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Instant Pot Overnight Steel Cut Oats

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Instant Pot Overnight Steel Cut Oats are a delicious and easy way to start your day. Simply add steel cut oats, milk, water, and your desired toppings to the Instant Pot, set it to delay start and let it do its thing while you sleep. In the morning, you’ll wake up to a hot and hearty breakfast that’s ready to eat. Instant Pot Overnight Steel Cut Oats are a great way to fuel your body and start your day on the right foot. Plus, they’re easily customizable so you can make them exactly to your liking. Give Instant Pot Overnight Steel Cut Oats a try today and see for yourself how delicious and easy they are to make. You won’t be disappointed!

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

What are steel-cut oats?

Steel cut oats are whole grain oats that have been chopped into smaller pieces. They are less processed than other types of oats, and as a result, have a nutty flavor and chewy texture. Steel cut oats typically take longer to cook than other types of oats, but when made in the Instant Pot, they only take 4 minutes! This makes an easy and perfect breakfast with health benefits!

What are the benefits of steel cut oats?

Steel cut oats are a whole grain, and as such, they contain more fiber than other types of oats. They also have a lower glycemic index, which means they won’t cause your blood sugar to spike as much as other types of oats. Steel cut oats are a healthy breakfast option that will keep you full until lunchtime!

A container of steel cut oats.

How do I make overnight steel cut oats in the Instant Pot?

Making overnight steel cut oats in the Instant Pot or slow cooker is super easy! The night before you want to eat your oatmeal, add your steel cut oats and water to the pot, close the lid and close the valve. Set the oats to cook for 4 minutes, then press Delay Start.

Set the Instant Pot to begin cooking about 30 minutes before you want to eat them in the morning. (for example 4:00 means it will star to pressure cook 4 hours from now). Go to bed and let it do it’s thing! In the morning you will have perfectly cooked, creamy oats that are ready to eat!

If you want to add some extra flavor overnight to your oats, you can stir in some milk, honey, or fruit before you put the lid on the Instant Pot. Then, in the morning, your oats will be even more delicious!

An Instant Pot and a container of steel cut oats.

How long should you cook steel cut oats?

Typically, steel cut oats take 30 minutes to cook. However, when made in the Instant Pot, they only take 4 minutes! This makes the Instant Pot the perfect tool for making these type of oats perfectly cooked.

What is the best way to eat steel cut oats?

There are endless ways to enjoy steel cut oats! You can eat them plain, or stir in some milk, honey, or fruit. You can also top them with nuts or seeds for a crunchy topping. Steel cut oats are delicious hot or cold, so feel free to enjoy them any way you like!

No matter how you choose to eat them, steel cut oats are a healthy and delicious breakfast option that will keep you full until lunchtime!

Ingredients to make steel cut oats in an instant pot.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Cups Steel Cut Oats
  • 4 Cups Liquid (water, almond milk, etc)

Step by Step Instructions:

[1] Add the steel cut oats and water to the Instant Pot.

Almond milk and steel cut oats in an instant pot.

[2] Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.

The lever on an instant pot lid set to seal.

[3] Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for a 4 minute cook time.

An instant pot set to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes to make steel cut oats.

4. Press the Delay Start button and set it to begin pressure cooking 20 minutes before you want to serve the oats.

An instant pot set to delay start for overnight steel cut oatmeal.

4. When the cook time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

An Instant pot set to natural release when making overnight steel cut oats.

5. Stir the oats and serve with milk, honey, or fruit. Enjoy!

Honey drizzled on instant pot overnight steel cut oats.

What’s the ratio of water to steel cut oats in the instant pot?

The water to steel cut oats ratio in the Instant Pot is 1:2. This means that for every 1 cup of steel cut oats, you’ll need 2 cups of water.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double this recipe! Simply double the ratio of steel cut oats and water by adding 4 cups of steel cut oats and 8 cups of water to the bottom of the pot. Cook for 4 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.

Your overnight oats will be twice as big, so you’ll have enough to feed a crowd!

A bowl of overnight instant pot steel cut oats with fruit and almonds.

Do I need to soak my steel cut oats before cooking them?

No, you don’t need to soak your steel cut oats before cooking them. However, if you’d like to, you can soak them overnight in water. This will help to soften them and reduce the cook time.

To soak your steel cut oats, simply add 1 cup of oats and 2 cups of water to a bowl. Cover and let sit overnight. In the morning, drain the water and add the

Allowing time for pressure build and release

This is crucial when making steel cut oats in the Instant Pot. If you don’t let the pressure release naturally, your oats will be undercooked and tough.

Milk poured over steel cut oatmeal cooked in an instant pot.

How can I make my steel cut oats even creamier?

If you want creamy oatmeal, you can stir in some milk before you put the lid on the Instant Pot. This will make them ultra creamy and delicious!

You can also add some butter to your oats after they’ve been cooked. This will give them a rich, velvety texture that is absolutely delicious!

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

No worries! You can still make this recipe without an Instant Pot. Simply add the oats and water to a saucepan and cook over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally, until the oats are cooked through.

When your oats are done, stir in some milk, honey, or fruit and enjoy!

No matter how you make them, overnight steel cut oats are a healthy and delicious breakfast option that will keep you full until lunchtime!

Topping ideas for oatmeal.

Steel Cut Oatmeal Toppings Ideas:

  • Milk
  • Honey
  • Maple syrup
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Chopped nuts
  • Peanut butter
  • Coconut milk
  • Splash of almond milk
  • Fresh fruit
  • Dried fruit
  • Shredded coconut
  • Chocolate

Do ahead/Storage Tips:

  • Cooked oats will last in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • To reheat, add a splash of milk and heat in the microwave until warmed through.

Can you freeze this recipe?

You can freeze overnight oats for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Steel Cut Oats vs. Rolled Oats – Which is Better?

A bowl of steel cut oats made in an instant pot overnight.

There are two main types of oats – steel cut oats and rolled oats. Both types of oats are healthy and nutritious, but they do have some differences.

Steel cut oats are the least processed type of oat. They are made by chopping the whole oat groats into small pieces. This gives them a chewy texture and a nutty flavor. Steel cut oats take the longest to cook, typically 30 minutes.

Three bowls one containing steel cut oats, one with rolled oats, and one with quick oats.

Rolled oats are made by steaming and rolling the oat groat. This process breaks down some of the oats’ natural fibers, making them quicker to cook. Rolled oats have a softer texture and a milder flavor. They can be cooked in as little as 5 minutes.

So, which type of oat is better? It really depends on your personal preference. If you like a chewy texture and a nutty flavor, then steel cut oats are for you. If you prefer a softer texture and a milder flavor, then rolled oats are the way to go.

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Cooking Time – How Long It Really Takes

When it comes to cooking steel cut oats in the Instant Pot, there is a lot of conflicting information out there. Some people say that it only takes 4 minutes, while others say that it takes closer to 30 minutes.

So, how long does it really take to cook steel cut oats in the Instant Pot? It all depends on how you like your oats. If you like them soft and creamy, then 4 minutes is the perfect cook time. If you prefer them to have a little bite, then you can cook them for up to 10 minutes.

A bowl of steel cut oatmeal with milk and honey.

Keep in mind that it takes the Instant Pot some time to build up pressure before it starts cooking, so the total cook time will be closer to 15 minutes.

Once the oats are done cooking, you’ll need to let the natural release of pressure happen for 10 minutes before opening the lid. This is important! If you don’t let the pressure release naturally, your oats will be undercooked and tough.

More Easy Breakfast Recipes to Make

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Yield: 4 Servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Additional Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 34 minutes

Instant Pot Overnight Steel Cut Oats are a quick and easy way to enjoy a hot and hearty breakfast with minimal effort. Simply add your oats, water, and any desired toppings to the Instant Pot, set it on the "porridge" setting, and let it work its magic overnight. In the morning, you'll wake up to perfectly cooked oats that are ready to be devoured. Instant Pot Overnight Steel Cut Oats are a great way to start your day or fuel up before a workout. They're also perfect for meal prep and can be easily tailored to your taste preferences. Give Instant Pot Overnight Steel Cut Oats a try next time you're looking for a delicious and hassle-free breakfast option. Bon appetit!

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Steel Cut Oats
  • 4 Cups Water or Almond Milk

Instructions

  1. Add the steel cut oats and water to the Instant Pot.
  2. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
  3. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for a 4 minute cook time.
  4. Press the Delay Start button and set it to begin pressure cooking 20 minutes before you want to serve the oats.
  5. When the cook time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  6. Stir the oats and serve with milk, honey, or fruit. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 Serving
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 317Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 17mgCarbohydrates: 56gFiber: 8gSugar: 3gProtein: 11g

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