How to Make Oatmeal (Stovetop and Instant Pot)

Oatmeal is a staple meal that everyone should know how to make. Learn How to Make Oatmeal in both the Stovetop and Instant Pot. Super easy to make and makes for a nutrient-dense, wholesome breakfast. Level up with a wide variety of topping ideas!

How to Make Oatmeal (Stovetop and Instant Pot)

Oatmeal is a staple in our home. We eat oatmeal for breakfast at least 3-4 times a week. Sometimes, we even have it for dinner. It’s a nutrient-dense and wholesome meal that can really be enjoyed at any time of the day. Nothing beats a bowl of warm oatmeal for breakfast. Especially on a chilly fall or winter morning. It is actually pretty easy to make oatmeal. Whether you make it on the stovetop or Instant Pot, the result is creamy, dense, tasty oatmeal.

Ingredients needed to make Oatmeal:

• Rolled Oats- Also known as Old Fashioned Oats. Make sure they are gluten-free certified if you need your oats to be gluten-free.
• Water– To cook the oats in.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk– Or any milk of choice. Milk makes your oatmeal creamier.
• Pink Sea Salt– Adds flavor.
• Cinnamon- Optional but it adds more flavor to your oats. Oats tend to be very bland. You can either use ground cinnamon or 1-2 cinnamon sticks.

Equipment needed to make Oatmeal:

• Instant Pot– If using this method, a 6 qt or 8 qt IP will work just fine.
• Large Pot– If you are using the stovetop method.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons– To measure ingredients.
• Spatula– For stirring.
• Ladle– For serving oatmeal.

How to Make Oatmeal on the Stovetop:

• Step 1– Pour water in a large saucepan and place on stovetop on medium-high heat. Bring water to a boil and add oats, salt and cinnamon (if using). Give oats a stir and bring back to a boil. Turn heat down to low and cover with lid. 

• Step 2– Simmer oats for 12-15 minutes stirring occasionally. Make sure to keep heat on low. Higher heat will cause oats to rise and for water to overflow out of the pot resulting in a big mess. 
• Step 3– Once oats have simmered in water, pour in milk and give it another quick stir spreading the milk evenly. Cover pot again with lid and simmer for another 5 minutes. 

• Step 4– Remove oatmeal from heat. Serve immediately and top with preferred toppings.

How to Make Oatmeal on the Instant Pot:

• Step 1– Pour water into Instant Pot then add oats, salt, cinnamon (if using) and milk. 

• Step 2– Close Instant Pot lid and turn the steam release valve to the sealing position. Press “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button and set cooking timer for 2 minutes. At this point, the Instant Pot will take some time to build up and reach pressure. The pot will beep and timer will then begin to countdown.

• Step 3– Allow NPR for 20-25 minutes. Slowly and carefully turn steam release valve to steam release to finish releasing pressure. If valve starts to leak, quickly turn it back to sealing position and allow NPR to completely finish. 
• Step 4– Open IP lid and serve oatmeal immediately with preferred toppings.

Tips on How To Make Oatmeal:

1. When cooking on stovetop, make sure to simmer on low heat and to keep pot covered- cooking oatmeal on high heat will cause it to overflow and pour out of pot making a huge mess.
2. When cooking in Instant Pot, be sure to allow pressure to be naturally released for at least 20-25 minutes- If you release pressure before that, all the liquid will overflow and make a huge mess.
3. Be sure to use rolled oats (also known as old fashion oats)- You don’t want to use quick oats or steel cut oats for these cooking directions. There is a difference in the grain itself between these oats and cooking times will vary.
4. Cook oatmeal in large batches to have ready to-go in the fridge- Keep oatmeal in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
5. Get creative with your toppings- oatmeal can be very boring. Add some fun toppings for more flavor, color and nutrition!

Toppings ideas for your Oatmeal:

One of the great things about oatmeal is that it makes for a wholesome and nutrient-dense meal. However, it can also be a very boring meal on its own. Adding toppings to your bowl of oatmeal will not only make it less boring, it will also add flavor, color, and even nutrition. Some of our favorite oatmeal toppings include:

• Fresh Fruit– We love fresh berries or banana slices.
• Frozen Fruit– Wild blueberries are one of our favorites.
• Seeds– Chia and hemp are our favorites.
• Raw Nuts– Raw walnuts, almonds, pecans, or pistachios are all great.
• Dark Chocolate Chips– Either morsels or chocolate chunks.
• Coconut Flakes– Slightly toast them for more flavor.
• Nut Butter– Peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter are all great.
• Cacao Powder– To make them chocolate oats.
• Cinnamon– Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Collagen Peptides– Makes oatmeal creamier and adds protein.
• Protein Powder- Adds protein to your oatmeal. Great for a post-workout meal.
• Greek Yogurt– Adds more protein and creaminess.

Variations:

Aside from adding toppings to your oatmeal, you can also add spices and other ingredients to your oats while they are cooking. This will make them more flavorful and you can come up with endless variations. Some of my favorite flavor variations are:

• Chocolate Oatmeal– Add 1-2 tbsps of cacao powder and maple syrup to your oats as they simmer. They will have a nice chocolatey flavor.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter– Add 1-2 tbsps of cacao powder, maple syrup and about 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Top with banana slices and chocolate chips.
• Apple Cinnamon– Dice an apple and stir into your oats as they are cooking. Add 1-2 tsp cinnamon and 1-2 tbsp maple syrup. Top with more apple slices, walnuts or pecans, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Blueberry and Vanilla– Add some frozen blueberries to your oats as they cook. Add 1-2 scoops of vanilla protein powder. Serve and top with some fresh blueberries.
• Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal– Add about 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree to your oats as they are cooking. Along with 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice and 1/4 cups maple syrup.
• Savory Oatmeal– Cook your oats as is and top with savory ingredients for some savory oatmeal. Top with sautéed veggies, boiled or fried eggs, avocado, etc.

How To Make Oatmeal FAQ’s:

What are the different kinds of oats?

There are 3 different kids of oats that you will usually find at your local grocery store. They are different and the way that you cook them does make a difference.

1. Old Fashioned Oats– Also knows as rolled oats, are processed by steaming oat groats to soften them. They are then pressed into flat flakes using large rollers. They cook pretty fast and are often used to make oatmeal, granola, granola bars, cookies, etc.
2. Steel Cut Oats– Also known as Irish oats, are whole oat kernels that have been cut into two or three pieces with steel blades. They have a chewier and take longer to cook. Resulting in a creamier porridge.
3. Quick Oats– These oats are similar to old fashioned oats. However, they are steamed longer and rolled even more thinly. These are the quickest oats to cook and do end up with a mushier texture.

What is the ratio of oatmeal to water?

The ratio of oats to water to make oatmeal, depends on what kid of oats you are using. For old fashioned oats (or rolled oats), you want to use a 1 part oats to 2 parts water ratio. For quick oats, generally it is the same ratio as old fashioned oats. For steel cut oats you want to use 3/4-1 cup of water for every 1/4 cup of oats.

Do you boil oatmeal in milk or water?

You want to boil your oats in water to cook them into oatmeal. You can then add milk of choice to make your oatmeal creamer.

Storing Oatmeal:

Place any leftover oatmeal in an airtight container. You can keep your cooked oatmeal refrigerated for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, add oatmeal to a saucepan with a splash of milk. Bring to a simmer and heat until warm enough for your liking. Add more milk if you wish until desired consistency is reached.

Freezing Oatmeal:

I like freezing my oatmeal in portions so that I only thaw-out what I need. To freeze oatmeal, use a silicone muffin pan and place on a sheet pan. Scoop oatmeal into each muffin pan and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours. Remove frozen oatmeal from muffin pan and place in a large freezer bag. Keep frozen for up to 3-6 months.

Did you like this recipe for How to Make Oatmeal? You may also like these other oat recipes:

• Overnight Oats
• Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal
• Baked Apple-Pecan Oatmeal
• Homemade Chocolate Oat Milk
• Healthy Breakfast Cookies
• Baked Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

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How to Make Oatmeal (Stovetop and Instant Pot)

Oatmeal is a staple meal that everyone should know how to make. Learn How to Make Oatmeal in both the Stovetop and Instant Pot. Super easy to make and makes for a nutrient-dense, wholesome breakfast. Level up with a wide variety of topping ideas!

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keyword How to make oatmeal, Instant Pot oatmeal, stovetop oatmeal

Prep Time 2 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 17 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 109 kcal

Author Angelica Arias

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 quart water
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1/4 tsp pink sea salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Stovetop Oatmeal

1. Pour water in a large saucepan and place on stovetop on medium-high heat. Bring water to a boil and add oats, salt and cinnamon (if using). Give oats a stir and bring back to a boil. Turn heat down to low and cover with lid.

2. Simmer oats for 12-15 minutes stirring occasionally. Make sure to keep heat on low. Higher heat will cause oats to rise and for water to overflow out of the pot resulting in a big mess.

3. Once oats have simmered in water, pour in milk and give it another quick stir spreading the milk evenly. Cover pot again with lid and simmer for another 5 minutes.

4. Remove oatmeal from heat. Serve immediately and top with preferred toppings.

Instant Pot Oatmeal

1. Pour water into Instant Pot then add oats, salt, cinnamon (if using) and milk.

2. Close Instant Pot lid and turn the steam release valve to the sealing position. Press “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button and set cooking timer for 2 minutes. At this point, the Instant Pot will take some time to build up and reach pressure. The pot will beep and timer will then begin to countdown.

3. Allow NPR for 20-25 minutes. Slowly and carefully turn steam release valve to steam release to finish releasing pressure. If valve starts to leak, quickly turn it back to sealing position and allow NPR to completely finish.

4. Open IP lid and serve oatmeal immediately with preferred toppings.

Storing Leftover Oatmeal

1. For either method, if you have leftover oatmeal or want to freeze it, allow for oatmeal to completely cool-off.

2. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, add oatmeal to a saucepan with a splash of milk. Bring to a simmer and heat until warm enough for your liking. Add more milk if you wish until desired consistency is reached.

3. To freeze oatmeal, use a silicone muffin pan or small freezer bags. Place muffin pan on sheet pan and scoop oatmeal into muffin pan. Portion out and add to freezer bags, Freeze bags if using and place muffin pan in freezer and freeze for at least 2 hours. Remove frozen oatmeal from muffin pan and place in a large freezer bag. Keep frozen for up to 3-6 months.

Recipe Notes

Tips on How To Make Oatmeal:

1. When cooking on stovetop, make sure to simmer on low heat and to keep pot covered- cooking oatmeal on high heat will cause it to overflow and pour out of pot making a huge mess.
2. When cooking in Instant Pot, be sure to allow pressure to be naturally released for at least 20-25 minutes- If you release pressure before that, all the liquid will overflow and make a huge mess.
3. Be sure to use rolled oats (also known as old fashion oats)- You don’t want to use quick oats or steel cut oats for these cooking directions. There is a difference in the grain itself between these oats and cooking times will vary.
4. Cook oatmeal in large batches to have ready to-go in the fridge- Keep oatmeal in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
5. Get creative with your toppings- oatmeal can be very boring. Add some fun toppings for more flavor, color and nutrition!

Nutrition Facts

How to Make Oatmeal (Stovetop and Instant Pot)

Amount per Serving

Calories

109

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

2

g

3

%

Saturated Fat

 

0.3

g

2

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Sodium

 

161

mg

7

%

Potassium

 

99

mg

3

%

Carbohydrates

 

19

g

6

%

Fiber

 

3

g

13

%

Sugar

 

0.3

g

0

%

Protein

 

4

g

8

%

Vitamin A

 

1

IU

0

%

Vitamin C

 

0.01

mg

0

%

Calcium

 

72

mg

7

%

Iron

 

1

mg

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Number of total servings in estimated. Actual number of servings may vary depending on your own personal preference in portion sizes.

**Nutritional values shown are general guidelines for 1 serving using the ingredients listed above. These numbers do not reflect and may vary depending on substitutions, additions and/or different brands and/or other ingredients that may be used.

**Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links and sponsored content. All the opinions are my own and I only recommend products I use in my own home with my own family.