How to Make Creamy Gluten Free Rice Flakes Porridge

When it comes to breakfast, I have a soft spot for warm, hearty bowls that feel like a hug in a bowl. And rice flakes porridge ticks all the boxes. It’s comforting, easy to whip up, and perfect for busy mornings when you want something filling but don’t have time to spend ages in the kitchen. You can dress it up with fruits, nuts, or spices to suit your mood (or pantry contents), keeping things interesting throughout the week.

For those of you who may not have heard of rice flakes before, they’re a hidden gem in the breakfast world. Until recently, I didn’t even know they existed. Essentially flattened rice grains, rice flakes cook quickly and have a soft, creamy texture that’s ideal for porridge.

They’re naturally gluten-free, easy to digest, and a great alternative if you’re looking for something different from your regular oats. Whether you have dietary restrictions or are simply in the mood to try something new, rice flakes are worth exploring.

I first discovered rice flakes while searching for a gentle, wholesome breakfast option during a period when my gut wasn’t feeling its best. With my Crohn’s disease, I’ve learned to prioritize foods that are not only nourishing but also soothing and unprocessed.

Rice flakes porridge quickly became a staple, and now my whole family loves it too. It’s one of those recipes that bridges the gap between comfort food and nourishment, and honestly, who doesn’t need more of that in their lives?

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make a delicious rice flakes porridge that can be customized to your taste. Whether you’re a porridge pro or new to making it, this recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a basic bowl of rice flakes porridge:

Rice flakes. My local supermarket only stocks brown rice flakes. If you prefer and have access to white rice flakes, you are more than welcome to substitute for those. 

Milk. Use whichever milk fits within your dietary requirements. I am using regular milk in this recipe, but almond milk or coconut milk will make this rice flakes porridge just as delicious. 

Cinnamon. Another breakfast favourite of mine that pairs beautifully with any winter warmers. 

Vanilla essence. Every breakfast gets better with a hint of vanilla and this rice flakes porridge is no exception. Feel free to use vanilla powder instead. 

Honey. An absolute must have. Drizzle a generous amount of honey over your rice porridge for a sweet start to the day. 

For toppings

• Fresh or dried fruits (berries, banana slices, or raisins). You will see my baked rhubarb in the pictures, which was a juicy and delicious addition to this sticky bowl of goodness. Stewed quinces are another favourite of mine. 
• Nuts or seeds (e.g., almonds, chia seeds, or sunflower seeds). I am using a handful of chopped pistachios here, simply because they were in my pantry and looked pretty against the red rhubarb. 
• Drizzle of honey or nut butter – the more the better. My caramel sauce is a delicious addition! Maple syrup will also work. 
• A sprinkle of granola for crunch. Try my nut free granola if you want some today. 

How to Make Rice Flakes Porridge

In a small saucepan, combine the rice flakes, milk, vanilla and cinnamon. 

Stirring regularly, bring everything to a gentle simmer on low-medium heat. Sticking to low temperatures will prevent the milk from rapidly expanding or sticking to the bottom of the pan. 

Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Keep stirring occasionally. 

Transfer your rice flakes porridge to a bowl, drizzle with honey and add any toppings of your choice. 

Serve and enjoy while hot. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy. Ready in under 10 minutes, this rice flake porridge is perfect for busy mornings.
• Gentle and soothing. The soft texture makes it ideal for kids or anyone needing a tummy-friendly breakfast.
• Customisable. From toppings to sweeteners, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste. You could even add a scoop of protein powder or an egg white.
• Gluten-free and allergy-friendly. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or simply looking for a change from regular oat porridge.
• Kid-approved. My little ones love adding their favorite toppings and digging in—breakfast win!

Other Gluten Free Breakfast Recipes to Try

Tips and Tricks

• Watch the heat. Rice flakes cook quickly, so keep the heat low once they’re in the pot to avoid sticking or burning.
• Stir – a lot! Continuous stirring helps achieve that creamy consistency we all love in a good porridge.
• Make it ahead. Rice flakes porridge can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
• Experiment with flavors. Add a teaspoon cocoa powder, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a dollop of coconut cream for extra indulgence.

Easy Substitutes

• Milk. Swap dairy milk for any plant-based option like oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk.
• Sweetener. Use brown sugar, coconut sugar, or chopped dates instead of honey or maple syrup.
• Rice flakes. If you can’t find rice flakes, try millet or quinoa flakes as a substitute.
• Toppings. Use whatever you have on hand! Frozen fruits work just as well as fresh ones, and seeds or coconut flakes make for great pantry-friendly toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy rice flakes?

Rice flakes are commonly found in health food stores, Asian grocery shops, or online retailers. I find mine in the Health Aisle of my local supermarket. 

Can I make this porridge vegan?

Absolutely! Just use a plant-based milk and sweetener like maple syrup or agave. It’s a super easy way to customise the recipe to fit your personal dietary requirements. 

How do I store leftover porridge?

Store leftover rice flakes porridge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or water to bring it back to life.

Is this recipe suitable for babies or toddlers?

Yes, rice flakes porridge is gentle and easy to digest, making it a great breakfast for little ones. For babies under one year old, make sure to skip any added sweeteners and make the porridge with water or baby formula instead of milk.