How To Cook Creamy, Tender Oat Groats

Learn how to cook oat groats with this easy, creamy oat groats recipe! Find a variety of cooking methods, including stove top, Instant Pot, and slow cooker. If you have trouble perfecting this hearty, whole grain, check out the easy tips, tricks, and topping ideas below.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 50

Total Time 55

Servings

Author Melissa Erdelac

Ingredients

3 cups water
1 cup oat groats certified gluten-free
dash salt
Optional toppings: maple syrup, brown sugar, fruit, nuts, coconut, peanut butter (see recipe notes for more ideas)

Instructions

Stove Top

Bring water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan.
Add the oat groats, cover, and reduce temperature to a gentle simmer for 40 minutes. Remove the lid and simmer for 10-15 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until soft and water is absorbed.
If desired, remove from heat, cover and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Instant Pot

Combine the water, groats, and salt in the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and make sure the valve is sealed.
Cook under high pressure for 50 minutes. After the cook time has ended, let the pressure cooker sit and naturally release for 15 minutes. Release any remaining pressure.
If there is water still not absorbed, use the SAUTE function to simmer and stir until absorbed.

Slow Cooker

Combine the water, oat groats, and salt in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW 10 hours. (Tip: I've noticed some newer slow cookers cook way too hot. If your crockpot has a tendency to boil, or cook hot, you will not get great results with this method. I would stick with stove top where you can control the temp more.)

Notes

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

Since this recipe has a long prep time, I like to make a large batch to refrigerate and have on hand for weekday breakfasts. Store cooked and cooled groats in an airtight container up to a week.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or water and warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

For longer storage, it may also be frozen in single size servings. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then rewarm using the method described above.

Uncooked groats have a shelf life of 18 months to 2 years in the pantry. Store in the packaging or transfer to a storage container.

Nutrition