Cream of rice recipe is a smooth, creamy, and comforting dish with a delicate texture that makes it easy to eat and even easier to digest. Made from finely ground rice cooked in liquid until it reaches a silky consistency, it’s a warm and nourishing option that works equally well as breakfast, a light midday snack, or a post-workout recovery meal. Because it’s naturally gluten-free, it’s a safe and satisfying choice for those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or other dietary restrictions.
What makes cream of rice so appealing is its versatility—you can keep it plain for a gentle, soothing meal or dress it up with a wide range of flavors and toppings. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, nuts, and sweeteners for a wholesome breakfast, or with savory additions like herbs, spices, and vegetables for a more filling, dinner-style dish. Athletes and bodybuilders often love it for its quick-digesting carbs and easy customization into high-protein cream of rice recipes, while food lovers appreciate how it can adapt to global culinary traditions.
In this guide, we’ll explore five delicious and creative ways to prepare cream of rice, from the classic creamy breakfast version to protein-packed bodybuilding bowls, Indian-inspired spiced variations, and even dessert-style recipes that feel indulgent yet nourishing. Whether you crave something sweet, savory, simple, or gourmet, these easy recipes will show you just how flexible and flavorful this underrated dish can be.
Table of Contents
Classic Cream of Rice Recipe
The classic cream of rice recipe is simple, smooth, and creamy—perfect for a cozy meal.
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Cream of Rice Recipe: 5 Easy Ways to Make It Delicious
- Total Time: 9 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This classic cream of rice recipe is smooth, creamy, and naturally gluten-free. It’s perfect for a warm, comforting breakfast or snack and ready in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- ½ cup cream of rice
- 2 cups water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon butter or ghee (optional)
- Sweetener of choice (honey, sugar, maple syrup) – to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring the water or milk to a gentle boil.
- Whisk in the cream of rice while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add salt and butter for extra flavor.
- Serve warm and customize with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Top with fresh berries, honey, nut butter, or savory ingredients like shredded cheese and sautéed mushrooms for a delicious twist.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and easy to make in under 10 minutes.
- Customizable with sweet or savory toppings.
- Naturally gluten-free and easy on digestion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream of rice | ½ cup |
| Water or milk (dairy/non-dairy) | 2 cups |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Butter or ghee (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sweetener of choice (honey, sugar, maple syrup) | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the liquid: In a saucepan, bring the water or milk to a gentle boil.
- Whisk in the cream of rice: Stir continuously to prevent lumps.
- Simmer: Lower the heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season: Add a pinch of salt and butter for extra flavor.
- Serve: Pour into a bowl and top with your favorite add-ins.
Topping Ideas for Extra Flavor
- Sweet: Fresh berries, honey, cinnamon, nut butter.
- Savory: Shredded cheese, sautéed mushrooms, fried egg.
High-Protein Cream of Rice for Bodybuilding
For those focused on fitness and muscle recovery, this high-protein version of cream of rice is an excellent pre- or post-workout meal.
Why Athletes Love It
- Provides a quick-digesting carb source for energy.
- Helps replenish glycogen stores after a workout.
- Can be customized with different protein sources.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream of rice | ½ cup |
| Almond or oat milk | 1 cup |
| Protein powder (vanilla or chocolate) | 1 scoop |
| Almond butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
How to Make It
- Prepare the cream of rice as per the classic recipe.
- Once it thickens, stir in the protein powder until well combined.
- Add almond butter and cinnamon for flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy a protein-packed meal.
Additional Protein Boosters
- Egg whites: Stir in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Greek yogurt: Add a scoop for extra creaminess.
- Chia seeds: Sprinkle on top for a fiber and protein boost.
Indian-Inspired Cream of Rice Recipes
Indian cuisine has both sweet and savory versions of cream of rice, commonly known as kheer or upma.
Sweet Indian Cream of Rice (Kheer Style)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream of rice | ½ cup |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| Cardamom powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews) | 2 tablespoons |
| Saffron strands (optional) | A pinch |
How to Make It:
- Cook cream of rice in milk instead of water for a rich texture.
- Stir in sugar and cardamom powder.
- Simmer until thickened, then add chopped nuts and saffron.
- Serve warm or chilled as a dessert.
Savory Indian-Style Cream of Rice (Upma)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream of rice | ½ cup |
| Water or broth | 2 cups |
| Ghee or oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard seeds | ½ teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds | ½ teaspoon |
| Chopped onions | ¼ cup |
| Green chilies (optional) | 1 small, chopped |
How to Make It:
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan and sauté mustard seeds, cumin, onions, and green chilies.
- Add water or broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in cream of rice and cook until it thickens.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Easy Additions to Make Cream of Rice Tasty
Sweet Toppings
- Fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, and blueberries.
- Drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
- Nut butters like almond, peanut, or cashew butter.
Savory Additions
- Shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese.
- Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Poached eggs or avocado for a healthy breakfast bowl.
Cream of Rice for Breakfast Variations
Breakfast is the most common way to enjoy cream of rice. Here are two easy variations:
Quick & Easy Sweet Breakfast Bowl
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream of rice | ½ cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Cinnamon | ½ teaspoon |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Chopped walnuts | 2 tablespoons |
How to Make It:
- Cook the cream of rice in milk for extra creaminess.
- Stir in cinnamon and honey.
- Top with chopped walnuts and fresh fruit.
Savory Breakfast Cream of Rice
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream of rice | ½ cup |
| Chicken or vegetable broth | 2 cups |
| Scrambled eggs | 2 |
| Sautéed spinach | ½ cup |
How to Make It:
- Cook cream of rice in broth instead of milk or water.
- Stir in scrambled eggs and sautéed spinach.
- Season with salt and pepper.
FAQs About Cream of Rice Recipe
What is a cream of rice recipe?
A cream of rice recipe is a smooth, creamy porridge made from finely ground rice. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be prepared with water or milk for a warm and comforting meal.
How do I make a high-protein cream of rice recipe for bodybuilding?
To make a high-protein cream of rice recipe, cook cream of rice with almond milk or water and mix in a scoop of protein powder. You can also add nut butter, Greek yogurt, or egg whites to increase protein content.
Are there Indian-style cream of rice recipes?
Yes! A cream of rice recipe can be made Indian-style, such as sweet kheer with milk, sugar, cardamom, and nuts. You can also make savory upma by cooking it with ghee, mustard seeds, cumin, and vegetables.
What can I add to a cream of rice recipe to make it taste better?
Enhance your cream of rice recipe by adding honey, cinnamon, fresh fruits, or nut butter for sweetness. For a savory twist, try adding shredded cheese, sautéed vegetables, or poached eggs.
How do I make an easy cream of rice recipe?
An easy cream of rice recipe involves cooking cream of rice with water or milk, adding a pinch of salt, and customizing it with your favorite toppings like fruit, nuts, or spices.
What’s the best protein-packed cream of rice recipe?
A protein cream of rice recipe includes cream of rice cooked with water or milk, plus added protein sources like protein powder, egg whites, or Greek yogurt. This makes it a perfect meal for muscle recovery.
What are some delicious savory cream of rice recipes?
A savory cream of rice recipe can be made by cooking it with vegetable or chicken broth instead of milk. Add cheese, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even a poached egg for a flavorful meal.
Can I eat a cream of rice recipe for breakfast?
Yes! A cream of rice recipe breakfast is a great alternative to oatmeal. It’s warm, filling, and can be customized with different flavors, from sweet with honey and fruits to savory with cheese and eggs.
Conclusion
Cream of rice is far more than just a simple, old-fashioned comfort food—it’s a blank canvas for creativity in the kitchen. Its mild flavor and smooth texture make it easy to adapt to countless flavor profiles, whether you crave something light and sweet in the morning, a savory and spiced midday bowl, or a post-workout meal packed with protein. From the classic breakfast version topped with fresh fruit and honey, to indulgent dessert-style creations, to hearty, Indian-inspired variations bursting with aromatic spices, there’s a version to satisfy every craving.
One of the best things about cream of rice is its ability to suit almost any nutritional need. It’s naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and wholesome choice for those with sensitivities, and it can easily be made dairy-free, vegan, or high-protein depending on your preferences. You can keep it simple with just water, rice, and a pinch of salt, or transform it into a gourmet experience with layered toppings, rich flavors, and nutrient-boosting add-ins like nut butters, seeds, and superfood powders.
So don’t think of cream of rice as just a basic hot cereal—think of it as your personal flavor canvas. Experiment with spices, play with sweet and savory combinations, and explore international twists to keep it exciting. Once you start trying different versions, you’ll find that this humble dish has the power to be comforting, energizing, and deeply satisfying all at once. Give these variations a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy cream of rice—you might just make it a regular part of your meal rotation.
If you’re looking for more comforting and nutritious recipes, check out our Golden Sweet Cornbread Recipe—a perfect side to pair with a warm bowl of cream of rice.
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