What do I love about these Steel Cut Oats 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!

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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.
If you like this breakfast recipe, you may also love our Scrambled Egg Sandwich or learn how to make our Southern White Sausage Gravy.
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.
Ingredients
- 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.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Cook Steel Cut Oats in the Instant Pot
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.
Substitutions & Variations
- 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.
- Kid-Friendly: Let your kids customize their own bowls with fun toppings like mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles.
Storage
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. To reheat, simply microwave the oats with a splash of milk until warm, stirring halfway through.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Customize your oats with your favorite toppings, such as sliced almonds, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
✔️ DO Make a big batch of oats ahead of time and portion them out for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week.
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 Breakfast Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Crunchy Honey Almond Butter Toast with Bananas
- Strawberry Nutella Toast
- Cowboy Breakfast Potatoes
- Tropical Cantaloupe Smoothie
Did You Like This Instant Pot Recipe for Steel Cut Oats?
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📖 Recipe
Steel Cut Oats in the Instant Pot
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups steel cut oats not quick cook
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ banana
- dried cherries (or Craisins)
- walnuts
- brown sugar
- half and half
Instructions
- Add the steel cut oats and water to an Instant Pot. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, cook the oats on the stove according to the package directions.
- Seal the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 12-13 minutes.
- After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
- Carefully open the valve to release any remaining steam, then open the pot.
- Stir the oats well.
- Serve the 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.
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Notes
- 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.
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