Cream of Wheat
A warm, creamy, and comforting breakfast porridge made from farina. This American classic comes together in under 10 minutes and has a smooth, velvety texture. Serve it with a pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a cozy morning treat.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Combine liquids and heat.
1.Pour 2 cups milk and 2 cups water into a medium saucepan.2.Add a pinch of salt and place over medium-high heat.3.Heat until small bubbles form around the edge and the liquid is steaming (about 4-5 minutes). Do not let it boil. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk in the farina.
1.Gradually pour ¾ cup farina into the hot liquid in a steady stream, whisking constantly.2.Continue whisking until all the farina is incorporated and no lumps remain.TIPPouring slowly while whisking is the secret to lump-free porridge. Don't dump it all in at once. - simmer · ~3 min
Cook until thickened.
1.Reduce heat to low.2.Simmer gently, stirring frequently with the whisk, for 2-3 minutes.3.Cook until the porridge is thick, smooth, and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan slightly. - rest · ~1 min
Rest off the heat and add butter.
1.Remove the saucepan from the heat.2.Add 1 tablespoon of butter and stir until melted and fully incorporated.3.Let the porridge stand for 1 minute to set up.TIPThe porridge will continue to thicken as it rests. If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of warm milk. - serve
Serve hot with toppings.
1.Ladle the Cream of Wheat into 4 bowls.2.Top each serving with a small pat of the remaining butter.3.Drizzle each with about 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Whisk constantly when adding farina to prevent lumps from forming.
- 2Use whole milk for a richer, creamier texture than low-fat or plant-based milk.
- 3Let the porridge rest for 1 minute off heat before serving for optimal thickness.
- 4If the porridge gets too thick after resting, stir in a splash of warm milk to loosen.
- 5For a non-stick surface, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching.
- 6Double the recipe easily for a crowd by keeping the liquid-to-farina ratio the same.
Adapt it for your goals.
Savory
Swap maple syrup for shredded cheese, a fried egg, and black pepper for a savory breakfast bowl that is hearty and satisfying.
veganVegan
Use oat milk and coconut oil instead of whole milk and butter; sweeten with agave or brown sugar for a fully plant-based version.
high proteinHigh-protein
Replace half the farina with a scoop of unflavored protein powder and use high-protein milk to boost satiety and muscle recovery.
low oilLow-oil
Omit the butter and use a splash of unsweetened almond milk plus a pinch of salt to keep it creamy while reducing fat.
jainJain
Use only water (no milk) and skip the butter, sweeten with jaggery or cane sugar; avoid onion and garlic for Jain dietary requirements.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in B Vitamins
Farina is fortified with B vitamins including thiamin, niacin, and folic acid, supporting energy metabolism and red blood cell formation.
Good Source of Iron
Many farina brands are enriched with iron, which helps transport oxygen through the body and prevent fatigue.
Calcium from Milk
Whole milk provides calcium to support strong bones and teeth, and contributes to the creamy texture of the porridge.
Quick Energy Breakfast
The carbohydrates in farina provide a fast source of energy, making this an ideal morning meal for active individuals.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but instant cooks faster and produces a slightly thinner texture; reduce cooking time to 1-2 minutes and decrease liquid slightly.
