Name: Breakfast Rice Pudding
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 4 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free); 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional); 1/4 cup dried fruit (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Breakfast Rice Pudding is like a warm hug on a chilly morning. Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. The soft grains of rice are cooked just right, swimming in a pool of creamy goodness that promises to kickstart your day with joy. This dish is more than a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey back to lazy Sunday mornings spent sipping coffee while reading the newspaper.

Now let me tell you a little secret. I used to fear making this delicious dish because I thought it was reserved for culinary geniuses. But guess what? If I can whip up this Breakfast Rice Pudding without burning down the kitchen, so can you! It’s perfect for those moments when you want something comforting yet simple.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Breakfast Rice Pudding is super easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a standout dish at any breakfast table
Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or spices

I remember one Saturday morning when I decided to surprise my family with this delightful treat. Their cheers of delight as they dug into their bowls made every effort worth it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Long-Grain White Rice: Use about 1 cup of uncooked rice; choose high-quality for the best texture.
Milk: Whole milk gives the richest flavor; however, feel free to use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Granulated Sugar: About 1/3 cup will add sweetness; adjust according to your preference.
Cinnamon Stick: This adds warmth and an aromatic spice—don’t skip it!
Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon enhances the overall flavor profile; always go for pure extract!
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness beautifully.
Chopped Nuts (optional): Almonds or walnuts add crunch; toast them lightly for extra flavor.
Dried Fruit (optional): Raisins or cranberries bring additional sweetness and color.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cooking Breakfast Rice Pudding is easier than getting out of bed on a Monday morning! Let’s dive into these simple steps together.

Prepare Your Rice: Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent stickiness during cooking.

Combine Key Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine rinsed rice with 4 cups of milk, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to mix.

Add Flavor Boosters: Toss in a cinnamon stick and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the saucepan. These aromatic additions will elevate your pudding’s flavor significantly.

Cook Until Creamy: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and creamy.

Tweak It Up!: Once cooked, remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. If desired, stir in chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture and sweetness.

Serve & Enjoy!: Ladle warm servings into bowls and sprinkle with extra cinnamon or nuts if you wish. Your delightful Breakfast Rice Pudding is now ready to be enjoyed!

This creamy delight can be stored in the fridge for up to three days but trust me—leftovers are rare when this dish makes its appearance!

You Must Know

Breakfast rice pudding is more than a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl
The creamy texture and sweet aroma will transport you back to simpler mornings, making every spoonful feel like a comforting memory
Perfect for using leftover rice, this treat is customizable with toppings!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by simmering the rice with milk, sugar, and spices. Stir frequently to achieve that dreamy creamy consistency, ensuring the pudding doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your breakfast rice pudding with fruits like bananas or berries, or add nuts for crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate flavors beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and heat gently on the stove.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For the perfect breakfast rice pudding, use short-grain rice for creaminess and adjust sweetness based on personal preference
Cooking over low heat prevents burning while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different milks—coconut or almond milk can offer delightful variations!

Creating this dish reminded me of chilly mornings when my grandma would whip up her famous rice pudding. The cozy smell filled our home, making waking up early worth it!

FAQ

Can I use leftover rice for breakfast rice pudding?

Absolutely! Leftover rice works perfectly and saves cooking time.

Is breakfast rice pudding gluten-free?

Yes! This delicious dish is naturally gluten-free when made with gluten-free ingredients.

How can I make breakfast rice pudding vegan?

Use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of dairy and sugar for a vegan version.