Instant Pot oatmeal is easy enough to make on a weekday, and it’s a delicious and comforting way to start your day with a healthy breakfast.
I’ve made my cinnamon maple oatmeal on the stovetop and in the microwave for years. But making it in the Instant Pot is now my go-to method.
Why? It certainly isn’t any quicker. The benefit to me though? It is 100% hands off, and it stays warm and ready-to-eat right until I am ready to eat it.
Typically, I will make this right when I wake up, and then I go shower and get dressed while it is cooking. Hooray for being a 100% hands off recipe!🎉🤸🏼♂️ This is true for either method.
That is the main benefit to me for making it in the Instant Pot?. I cannot tell you how many times I have boiled over oatmeal on the stovetop or in the microwave. It makes such a mess!😫 That is never a problem cooking it this way. 🙌🏻
There are two ways to make oatmeal in your Instant Pot: (1) the pot in pot method and (2) the regular method. I will explain each.
Ingredients
For tastiest results, always use the best quality ingredients you have access to. And the ingredient list is fairly simple:
- oats
- almond milk
- water
- cinnamon
- vanilla
- real maple syrup.
How to make Instant Pot oatmeal – pot in pot method
Making Instant Pot oatmeal with the pot-in-pot method is often called PIP for short. So why use this method? I like pot in pot method for single servings or smaller batches. Easy cleanup is also a benefit.
I also like using this method because I don’t have to worry about scorching. We occasionally like to make our oatmeal with cow’s milk (in place of the almond milk in the recipe below), and that can sometimes scorch/ burn.
I often use the pot in pot method to make a single bowl, and I cook it in the container I plan to eat it in. Less dishes for the win!🙌🏻 The bowl will be hot, though, so be sure and use a folded towel or heat absorbing oven pad. Or you can make it in a bigger bowl, if you plan to make a few servings.
You want a 2:1 ratio of your liquids to oats. Your liquids include water, milk, vanilla and any liquid sweeteners. I use 100% pure maple syrup in this recipe because it is our go-to. I make that part of the liquids.
Also, this method suits small batches best since you are somewhat limited with the pot in pot capacity. We have made anywhere from 1 to 3 servings using this method. (This will vary depending on the size of your inner pot.)
We just place all ingredients in a glass bowl. Make sure it will fit inside your Instant Pot! We most often use this glass 4 cup measuring dish from this Pyrex set. (Amazon affiliate)
Then cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, and allow the pot to naturally release. This method takes a bit more time. Usually I will get it going in my Instant Pot, and then go shower, dress myself or dress my kids until it is ready.
Instant Pot oatmeal (regular method)
What I mean by the “regular method” is making it straight inside the inner pot.
I made it in the stainless pot (that comes with the Instant Pot) for years. And that works fine.
I must say, though, I am really loving the ceramic non-stick coated version of the inner pot. (Amazon affiliate link) It makes cleanup a breeze! And I find myself making this way a lot more often these days. That being said, do not feel like you must purchase an extra pot. It works great in the stainless pot too.👌🏻
So what is the regular method good for? Big batches! I will make a big pot of this (6 adult sized servings, i.e., 3 cups dry oats). It also cooks a little quicker. And you can still walk off and leave it for longer, if you need to. We use the leftovers to reheat and eat on busy school mornings. More on that in a second!
I just cook mine on low pressure for 2 minutes, and I allow for at least 10 minutes of natural release. Then release any remaining pressure.
When you open the pot, it will look a bit separated, like this.
It may or may not have an extra layer of liquid floating at the top. This batch sat for a few extra minutes, while I got my camera set up. Just give everything a good stir until it is well-mixed, like this.
Optional step: if it is too thick for your liking, add a splash of almond milk or water, and stir to combine.
If it is too thin, let it sit with the lid off for a couple minutes, stirring once or twice, and it will thicken up on its own.👌🏻
Toppings
I love topping mine with some fresh fruit, like strawberries, bananas and blueberries.
Other toppings we use, depending on our mood: a dollop of nut butter (peanut butter or almond butter are our favorites), chopped nuts, chia seeds, apples, pear slices, brown sugar, chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless!
How to reheat leftover Instant Pot oatmeal
Like I mentioned earlier, I love making a big batch of this and reheating it for a quick breakfast all week. My kids love it too!
We prefer to reheat ours in the microwave. Pulling back out the Instant Pot seems a bit silly for us, just for reheating purposes. If you are going to to that, for us at least, we’d just assume make a fresh batch! Most of y’all probably agree, but I know there are a few anti-microwave people out there. You do you, friends. I’m just sharing how we do ours.😉🙃
So here is what we do to reheat ours in the microwave. It will be more of like a solid chunk, very thick. I spoon out however much we want in a serving, and I use the spoon to break it up into smaller chunks. This helps it to heat more evenly.
The I pour a splash of almond milk (or water!) over the top. I never measure, but I would recommend about 1/4 cup. I don’t stir yet. I heat it for about a minute, and then I remove it and stir. I use the back of my spoon to break up any chunks be pressing them against the bowl.
After that, I return it to the microwave and heat another 45 seconds or so, until it gets hot enough for me. This may vary by microwave. Then stir again, and add any toppings.
I hope y’all enjoy making Instant Pot oatmeal as much as we do! Let me know if you try it.
Tools Used
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- Measuring spoons
- Dry ingredient measuring cups
- Measuring cup
- Glass bowl to use as your bowl-in-pot. The above pyrex glass measuring cup fits in our pot, FYI.
FAQ
I have literally never used that button.🤣 It is just not necessary. I use high pressure for pot-in-pot, and I use low pressure for the regular method.
No matter what combination of liquids you use, I recommend staying pretty close to a 2:1 ration of liquid:oats.
Again, I have literally never used that button.🤣 It is just not necessary. I use high pressure for pot-in-pot, and I use low pressure for the regular method.
No, there is no superiority, just different preferences. They are literally the same raw material. The main difference is that quick oats are chopped into smaller pieces in order to cook faster. I like the old fashioned whole oats myself.
All oatmeal is just oat grain, cut in different shapes: steel cut, old fashioned and quick cooking. There is no superiority, just preference.
Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe (Pot in Pot Method)
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Instant Pot Oatmeal
Instant Pot oatmeal is easy enough to make on a weekday, and it’s a delicious and comforting way to start your day.
Ingredients
Pot-in-pot method (amounts for 1 serving, but you can do up to 3)
- 1/2 cup dry old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (any milk will work)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons 100% maple syrup (more or less to taste)
- water – enough to fill up 1/2 cup including the vanilla and maple syrup
- small pinch salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup water in the inner stainless pot for steaming (do not use for regular method)
Regular method (4 servings)
- 2 cups oats dry
- 2 cups almond milk plain, unsweetened
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (more or less, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground (more or less: you can adjust this for your own tastes)
- pinch salt
Instructions
Pot-in-pot method
-
Pour 1 cup water into the inner stainless steel pot, and add a trivet; place the glass bowl on top.
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Add dry oats and almond milk to glass bowl.
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Add vanilla and maple syrup to 1/2 measuring cup, plus enough water to fill to capacity, and add to glass bowl. (Vanilla + maple syrup + enough water = 1/2 cup)
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Add salt and cinnamon to glass bowl, stirring to combine.
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Place the lid on, lock and seal it, and cook at manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
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Allow the pot to do a full natural pressure release (NPR).
Regular method
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Add all ingredients to the inner cooking pot.
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Put the lid on, lock it, set to sealing and cook on manual low pressure for 2 minutes.
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Allow the pressure to release naturally (NPR) for at least 10 minutes, and quick release any remaining pressure. (Note: it will not hurt to let it sit longer than this, if you need to)
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After making sure all pressure is released, carefully remove the lid, and stir the oatmeal.
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Serve and enjoy! We love ours with a spoon of peanut butter, berries, sliced bananas, etc.
Recipe Notes
Nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator.
We have made up to 3 servings using the pot-in-pot instructions, and 8 servings using the regular method.
I like to prepare this right when I wake up. I then shower and get dressed while it is cooking. It stays warm and ready to eat for up to an hour after cooking.
If it is too thick for your liking, add a splash of almond milk or water, and stir to combine.
If it is too thin, let it sit with the lid off for a couple minutes, stirring once or twice, and it will thicken up on its own.👌🏻
Note: This recipe originally appeared on A Pinch of Healthy 2/28/18. It has been updated with new photos and additional instructions.
Kinitopet.Org says
This oatmeal recipe looks amazing! I love the idea of having two different methods to choose from. Can’t wait to try it out for breakfast tomorrow! Thanks for sharing!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Enjoy!
Marie Monday says
Twice I’ve tried this with my pot-in-pot vessel being a pint mason jar. Twice the jar has broken.
Any advice?
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
I am so sorry to hear this Marie! I’ve never had this happen. You aren’t using lids are you? That is the only thing I can think of that may cause this. Leave lids off for sure. Otherwise, I would recommend using the other method in your case, just to be on the safe side.
Potion One says
Pot in pot method, I added one diced apple, 1/8 tsp turmeric, 1/8 tsp ginger,pinch black pepper, pinch cayenne, increased the cinnamon to taste, a squirt of fresh lemon juice. YUM. Thanks for this recipe. I don’t have to tend it!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Yay! Glad you enjoyed it.
Malissa says
Thank you for the recipe that is very simple to follow and I get some new information from the post.
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
I am glad you enjoyed it Malissa!
Rosamund Noll says
Why do you say 2:1 liquid to oats ratio then specify 1/2 a cup of each? I’m currently waiting for mine to cook having put in 1/3 a cup of each and m fairly sure it isn’t going to work. I’d never use 1:1 in a pan for porridge. Odd. Let’s see!
Rosamund Noll says
Oh no! My mistake!!! 1/2 cup water AND milk. Arghhhhhh
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
You got it😉👌🏻 I hope you enjoy it!
Karren says
My 1st attempt at oats and my 1st attempt at pot in pot method. I am pleased to say it worked out perfectly. Thank you for your easy to follow and easy to understand information. Thank you for your wonderful recipe. Can’t wait to start experimenting with some flavours 👍
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Yay!💖
Viv says
Super creamy! Loved this recipe!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
I am so glad to hear it, Viv! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.🙏🏻