Cherries or Craisins: Swap with raisins or chopped dates.
• Walnuts: Use almonds or pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

How Can You Change This Recipe Up?

• Flavor: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and flavor.
• Kid-Friendly: Let your kids customize their own bowls with fun toppings like mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles.
• Budget-Friendly: Replace expensive toppings like dried cherries with more affordable options like raisins.

What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?

• Instant pot
• Knife
• Cutting board

How Should You Store This?

Store leftover oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This dish is freezer-friendly.  Cooked steel-cut oats can be frozen in individual portions without toppings for convenient reheating later.

Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.

What Are Some Expert Tips?

Customize your oats with your favorite toppings, such as sliced almonds, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Make a big batch of oats ahead of time and portion them out for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week.

To reheat, simply microwave the oats with a splash of milk until warm, stirring halfway through.

Kid-Friendly Steel Cut Oats Ideas:

• Fruity Fun: Offer colorful fruits like sliced strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and raspberries for kids to create their own fruity masterpiece.
• Sweet Treats: Sprinkle on mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, or crushed graham crackers for extra sweetness that kids will love.
• Nutty Crunch: Provide a selection of chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or peanuts for a crunchy and protein-packed topping.
• Creative Combos: Encourage creativity with unique combinations like peanut butter and jelly, coconut flakes and chocolate chips, or honey and cinnamon.

Let your kids unleash their imagination and create their own personalized steel-cut oats bowl that's as fun to make as it is to eat!

More Recipes You'll Love ♥️

Have Leftover Ingredients?

• Use leftover steel cut oats to make oatmeal breakfast bars or add them to smoothies for extra creaminess.

In The Mood For a Similar Dish?

• Crunchy Honey Almond Butter Toast with Bananas
• Strawberry Nutella Toast
• Breakfast Potatoes

More Instant Pot recipes you will love:

📖 Recipe

Our hearty and healthy steel-cut oats recipe is the perfect breakfast option for busy mornings. With wholesome ingredients and simple instructions, it’s easy to prepare and customize to your liking. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try and start your day off right!

Important Food Safety Tips

Be sure to store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.