Not eating grains but missing your morning oatmeal? Look no further than this Quick Grain-Free Hot Cereal! This super easy porridge is made in just 3 minutes and it’s gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and Whole30-friendly. This is a staple Whole30 breakfast!
Hi friends! I feel like I’ve been such a slacker lately with getting new posts up, due to a combination of circumstances. I’ve been doing a Whole30, I had a big project I was working on that took up a lot of my time (and stress), and I had an incident last week where I knocked my head on the corner of my nightstand, got a big old bump and bruise, and I’m pretty sure I concussed myself.
I was feeling a little off for a few days after that last one, and didn’t get done any of the work I expected to be done. I’m so sorry! But I’m back with new recipes coming at you this week, and I’m very excited about this one.
Oats are a pretty big staple of my usual breakfast diet. That makes Whole30 breakfast a challenge for me, since I don’t like eggs (except in baked goods!) and my usual oatmeal and smoothie bowls are forbidden.
I had tried some commercially made grain-free “oatmeal” substitutes and they were super delicious, but they also add up price-wise very quickly, and I was sure it was something I could easily replicate at home.
After having this for breakfast a few days in a row, making modifications each day, I finally came up with a winner! It definitely satisfies my hankering for oatmeal in a deliciously grain-free and sugar-free way.
This grain-free hot cereal is made in about 3 minutes. Even shorter if you have the foresight to mix up the dry ingredients, because then all you’ll have to do is add some hot non-dairy milk and breakfast is ready. It’s about as easy as cereal.
It starts off with finely chopped nuts (you can use your favorites, but I used walnuts + pecans) and flaked unsweetened coconut. These are necessary for some added texture, because no one wants plain hot mush. Flax meal, chia seeds, and coconut flour are also part of the mix, and each do their part to thicken up the oatmeal and make it super hearty + full of fiber.
Cinnamon, salt, and vanilla bean powder are added for taste, and you could add any other spices you’d like as well to customize the flavor. Once you’ve got all your dry ingredients mixed together, you can store it for when you’re ready to eat, or immediately add hot non-dairy milk and some sweetener. I used date paste to keep it Whole30-friendly, but if you’re not on Whole30, maple syrup or honey would work as well.
As soon as the hot liquid is stirred in, you’ll notice the it getting super thick and creamy, just the way oatmeal should be! If you like a runnier, thinner porridge, just add a little extra milk to get it to the consistency you’re after. Add some toppings, and voila! Breakfast is served.
This recipe is a game-changer around here! It sure to become a breakfast staple, and I can’t wait to hear what you all think of it. If you’ve been missing your oatmeal or porridge while avoiding grains, this Whole30 + paleo hot cereal is a must-try. Enjoy!
Craving more healthy breakfast?! Here’s a few you’ll want to dig your spoon into…
- You’ll love digging into this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Bowl!
- Get your oatmeal fix with this Chocolate Strawberry Oatmeal.
- Short on time? Prep ahead by making these Superfood Overnight Oats with Easy Berry Chia Compote.
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Remember to #bakerita if you try the recipe!
Quick Grain-Free Hot Cereal (Gluten Free, Paleo, Whole30 + Vegan)
Not eating grains but missing your morning oatmeal? Look no further than this Quick Grain-Free Hot Cereal! This super easy porridge is made in just 3 minutes and it's gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and Whole30-friendly. This is a staple Whole30 breakfast!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup finely chopped nuts I used walnuts + pecans
- ¼ cup flaked unsweetened coconut roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons flax seed meal
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean powder or vanilla extract if you’re not on Whole30
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup non-dairy milk of choice
- 1-2 tablespoons date paste to taste (you can also use maple syrup or honey if you're not on Whole30)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the chopped nuts, flaked unsweetened coconut, flax seed meal, coconut flour, chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla bean powder, and salt.
- Heat the non-dairy milk until steaming, and then pour over the dry ingredients and stir until completely combined - it will thicken as your stir. Add sweetener to taste.
- Add toppings as desired, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
To prep ahead of time, you can stir together all of the dry ingredients and store in a small jar or container. Just add hot non-dairy milk + sweetener when you're ready to eat.
Debs says
August 1, 2017 at 11:11 amLove this recipe Rachel. I’ve not mustered up the guts to de whole30 yet, but I’d eat this regardless. And I really hope you’re feeling better!
Rachel says
August 1, 2017 at 4:33 pmThanks so much for the love, Debs! Even not on Whole30, this is a delicious one. :)
Joanne linsalata says
May 9, 2018 at 6:41 pmI use flaxseed meal, chia seeds and coconut flour add water and microwave for 90 sec. then add unsweetened vanilla almond milk and top it off with 1/2 banana, 3 strawberries and some blueberries. It’s become my favorite meal of the day! Thank you for this idea. I know I made my own version of your recipe, but I couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks again.
Rachel says
May 12, 2018 at 7:42 pmSo thrilled you’re loving it, Joanne! Thanks so much for your feedback.
Alex says
August 1, 2017 at 11:52 amLove this! I used to be all about the sweeter breakfasts until I cut out grains for digestive issues. This looks like such a good alternative!
Rachel says
August 1, 2017 at 4:32 pmThis is the perfect grain-free sweet breakfast – I hope you’ll try it! Thanks for the love.
Pamela (BrooklynFarmGirl) says
August 1, 2017 at 5:36 pmThis breakfast looks so perfect! Yum :)
Rachel says
August 2, 2017 at 9:35 amThanks so very much Pamela!
AMY HUEBNER says
September 18, 2017 at 11:38 amCant wait to try this! Any reason not to use milk or water and heavy cream? Thanks!
Rachel says
September 18, 2017 at 11:40 amHi Amy! I’m dairy-free so I avoid regular milk and heavy cream, but if dairy is a part of your diet you can absolutely use those instead of the non-dairy milk. I hope you enjoy it :)
Sammie says
December 3, 2017 at 9:58 pmCould I make this with no chia or flax? Can’t have a protein found in both
Rachel says
December 4, 2017 at 9:28 amUnfortunately they are what help to thicken up this cereal, so I don’t think it would work without them. Sorry!
Kelly says
December 8, 2017 at 10:38 amCan’t wait to do this… Been looking for a grain free recipe for a while now xx
Rachel says
December 8, 2017 at 12:08 pmHope you love it Kelly!
Jackie Bladow says
December 25, 2017 at 7:49 amYay! Winner!! This is, hands down, the tastiest grain-free oatmeal-esque breakfast I’ve tried to date. Thanks!
Rachel says
December 25, 2017 at 2:43 pmYayay it makes me so happy to hear that! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it :)
Melissa says
December 27, 2017 at 7:31 amThis is amazing!!! I’ve struggled with food sensitivities for ten years, and have had to cut out all grains including oats, along with dairy, eggs, soy, yeast, and gluten. I missed oatmeal, and this is the perfect way to enjoy it without making me feel bad!
Thank you for sharing this recipe!!
Rachel says
December 27, 2017 at 2:48 pmYay, that makes me so happy to hear Melissa! So thrilled you can enjoy this recipe.
Carrie Conley says
January 3, 2018 at 7:23 amThis breakfast or snack looks so refreshing, I have the cereal, need the blueberries
Rachel says
January 3, 2018 at 9:30 amThanks Carrie!! You’ve got to try it sometime.
Cynthia Brooks says
January 7, 2018 at 9:38 amThis recipe looks so interesting and good. I am like you in that I love oatmeal. I bought some bobs red mill rice Farina in an attempt to have more gluten free grains, by a grain less recipe altogether is so interesting and it looks like porridge. Thank you. I’ll have to try it.
Rachel says
January 7, 2018 at 6:38 pmThanks for the love Cynthia, it’s certainly a delicious and interesting breakfast! Hope you’ll give it a try.
Michelle says
January 9, 2018 at 7:43 amABsoluely delicious! Made my whole 30 so much better! And excited to try everything else on your site once I’m done!
Rachel says
January 9, 2018 at 9:16 amSo thrilled to hear you’re enjoying it, Michelle!
Jess Karma says
February 7, 2018 at 7:11 amI just made this – without any date paste, maple syrup, or sugar/sugar subs – and it’s delicious! I’ve done Whole30 (several times), so I don’t crave sweet the way I once did. Some blueberries on top (would have preferred banana, but that’s what there was) were all the sweetness I needed. I also subbed almond flour for coconut and omitted the vanilla entirely (but added extra cinnamon). Was leery about the portion size at first site, but so glad I trusted you! Half of the mixture was just right…totally satiating!
Rachel says
February 7, 2018 at 8:25 amSo glad you enjoyed it, Jess! Thank you so much for your feedback :)
Lee says
March 25, 2018 at 6:30 amAmazing I was struggling with a whole 30 breakfast and was missing my oatmeal!! I read mixed things on consuming coconut flower not baked fully , is it still safe to consume not fully baked ?
Rachel says
March 25, 2018 at 4:13 pmHi Lee. I’ve never heard that about raw coconut flour – I use it all the time unbaked, and I’ve been fine!
Penny says
March 25, 2018 at 1:58 pmI have been following a whole 30 lifestyle for quite a while now. I typically eat leftovers for breakfast but often miss the comfort of a hot cereal. I have tried many but none of them “cut the mustard“. This one is absolutely delicious! I am mediately mixed up a quadruple batch of the dry ingredients to make quick breakfasts on work mornings. Thank you for satisfying my desire for hot cereal.
Rachel says
March 25, 2018 at 4:13 pmYay, that makes me so happy to hear Penny, especially since you’ve tried some other recipes. Glad I could help satisfy the hot cereal craving :) enjoy!
Ana says
March 30, 2018 at 10:13 amThis is delicious!
Thank you so much!
Rachel says
March 30, 2018 at 10:49 amSo glad you like it, Ana!! Thanks so much for your feedback.
Hannah says
April 30, 2018 at 4:09 pmHi Tachel, I just want to make sure I’m reading the recipe correctly. You use a TOTAL of 1/4 cup of nuts, not a 1/4 cup each, right? I think I will mix up 3-4 times the recipe and keep it in a Tupperware to add the coconut milk and date paste to in the morning. Quick and easy!!
Rachel says
April 30, 2018 at 6:03 pmHi Hannah, that’s correct, it’s a total of 1/4 cup nuts. Love the idea to make it in bulk for quick mornings. Enjoy!!
Nicole Fabela says
July 8, 2018 at 9:50 amI’ve been looking everywhere for a good hot cereal recipe! I can’t have nuts so I use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds and it comes out amazing. I just add fruit and no sweetener, so good! One of my favorite recipes!
Rachel says
July 8, 2018 at 8:05 pmSo thrilled you’re loving it Nicole! Thanks so much for your feedback :)
Pamela Holt says
October 7, 2018 at 11:12 amAbsolutely love this! Thank you for offering me an option for Whole30 other than eggs!
Day 20 and still going strong.
Rachel says
October 7, 2018 at 12:07 pmAmazing!! So glad you enjoyed it, good luck with the rest of Whole30!
Ange says
November 9, 2018 at 5:10 pmBest non-grain porridge I’ve ever tried. I’m on day 10 of the whole30 and loved the nourishing warmth of a bowl of hot oatmeal. It’s a keeper that I’ll continue make long after the 30 days is up!
P.s. And talk about filling! I thought it would be way to small a serving to keep me going but it was amazing how good I felt for hours after with not a skerrick of hunger pangs.
Rachel says
November 10, 2018 at 9:52 amSo glad you’re loving it, Ange! It really does fill you up :) thanks for your feedback and best of luck finishing your Whole30!
Alicia says
November 17, 2018 at 12:53 amI was having oats everyday with lots of maple syrup and full fat milk. Looking for an alternative, Came across your recipe. This is delicious and so filling I couldn’t finish it. So convenient as well, if you prepare your dry ingredients the day before it takes minutes. Perfect for winter. Thank you.
Rachel says
November 17, 2018 at 9:28 amSo glad you’re loving the recipe, Alicia! Thanks so much for sharing your feedback :)
Samantha says
January 13, 2019 at 3:19 amJust made this this morning, best ever grain free cereal! Oat porridge and rice porridge have bloated me. Tasted great and I was surprised how filling it was. Love it!
Rachel says
January 13, 2019 at 5:18 pmSo thrilled you’re loving it!! It is surprisingly filling :)
Shay says
February 4, 2019 at 6:16 pmCan I subsitute the coconut flour for almond or cassava flour? I get bad stomach pains with coconut flour.
Rachel says
February 5, 2019 at 10:00 amHi Shay, coconut flour makes the hot cereal a lot thicker since it’s so absorbent. I would try using an extra tablespoon of ground flax meal and start with a little less liquid so you can determine the thickness. Hope this helps!
Penny says
March 25, 2019 at 11:45 amI usually whip up a large batch of this cereal and keep the dry ingredients on hand. I think I goofed and accidentally added almond flour instead of coconut flour. How will effect taste and consistency?
Thank you,
Penny
Rachel says
March 27, 2019 at 9:53 amHi Penny, it will likely be less thick since coconut flour absorbs a lot more liquid, so you may want to start with less liquid than normal. You can always add a bit of coconut flour to thicken, also. It shouldn’t affect flavor too much. Enjoy!
Allie Coad says
April 29, 2019 at 5:45 amLove this! Don’t even miss my oats bc this recipe! Do you have the nutrition/calorie facts on the serving size?
Rachel says
April 29, 2019 at 8:13 amHi Allie, so glad you’re enjoying it!! I just added the nutritional info for the recipe.
Andrea says
May 17, 2019 at 7:27 amI really enjoyed this, thanks for a great recipe! I used unsweetened French Vanilla almond and coconut Nut Pods creamer instead of the milk and I didn’t add any date paste or other sweetener, I liked it without! Thanks again!
Rachel says
May 17, 2019 at 12:17 pmSo glad you’re enjoying it! Thanks for the feedback, Andrea.