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!
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Remove oatmeal from heat. Serve immediately and top with preferred toppings.
Instant Pot Oatmeal
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Pour water into Instant Pot then add oats, salt, cinnamon (if using) and milk.
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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.
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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.
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Open IP lid and serve oatmeal immediately with preferred toppings.
Storing Leftover Oatmeal
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For either method, if you have leftover oatmeal or want to freeze it, allow for oatmeal to completely cool-off.
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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.
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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 for making Oatmeal:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Get creative with your toppings- oatmeal can be very boring. Add some fun toppings for more flavor, color and nutrition!