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Instant Pot Oatmeal with rolled oats

Posted on Last updated: Categories Breakfast, Healthy, Instant Pot, Kid Friendly, Oats, Vegetarian

By: Author Maria Doss

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Creamy Instant Pot Oatmeal with rolled oats is a hands off oatmeal recipe and is made directly in the instant pot (NOT POT-IN-POT METHOD). This is creamy, comforting and delicious with various seasonal toppings.

2 black bowl with instant pot oatmeal topped with fresh berries and wooden spoon to eat.

Oatmeal recipes are always a family favorite for breakfast. It is comforting, filling and nourishing. Though I love a bowl of creamy stove top oatmeal, I tend to gravitate towards my favorite instant pot for a hands off oatmeal recipe!

Though cooking oatmeal in an instant pot has been around, the most popular method has been a pot-in-pot (sometimes shortened to PIP). This method of cooking allows food to cook in a separate bowl that’s placed on a steam rack or trivet, in the Instant Pot. Since any recipe that involves milk is notorious to burn in the bottom of the stainless steel insert.

Alas, after several tries we have come with clever tricks to avoid the dreaded BURN signal.

THE SECRETS:

1. Covering the bottom with a thin layer of butter

It involves brushing the bottom of the stainless steel inner pot (not heated) with a thick layer of room temperature butter.

This helps in forming a protective sealing and also adds a touch of butteriness to the oatmeal. Butter makes everything better, right?

2. Layering liquids 

If you read the recipe instructions, you will notice a DO NOT STIR in bold letters. That is because, we are adapting a layering technique, where the dairy ( which has a tendency to burn in an instant pot base) is poured on top and not stirring it. GAME CHANGER!

Many instant pot oatmeal recipes call for steel cut oats. Though my husband and I enjoy the chewy, nutty taste of steel cut oats, my children tend to enjoy the regular oats.

So, I created a recipe for rolled oats instant pot oatmeal that does not require any complicated methods of cooking.

Instant Pot Oatmeal with rolled oats is-

How do you cook oatmeal in the instant pot?

(Method with step-by-step photos )

Brush the bottom of the stainless steel inner pot with a thin layer of room temperature (not melted).

Pour in water, oats and salt, give a stir. Pour milk on top and DO NOT STIR. Cover and cook 7 minutes and let it warm for 10 minutes. Release pressure, open and stir in your favorite add-ins and enjoy.

Expert tips in making an Instant Pot old fashioned oats that does not burn-

Layering liquids – If you read the recipe instructions, you will notice a DO NOT STIR in bold letters. That is because, we are adapting a layering technique, where the dairy ( which has a tendency to burn in an instant pot base) is poured on top and not stirring it. GAME CHANGER!

Fat – Brush the bottom of the stainless steel inner pot (not heated) with a thick layer of room temperature butter. This helps in forming a protective sealing and also adds a touch of butteriness to the oatmeal.

Old fashioned oats – This recipe is developed to work only for old fashioned / rolled oats. Steel cut oats need a longer cooking time and more liquid whereas quick oats ends up very mushy.

Don’t forget salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavor without making it bland.

Room temperature butter – Cold butter will not spread easy and melted butter will not form a seal. So, it is extremely important for the butter to be room temperature.

Double the recipe – Double the recipe but DO NOT ALTER COOKING TIME. The instant pot will automatically take longer to come to pressure.

Instant Pot Size – This recipe has been tested in both 3-quart and 8-quart instant pots.

Want to make a healthier instant pot oatmeal recipe? Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar.

Oatmeal Variations:

Banana nut – Stir in sliced or chopped banana, chopped walnuts and cinnamon into the cooked oatmeal

Chocolate Peanut butter – Stir in peanut butter, cocoa powder and honey into the cooked oatmeal.

Apples, cinnamon and walnuts – Refer Instant pot apple, cinnamon oatmeal recipe

Maple and Brown sugar – Stir in maple syrup, brown sugar, chopped toasted pecans and cinnamon.

Strawberries and cream – Stir in chopped strawberries, a splash of heavy cream (or coconut milk for a healthier take) and honey into the cooked oatmeal

Pina Colada – Stir in finely chopped pineapple, shredded coconut and a dash of coconut milk into the oatmeal

Black forest cake – Stir in chopped fresh Bing cherries, cocoa powder, sugar, a dash of cherry liqueur and whipped cream into the cooked oatmeal

Birthday Cake – Stir in sugar, vanilla extract and sprinkles into the oatmeal

Pumpkin spice – Stir in brown sugar, canned pumpkin puree, pumpkin puree and a splash of cream into the oatmeal

a hand stirring hot oatmeal in instant pot
a hand holding a ladle filled with oatmeal that is garnished with blueberries and chopped walnuts, above an instant pot with oatmeal

More breakfast recipes: Almond Butter Pancakes, Blueberry Waffles, Air Fryer French Toast, Healthy Waffles, Eggless Pancakes, Belgian Waffles, Sheet Pan Pancakes, Blueberry Pancakes muffins and Doughnuts.

Oatmeal toppings:

This oatmeal recipe is a basic canvas for your favorite toppings. Here are a few suggestions-

Fresh fruits – Sliced bananas, chopped strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or blackberries.

Dried fruits – Raisins, dried cranberries, chopped dates or chopped dried apricots

Nuts – Chopped toasted almonds, pecans, walnuts or peanuts

Seeds – Flax seeds, toasted sesame seeds (black or white), pumpkin seeds or sun flower seeds

Spices – Ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, ground cardamom or pumpkin spice

Nut butter – peanut, almond or sun butter

Decadent ideas – Chocolate chips, grated dark chocolate, whipped cream, Nutella or sprinkles

Sweeteners – Maple syrup, honey, date syrup, brown sugar, coconut sugar or plain sugar

Frequently asked questions:

Why does my oatmeal burn in my instant pot?

There are several reasons to get the burn message – Not enough liquid, very thick liquids, milk or cream tends to scald easily, the venting knob is not in sealing position or steam is releasing from silicone sealing ring.

How long does oatmeal stay fresh?

Cooked and cooled oatmeal can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

How to reheat oatmeal?

Microwave the oatmeal in a microwave safe container along with a splash of milk or water to loosen up. Add your favorite topping and enjoy.

2 black bowl with instant pot oatmeal topped with fresh berries and wooden spoon to eat.

Oats, OATS and more oats:

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Yield: 3 Servings

Instant Pot Oatmeal with rolled oats

Instant Pot Oatmeal with rolled oats

Creamy Instant Pot Oatmeal with rolled oats is a hands off oatmeal recipe and is made directly in the instant pot (NOT POT-IN-POT METHOD). This is creamy, comforting and delicious with various seasonal toppings. 

Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 9 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon room temperature butter
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup old fashioned oats (rolled oats)
  • 2 pinches salt
  • 1 cup milk 

Additional ingredients

  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup brown sugar 
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Using a pastry brush, spread butter all around the bottom of the stainless steel inner pot (use all the butter).

2. Add water, oats and salt and gently stir to combine.

3. Pour milk on top, but DO NOT STIR.

4. Close and lock lid (making sure that valve is set to seal), cook on manual for 7 minutes. When cooking time is done, let instant pot be in warm mode for 10 minutes (13 to 14 minutes if using a 3-quart pot).

5. Release pressure (by turning valve to vent), open, add brown sugar, chopped walnuts, cinnamon and more milk or water (if you want it thinner consistency). Stir and serve.

(Refer notes for other flavor variations)

Notes

Instant Pot Size – This recipe has been tested in both 3-quart and 8-quart instant pots.

To meal prep - Cook and cool oatmeal. Divide them into individual serving glass jars (or any microwavable container), cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To re heat - Add a touch of milk or water to the cold oatmeal and microwave (remove lid) for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir well before eating.

Gluten-Free - To make gluten free oatmeal use gluten free oats

Old fashioned oats – This recipe is developed to work only of old fashioned / rolled oats. Steel cuts need a longer cooking time and more liquid whereas quick oats ends up very mushy.

Don’t forget salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavor without making it bland.

Double the recipe – Double the recipe but DO NOT ALTER COOKING TIME. The instant pot will automatically take longer to come to pressure.

Oatmeal Variations:

Banana nut – Stir in sliced or chopped banana, chopped walnuts and cinnamon into the cooked oatmeal

Chocolate Peanut butter – Stir in peanut butter, cocoa powder and honey into the cooked oatmeal.

Apples, cinnamon and walnuts – Refer Instant pot apple, cinnamon oatmeal recipe

Maple and Brown sugar – Stir in maple syrup, brown sugar, chopped toasted pecans and cinnamon.

Strawberries and cream – Stir in chopped strawberries, a splash of heavy cream (or coconut milk for a healthier take) and honey into the cooked oatmeal

Pina Colada – Stir in finely chopped pineapple, shredded coconut and a dash of coconut milk into the oatmeal

Black forest cake – Stir in chopped fresh Bing cherries, cocoa powder, sugar, a dash of cherry liqueur and whipped cream into the cooked oatmeal

Birthday Cake – Stir in sugar, vanilla extract and sprinkles into the oatmeal

Pumpkin spice – Stir in brown sugar, canned pumpkin puree, pumpkin puree and a splash of cream into the oatmeal

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

3

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 303Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 173mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 4gSugar: 15gProtein: 8g

I am not a certified dietician or nutritionist. You are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to your health. This information is provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is a product of online calculator such as Nutrifox.com.. Although Kitchen at Hoskins attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their fact sources and algorithms. Under no circumstances will Kitchen at Hoskins be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the nutritional information. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

© Maria Doss
Cuisine: American / Category: Breakfast

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