Easy Instant Pot Old Fashioned Oatmeal

Getting a warm, filling breakfast on the table during busy mornings can feel like an impossible task. Between packing lunches, searching for lost shoes, and trying to get everyone out the door on time, who has time to stand over the stove stirring oatmeal for 30 minutes?

That’s why this Instant Pot old fashioned oatmeal has become my morning lifesaver. It’s hands-off, foolproof, and gives you that comforting bowl of creamy oatmeal without any babysitting at the stove – perfect for those hectic weekday mornings when you need a hearty breakfast that practically makes itself.

What Kind of Oats Should I Use?

Traditional rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats) are the perfect choice for this Instant Pot recipe, though you might be wondering about other varieties you see at the store. Steel-cut oats take longer to cook and need more liquid, while quick oats can turn mushy under pressure cooking conditions. Regular rolled oats hit the sweet spot – they hold their shape nicely while cooking up tender and creamy. Just make sure you don’t accidentally grab instant oats (the kind that come in packets), as these are too finely processed and won’t give you that classic, hearty oatmeal texture. When shopping, look for rolled oats in the bulk section or in cardboard canisters – they should look like thick, flat discs rather than fine pieces or rough cuts.

Options for Substitutions

This oatmeal recipe is super adaptable and you can make lots of swaps based on what you have:

• Rolled oats: This is the one ingredient you shouldn’t substitute, as instant oats will turn mushy and steel-cut oats need different cooking times and liquid ratios. Stick with traditional rolled oats for the best results.
• Butter: You can skip the butter entirely or replace it with coconut oil, ghee, or a pat of your favorite plant-based butter.
• Water: Feel free to use any type of milk instead of water, or do half water, half milk. Just note that plant-based milk might foam up a bit more during cooking.
• Sweeteners: Any sweetener works here! Try date syrup, agave nectar, coconut sugar, or even mashed banana for natural sweetness.
• Toppings: The fun part is mixing up your toppings! Swap fresh fruits for frozen or dried fruits, try different nuts and seeds, or use granola for crunch. No nut butter? Try sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for something different.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making Instant Pot oatmeal is using quick-cooking or instant oats instead of traditional rolled oats – these faster-cooking varieties can turn mushy and lose their texture under pressure. Another common error is adding milk during the pressure cooking process, which can cause the oatmeal to stick to the bottom and trigger the dreaded “burn” notice – stick to water for cooking and add your milk after. To prevent a gummy texture, avoid stirring the oats too much after cooking; instead, let them rest for 5-10 minutes with the lid on, which allows them to achieve the perfect consistency. For the creamiest results, add your butter right after cooking while the oatmeal is still hot, and remember to use the natural release method rather than quick release to prevent oatmeal from sputtering through the valve.

What to Serve With Oatmeal?

Starting your day with a warm bowl of oatmeal opens up so many tasty possibilities for mix-ins and side dishes! A protein-rich option like a hard-boiled egg or turkey bacon helps balance out the meal and keeps you feeling full longer. For extra nutrients, I love serving oatmeal with a side of fresh fruit salad or some berries that aren’t already mixed into the oats themselves. If you’re hosting brunch, try setting up an oatmeal bar with different toppings and serving it alongside some crispy hash browns or breakfast sausage for a hearty morning spread.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Your cooked oatmeal will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep – I often make a big batch on Sunday and portion it out for the week. Just remember to let it cool completely before storing.

Freeze: Want to plan even further ahead? Portion your cooled oatmeal into freezer-safe containers or silicone muffin molds and freeze for up to 3 months. This is super handy for those busy mornings when you need a quick breakfast!

Warm Up: When you’re ready to enjoy your stored oatmeal, add a splash of milk or water and heat it up in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. If it’s too thick, just add more liquid until you reach your preferred consistency. Then top with fresh fruits, nuts, or your favorite toppings!

Meal Prep Tip: If you’re prepping for the week, store your toppings separately and add them just before eating. This keeps everything fresh and prevents your nuts from getting soggy or your fruit from breaking down.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	12-18 minutes
Total Time	17-28 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 400-450
• Protein: 12-15 g
• Fat: 8-10 g
• Carbohydrates: 70-80 g

Ingredients

• 2 cups traditional rolled oats
• 4 cups water (refer to notes)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh fruits
• Sweetener (such as honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar)
• Assorted nuts and seeds
• Nut spread (like peanut or almond butter)
• Milk (options include almond, oat, soy, dairy, etc.)
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot

Begin by adding oats, water and/or milk, butter (if using), and a pinch of salt to your Instant Pot.

Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and distributed evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Oats

Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure it is properly locked.

Set the Instant Pot to cook the oats for 2 minutes on high pressure.

Keep in mind that it will take approximately 5-8 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach full pressure before the cooking time begins.

Step 3: Release Pressure Safely

Once the cooking time is completed, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes.

After this time, carefully manually release any remaining pressure.

Wait until the pressure valve drops and all steam has been released before carefully removing the lid.

Step 4: Serve and Add Toppings

Enjoy your freshly cooked oats immediately, topping them with your favorite ingredients such as fruits, nuts, sweeteners, or spices to suit your taste.

Serve hot and relish the comforting warmth of these perfectly cooked oats.