If you love hearty, nourishing breakfasts that practically make themselves, learning how to make oat groats in the Instant Pot will change your mornings. Oat groats are the whole, unprocessed oat kernel, making them one of the most wholesome and filling ways to enjoy oats. They have a pleasantly chewy texture, a rich nutty flavor, and keep you satisfied for hours.
This overnight method allows you to prepare everything the evening before so breakfast is warm and ready when you wake up. It’s simple, hands-off, and perfect for busy families who want a from-scratch breakfast that practically makes it’s self.
Oat Groats Recipe
If you love hearty, nourishing breakfasts that practically make themselves, learning how to make oat groats in the Instant Pot will change your mornings. Oat groats are the whole, unprocessed oat kernel, making them one of the most wholesome and filling ways to enjoy oats. They have a pleasantly chewy texture, a rich nutty flavor, and keep you satisfied for hours.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup oat groats per adult
- 1/8 cup oat groats per young child
- Water (enough to cover oat groats by 1–2 inches)
Instructions
1. The night before, measure 1/4 cup oat groats per adult (or 1/8 cup per young child) into the Instant Pot insert.
2.Add enough water to leave 1–2 inches of water above the oat groats.
3. Seal the lid and ensure the pressure valve is set to pressurize.
4. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 20 minutes.
5. Set the delay timer for 6–8 hours.
6. In the morning, allow natural pressure release.
Stir and serve warm with desired toppings.
Notes
Adjust quantities according to the number of servings needed. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of milk or water.
What Are Oat Groats?
Oat groats are the whole oat kernel before they are rolled or cut in any way. Unlike rolled oats or quick oats, oat groats remain intact, which gives them a chewier texture and deeper flavor. Because they are minimally processed, they take longer to cook—but the texture and nourishment are well worth it.
If you enjoy hearty grains like wheat berries or brown rice, you’ll likely love oat groats. They’re especially comforting in colder months and pair beautifully with butter, cream, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.
I’ve come to realize that starting with oat groats for any oat recipe is the best way to consume oats for me personally. It’s the only way for my blood sugar not to spike after eating them. Ther is something about rolled oats or quick oats that are pre-processed that aren’t as nourishing and too easy to process for my digestion.
I also buy organic oats from Azure which also helps. If you want to try a small amount out, you can also find some on Amazon.
Note: this post contains affiliate links which means that if you click on my link and make any purchase, I earn a small commission. Thank you to all those who do this consistently as a way to support the blog!
Why Make Oat Groats in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot makes cooking whole grains effortless. Traditionally, oat groats can take close to an hour on the stovetop. With pressure cooking and a delay timer, you can let them soak and cook overnight and wake up to a warm breakfast waiting for you.
Using the delay start function allows the oat groats to soak as they wait to cook, which can improve texture and digestibility. It also eliminates the morning rush—no stirring, no watching a pot, no last-minute scrambling.
Equipment
How to Measure Oat Groats Per Person
Here’s my rule of thumb for serving sizes:
- Measure 1/4 cup dry oat groats per adult
- Measure 1/8 cup dry oat groats per young child
This makes a hearty portion once cooked, as oat groats expand significantly.
Simply adjust the total amount based on how many people you are serving.
How to Make Oat Groats in the Instant Pot Overnight
Making oat groats overnight is wonderfully simple. The key is measuring properly and setting your delay timer correctly.
The night before, measure out 1/4 cup of oat groats per person (or 1/8 cup per young child) directly into the Instant Pot insert. Once measured, cover the oat groats with enough water to leave 1–2 inches of water above the grains. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender.
Next, seal the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to pressurize. Set the pot to pressure cook for 20 minutes. Then set the delay timer for 6–8 hours so the oat groats cook overnight and finish before the time you wake up. That way you don’t wake up and then have to wait for the pressure to release naturally before you can serve it up.
In the morning, allow the pressure to release naturally. Open the lid, stir gently, and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Oat Groats
For creamier oat groats, you can stir in a splash of milk or cream after cooking. A pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt enhance the nutty flavor beautifully.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply reheat with a little milk or water to loosen the texture.
Serving Ideas for Oat Groats
Oat groats are incredibly versatile. Try topping them with:
- Butter and maple syrup
- Brown sugar and cinnamon
- Fresh berries and cream
- Chopped apples and toasted pecans
- A spoonful of peanut butter
Save it for later!
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