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Start your morning on the right foot with my Instant Pot oatmeal recipe. It’s virtually hands-off, and the results are thick, creamy oats every time! It’s our family’s go-to breakfast for meal prep!
If you love oats for breakfast as much as we do, try my blueberry oatmeal, overnight steel cut oats, or chocolate oatmeal next!
Table of Contents
We probably have oatmeal more than any other breakfast because it’s quick, easy, and, most importantly, we don’t have to agree on toppings. As much as we love overnight oats, sometimes it’s nice to have warm oats on deck.
Que, this Instant Pot oats recipe. Thanks to the magic of the pressure cooker, you’re guaranteed fluffy, creamy oats with minimal hands-on time. Plus, you can walk away without worrying it’ll bubble over on the stovetop!
Why I love this recipe
- Hands-off. Unlike the stove top or the microwave, you don’t have to babysit these oats. The pressure cooker does all the work…and in just 6 minutes.
- Easy to customize. Like hot overnight oatmeal, you can add any toppings or flavorings you desire. I’ll leave some suggestions below!
- Scale up or down. I’ll give you the ratio of water to oats (no matter the size of your Instant Pot) so you can make a big batch whenever you need it.
- Perfect texture. The pressure cooker breaks down the oats, giving them a smooth and creamy texture with no actual dairy needed.
Key ingredients
- Rolled oats. I strongly recommend using old-fashioned oats and NOT quick-cooking oats or steel-cut oats, as they absorb liquid at different rates. Use gluten-free oats if needed.
- Salt. Just a pinch of salt brings out the natural sweetness of the oats.
- Vanilla extract. Gives a slight vanilla flavor.
- Milk. I used unsweetened almond milk, but any dairy or non-dairy milk will do.
How to make oatmeal in the Instant Pot
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Mix. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
Step 2- Pressure cook. Put the lid on and lock the pressure cooker. Cook on ‘Manual Pressure’ for 6 minutes, then let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes.
Step 3- Adjust. Once the pressure releases, remove the lid, stir the oats, and portion them into bowls. Add extra milk if needed.
Step 4- Assemble. Add your desired toppings.
Topping ideas
- Sliced bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, and cinnamon.
- Air fryer apples, apple pie spices, chia seeds, and pecans.
- Strawberries, honey, and a splash of cream.
- Blueberries, almond butter, and coconut flakes.
- Brown sugar and honey peanut butter.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Adjust the liquid. This recipe calls for 2 cups of oats for every 4 cups of liquid. If you prefer thicker oatmeal, reduce the milk to 3 ½ cups. If you prefer thin oatmeal, add an extra ½ cup of milk. When in doubt, use slightly less liquid since you can always add more later.
- Consider the size of your Instant Pot. I used an 8-quart Instant Pot for this recipe. If you were going to use a 10-quart Instant Pot, I’d recommend cooking 3 cups of oats and 6 cups of liquid, or else there may not be enough liquid in the pot, and you might get a ‘burn’ message.
- Don’t adjust the cooking time. Even when I doubled this recipe, I stuck with the same cooking time.
Frequently asked questions
I find using 4 cups of liquid for every 2 cups of oats to be the perfect ratio for getting creamy oatmeal.
Make sure to stir the oats so they’re fully coated in liquid, and add enough liquid to completely submerge them.
If your Instant Pot has an oatmeal button, add the oats and liquid, seal the cooker, and press the ‘Oatmeal’ button. It will cook the oats for a predetermined amount of time.
Instant Pot Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats gluten free, if needed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups milk I used unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In an Instant Pot, add the oats, salt, milk, and vanilla. If adding flavor boosters, add them in now (I sometimes add a cinnamon stick).
- Put the lid on and lock the Instant Pot (or pressure cooker). Cook on ‘Manual Pressure’ for 6 minutes, then let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes.
- Give everything a big stir and transfer the oats into bowls. Add extra milk or liquid if you prefer thinner oats.
- Add toppings and serve.
Can I use steel cut oats? If yes, would the ratio be different
I haven’t tried it myself, but feel free to experiment and see- I’d love to hear how it turns out!
What coffee brand do you actually use? Can’t wait to try this!
Hi Deblyn! I tend to like using nescafe blend 43 as it’s got the perfect amount of bitterness 🙂
Haha – I wonder why they called it a cowboy mocha? Do they think Aussies would be fooled into thinking its what ‘those cowboys in the wild west’ drink??!!
I’m always disappointed when I buy something that’s ‘salted caramel’ as its always lacking on the salt front… apart from salted caramel Lindt… that stuff is like gold!
That IS amazing!
This oatmeal! Hahahaha, no really, this looks super delicious and comforting! I love a warm curry stew, gooey chocolate cake and creamy sorbet! Those speak comfort to me! <3
WHOA. You’ve got me craving a warm curry stew now!
Whereas there are some caramel beverages at Starbucks Germany there is none with salted caramel as far as I know. Salted caramel is only reluctantly coming over here. And even if thery had it here I would propably only try it once and then curse over the following heartburn. But I love the taste. I like taste combinations like sweet and salty.
And I do really not mind your non-existent Starbucks fetish because I clearly don’t have one myself 😛
hahaha right? we want what we can’t have (consistently)
This looks really good with the caramel topping!
The caramel topping = amazing!
I’m with Nikki, I could down one of those Starbucks specialty drinks no problem, with whip and an extra shot of espresso. 😉
oh whip me, coffee. 😀
I would totally rather than have this than an actual salted caramel mocha. Only because I feel like it would be more acceptable to face plant into a bowl of oatmeal than a mocha…. right?
Right! Thanks Megan!
I just made maple and brown sugar slow cooker oatmeal and it is really good! I wish I had seen this first because it looks great! I think you should stick with the cowboy name though 🙂
Thanks Ellie! I saw your recipe and it looked so delicious- Thick and hearty 🙂
Believe it or not, I just got a new slow cooker…I’ve been slow cooker-less for several years now after I washed my old one and then it quit working. Imagine that. I’m pretty sure I need a HUGE pot of this oatmeal going in my kitchen all weekend. Yes, all weekend. Well done!
YESS. Although apples in the slow cooker = BOMB. Seriously, all your million apples can be put in there 😀 😉
Not a morning person, but I would set my alarm early and jump out of bed for this bowl of yum!!! Great breakfast Arman!
Thanks Allie. The caramel sauce is so versatile..I just doused my granola with it 😀
I have zero favourites at the “Bux (lol). Their syrups make my stomach turn…blech, yes, even two pumps are too sweet! This however, looks divine 🙂
Thanks so much- They can be quite sweet!
From here on out, I will now be referring to Starbucks as The ‘Bux. Thank you.
I’m not a fan of caramel, don’t judge 🙁 but I’d try this because I’ve never made a non-delicious recipe from your site.
And McDonalds as Maccas please.
OMG that looks so good! I can’t believe you made it in the slow cooker! I wasn’t actually a fan of the Starbucks salted caramel mocha, but I am all over salted caramel gelato.
Salted caramel gelato > coffee. YESSSS!
What a fantastic idea for oats. I can’t resist anything with caramel in the mix.
You and me both, Kristi! 🙂
You ARE hardcore. Extra coffee granules? Walkin’ on the wild side.
I’ve never had the salted caramel mocha at Starbucks, sounds like a sugar headache waiting to happen! I do, however, love the sound of caramel oatmeal. I refuse to eat plain oatmeal because it’s gross.
Favorite hot beverage? Grande Americano, obviously.
I want to shove my face right in this. Seriously delicious recipe right there!
And, salting pickles would be something I’d want to see. hehe 😀
hahaha I’m serious- I’d totally do that!
Yum. I love oatmeal!! I am quite interested in your caramel sauce. I must make that!
Seriously, it’s so versatile- I topped my granola with it!
I’ve actually never had that at Sbux, I always opt for the healthy unsweetened Iced green tea.
And, yes, I know I could make it at home for free. Whatever. I love it.
ALMOST as much as these oats. Oats are my LIFE, so I need this goodness! Pinned!
YESSS. Thanks buddy!
Yep, sbucks crazy sweet!!! This I have gotta try! And I am on my way for a Cowboy Mocha 🙂
🙂 Cheers!
I agree with you… Starbucks drinks are wayyyy too sweet. I always ask for mine to be half sweetened. It makes them easier to drink!
Such a good idea- I never thought of that. Will report back my (sweet tooth) findings!
Salted caramel is awesome although I don’t like it in drink form – this looks so much better plus you know I love my coconut sugar for everything 🙂
I go through so much cocout sugar, it’s so bad- I need shares in them haha!