Steel cut oats are the kind of breakfast that feels both comforting and nourishing.
They’re nutty, chewy, and hold up beautifully with fruit, nuts, or spices—especially when cooked right.
The Instant Pot makes it all hands-off.
No more stirring or watching the pot bubble over. Just press a button and you’ll have a warm, creamy bowl waiting.
And when you fold in blueberries—fresh or frozen—it turns into something that feels both cozy and a little indulgent.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This
If you’ve tried cooking steel cut oats on the stove, you know they take time and attention.
This method cuts both down without sacrificing that satisfying texture.
- No stovetop babysitting – Set it and forget it.
- Creamy texture – The pressure gently softens the oats without turning them mushy.
- Customizable – Add cinnamon, nut butter, or other fruit if you like.
- Naturally sweet – The blueberries burst into the oats and create their own sauce.
- Great for meal prep – Stores and reheats well for the week.
It’s breakfast that actually holds you over—and tastes good doing it.
What You’ll Need to Make It
This is a simple, wholesome list—each part brings texture or flavor.
The ingredients below make about 4 hearty servings.
Feel free to swap the milk with almond, oat, or soy if you’re going dairy-free.
How to Make Steel Cut Oats in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot takes care of everything here—no stirring, no splatter.
- Add oats, liquid, and salt – Combine steel cut oats, water, milk, and a pinch of salt directly in the Instant Pot insert.
- Pressure cook – Lock the lid, set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Natural release – Let the pressure release on its own for at least 10 minutes.
- Stir in blueberries and sweetener – Gently fold in blueberries and maple syrup while the oats are still hot.
- Serve or store – Add extra toppings if you like: more berries, a drizzle of nut butter, or chopped nuts.
You’ll get thick, warm oats with juicy bursts of blueberry in every bite.
Topping Ideas and Add-Ins
Blueberries pair with just about anything, so it’s easy to switch it up each morning.
Here are some extras we love adding:
Add-On | What It Brings |
---|---|
Chia seeds | Extra texture and fiber |
Cinnamon | Warmth and spice |
Almond butter | Richness and protein |
Toasted walnuts | Crunch and earthiness |
Banana slices | Natural sweetness |
Coconut flakes | Light, nutty lift |
Whether you like it simple or loaded, this is an easy base to build on.
How to Store and Reheat Steel Cut Oats
This recipe is perfect for batch cooking.
The oats thicken as they chill, but they come right back to life with a splash of milk or water.
Storage Tips
- Cool completely before storing.
- Refrigerate in sealed containers for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips
- Microwave – Add a splash of milk and reheat in short bursts, stirring in between.
- Stovetop – Warm gently in a small pot with added liquid until loosened.
Great for busy mornings or when you want a warm meal with zero effort.
FAQ: Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Can I use rolled oats instead?
Not in this recipe. Steel cut oats hold their shape better under pressure.
Can I double the batch?
Yes—just keep the ratio the same. The cook time doesn’t change.
What kind of milk works best?
Any! Dairy or plant-based both work—just avoid flavored varieties if you want to control sweetness.
Do I need to grease the pot?
Not necessary, but a quick spray of oil or butter on the bottom can help minimize sticking.
Can I mix in the blueberries before cooking?
You can, but they’ll break down more and lose their pop. Stirring them in after keeps their shape.
Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats with Blueberries
Equipment
- Instant Pot Used to pressure cook the oats
- Wooden Spoon To stir in blueberries after cooking
- Measuring Cups To measure oats and liquid
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats not quick-cooking
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk or non-dairy alternative
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup blueberries fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or to taste
Instructions
- Add steel cut oats, water, milk, and salt to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
- Secure lid. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow natural release for 10 minutes.
- After releasing remaining pressure, open lid and stir well.
- Fold in blueberries and maple syrup. Stir gently until combined.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like almond butter or nuts.
Notes
- Use dairy or non-dairy milk depending on your preference.
- Oats will thicken as they sit—add a splash of milk when reheating.
- Store in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.