Simple Cream of Rice Breakfast Bowl

Start your morning with this Simple Cream of Rice Breakfast Bowl. It’s warm, creamy, and endlessly customizable. A quick option that’s easy to make and perfect for a pre-workout snack!

About This Recipe

So I got into this Simple Cream of Rice Breakfast Bowl because I was told to (by a coach I’m currently using to work through some health stuff). I was so confused at first. I thought rice cereal was for babies, haha. Turns out I love it!  This quickly became my favorite meal of the day. It’s all carbs, of course, but that’s the point!

This Simple Cream of Rice Bowl makes the perfect pre-workout meal. The carbs provide fuel for your body in the form of glucose for energy. Cream of rice is a fantastic source of complex carbs that increase energy levels and provide better muscular endurance. Cream of rice is gluten-free, so that’s also a major perk. I’d never been one for a big breakfast, and now I’m usually enjoying this along with a protein shake! The cream of rice is easy to digest but makes you feel fuller longer, keeping you fueled through your workout.

Here’s what you’re getting in terms of nutrition from cream of rice (besides everything I said about carbs): no fat, over two grams of protein per serving, and 70% of your recommended daily amount of iron. Tell me that’s not worth thinking about.

But what really takes this bowl to the next level are the toppings! Add your favorites like fresh berries, nut butter, cinnamon, etc., and you have the perfect breakfast or pre-workout snack!

For more of my breakfast go-tos, try my Overnight Oats with Mango and Walnuts, Chocolate Protein Breakfast Bake, Apple Cinnamon Protein Chia Pudding Bowl, Egg White Cups, or Blueberry Protein Chia Pudding.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Water: Feel free to swap part of it with milk for a creamier result.
• Kosher salt: Helps to balance the sweetness.
• Cream of rice: Naturally gluten-free and easy to digest!!
• Cinnamon: A cozy, warm hint of spice pairs perfectly with the creamy texture and sweet toppings.
• Stevia to taste (I use about 3 droppers full of liquid vanilla stevia): Feel free to adjust based on your preference or swap for maple syrup or honey if preferred.
• Berries of choice: Fresh or frozen berries add natural sweetness, fiber, and a pop of color. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mix all work well. Really any fruit you enjoy works well!
• Plant-based milk: Almond, cashew, oat, or coconut milk are all great options, depending on your preference.
• Almond or peanut butter drizzle: Feel free to warm it slightly for an easy drizzle.
• Flake salt for finishing: A light sprinkle on top enhances all the flavors and gives that perfect sweet-salty contrast.

How to Make

You actually have two choices when it comes to making this Simple Cream of Rice Breakfast Bowl. Stove-top if you’re fancy. Microwave if you’re ME. Both work great!

Stovetop Cream of Rice

1. To make cream of rice on the stove, you are going to start by adding water and salt to a small pot and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, gradually pour in your rice cereal, whisking continuously. Then, bring the water back to a boil as you whisk, and turn the heat to low. Continue stirring for another minute or so, until it’s nice and thick. The key to the process is to keep whisking so it doesn’t clump.
2. Once your rice cereal has cooked, remove it from the heat. Stir in your Stevia and cinnamon. I give exact measurements in the recipe, but I usually just go by taste. You got this. 
3. You can eat your cream of rice warm, of course, OR– or or or….
4. Pop it in the fridge to eat later, chilled! My favorite.

Microwave Version

1. Making cream of rice is pretty simple on the stovetop, but nothing is as easy as the microwave. Maybe just because cleaning a bowl feels so much easier than cleaning a pot? Just me?
2. Add water, salt, and rice cereal to a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for 2 minutes. Give your cereal a good whisk, then cook for about 2 more minutes. Makes sure you whisk halfway thru. The time varies slightly depending on your bowl and your microwave, so watch to make sure it doesn’t overflow! 
3. Once your rice cereal is cooked, stir in Stevia and cinnamon and let it sit for a few minutes to cool. If you’re like me you’ll pop it in the fridge to eat later! So good.

Finishing Touches

It’s always about the little things. Add your cooked cream of rice to a bowl and top with fresh chopped berries, and your favorite milk. I LOVE the toasted coconut Califia almond milk for this, but, your favorite milk will! Drizzle with a little nut butter, and add additional Stevia or cinnamon to taste. Finish with flake salt…. and a little whipped cream if you’re really feeling crazy. ENJOY.

For More Delicious Recipes

• The Best Yogurt and Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl
• Macro-friendly Vanilla Protein Smoothie Bowl:
• Super Filling Macro-friendly Overnight Cauliflower Oats
• High Protein Berry Smoothie Bowl
• Apple Crisp Yogurt and Cottage Cheese Bowl
• Protein Oats “Proats”
• Protein Packed Yogurt and Cottage Cheese Power Bowl

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