Easy Cream of Wheat Recipe – Ready in 7 Minutes!

Wondering how to make cream of wheat from scratch? This basic cream of wheat recipe makes for a hearty breakfast to start the day with as a tasty alternative to oatmeal or grits. Whether you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal on a chilly morning or simply want to try something different from your usual breakfast routine, this simple recipe delivers satisfaction in just minutes.

My Journey to Discovering Cream of Wheat

I’ll be honest – I’m not much of an egg person for breakfast. While I enjoy them occasionally in dishes like quiche or deviled eggs, having eggs as my primary morning meal gets old pretty quickly. Instead, I gravitate toward something hot, hearty, and filling, especially during the cooler months when my body craves warmth and comfort.

Growing up in the South, grits were my go-to warm cereal choice. I never really enjoyed the texture of traditional oatmeal, finding it somewhat off-putting. It wasn’t until I reached adulthood that I even heard of cream of wheat. Once I tried it, however, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it’s much more similar to grits than oatmeal, with a notably nicer, smoother texture that won me over immediately.

What Is Cream Of Wheat?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s clear up some terminology. “Cream of Wheat” is actually a brand name – the food itself is called farina. Think of it like how we often say “Kleenex” when we mean facial tissue, or “Band-Aid” for adhesive bandages.

Farina is essentially a porridge made from wheat semolina. When you look at it both in its dry form and after cooking, it bears a striking resemblance to corn grits. The key difference lies in the texture – farina is considerably smoother than grits, creating a more refined eating experience that many people find more appealing.

This wheat-based cereal has been a breakfast staple for generations, offering a neutral canvas that readily absorbs flavors from whatever toppings or mix-ins you choose to add.

Basic Cream Of Wheat Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You need just three basic ingredients to create a satisfying bowl of cream of wheat. The real fun begins when you start experimenting with toppings and flavor combinations.

Core Ingredients:

1. Cream of Wheat or Farina: I personally prefer Bob’s Red Mill Creamy Wheat Hot Cereal for its consistent quality and smooth texture.
2. Liquid: You can use any combination of water, milk, or cream. For the richest, most flavorful result, I recommend using mostly half-and-half with a splash of water. This creates a creamy base that’s luxurious without being overly heavy.
3. Salt: Just a touch to enhance the overall flavor and balance the sweetness from any toppings you’ll add later.

That’s it! Three simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

Creative Toppings For Cream Of Wheat

While my usual go-to toppings are a pat of butter and either honey or brown sugar, the possibilities for customization are virtually endless. Here are some delicious options to consider:

Sweet Options:

• Natural sweeteners like molasses, maple syrup, or regular sugar
• Fresh or dried berries – blueberries, strawberries, or cranberries work beautifully
• Sliced fruit such as peaches, bananas, or even diced apples
• Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice blend
• Toasted nuts or coconut flakes for added texture
• A splash of vanilla extract for aromatic sweetness
• Nut butters, particularly peanut or almond butter
• Chocolate elements – chips, syrup, cocoa powder, or even a dollop of Nutella
• Your favorite jam or fruit preserves

The key is to add toppings while the cream of wheat is still warm, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Essential Farina Recipe Tips

Making cream of wheat is seriously one of the easiest things you can prepare in the kitchen. The process is straightforward: add your liquid to a pot, bring it to a boil, then whisk in the farina. However, a few key techniques will ensure perfect results every time.

Critical Success Tips:

• Use a large pot to prevent the liquid from boiling over, which can create a mess on your stovetop
• Reduce heat to low immediately once your liquid reaches a boiling point
• Watch the timing – the mixture will thicken very quickly, usually within 2 to 3 minutes once you add the farina
• Keep whisking constantly, paying special attention to the sides of the pot to prevent lumps from forming
• Remove from heat promptly once thickened to avoid overcooking

Remember that the cereal will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems slightly thin at first. You can always add more liquid if needed.

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes the process even smoother:

• Dry and wet measuring cups for accurate ingredient portions
• Large pot or saucepan (at least 3-quart capacity recommended)
• Whisk for smooth mixing
• Ladle for easy serving
• Individual serving bowls

The Perfect Cream Of Wheat Recipe

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups liquid (water, milk, cream, or combination – I use half-and-half)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup wheat farina (cream of wheat)
• Toppings of your choice

Instructions:

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, whisk together your chosen liquid and salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
2. Once boiling, immediately reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the farina, stirring constantly for approximately 3 minutes until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. Be sure to scrape the sides of the pot to prevent sticking.
3. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for one minute to finish thickening. Ladle into serving bowls and add your favorite toppings while warm.

Storage Tips:

• This recipe doubles easily for larger families
• Leftover cream of wheat keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat leftovers with additional liquid as needed, either in the microwave or on the stovetop

Why This Recipe Works

This cream of wheat recipe succeeds because it focuses on technique rather than complicated ingredients. The combination of proper heat management, constant whisking, and quality ingredients creates a smooth, creamy texture that serves as the perfect foundation for endless flavor variations.

Whether you’re feeding a family breakfast or treating yourself to a comforting solo meal, this recipe delivers consistent results that will have you coming back for more. The versatility means you can customize each serving to individual preferences, making it an ideal choice for households with different taste preferences.

Start your morning right with this simple, satisfying cream of wheat recipe that proves sometimes the best dishes are also the most straightforward ones.