Homemade Cream of Rice

This homemade cream of rice is a comforting and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast or any time of the day! Learn how simple it is to grind your own cream of rice, free from any additives or chemicals.

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We love a filling breakfast around here, whether it’s a big pan of homemade cinnamon rolls, or a plate full of cheesy bacon scrambled eggs.

When I was a kid, homemade cream of rice was a go-to meal for my family. For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it was warm and filling and felt so very cozy.

Since that time, we have made the switch to organic foods, due to a pesticide allergy in my family. So, now we make our homemade cream of rice completely from scratch!

Here are some reasons we love this from-scratch cream of rice and think you will too!

Control Over Ingredients – When you make cream of rice at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring that it’s free from additives, preservatives, and unnecessary fillers.
Customizable Flavors – Homemade cream of rice can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer it sweet or savory, you can add your favorite spices, sweeteners, and toppings to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
Nutritious and Filling – Cream of rice is a nutritious and filling dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also easy to digest, making it a great option for individuals with sensitive stomachs or dietary restrictions.

Best Tips for Homemade Cream of Rice

While the process for making cream of rice from scratch is very straightforward – grind rice and cook it – there are a few tips that will make the process as smooth as possible.

Here are my best tips for creating the perfect, shelf-stable homemade cream of rice!

Choose the Right Rice – Start by selecting a variety of rice that is suitable for making cream of rice. White rice, such as jasmine or long-grain rice, works best for this purpose due to its starchy texture when cooked.
Clean the Rice – While this is optional, I have found that the finished product of the cooked cream of rice is much less gritty if the rice is rinsed and dried before grinding. Before grinding the rice, rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, debris, or impurities. Drain the rice well and spread it out on a clean kitchen towel to dry. The drying process can take between 4 hours and a full day.
Grind the Rice – Once the rice is dry, transfer it to a high-speed blender like a Vitamix or a grain mill. Grind the rice on a high setting until it reaches a fine powder-like consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender or mill occasionally to ensure that all the rice is ground evenly.
Sift the Flour (Optional) – For an extra smooth texture, you can sift the ground rice flour through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any larger particles or clumps. This step is optional but can result in a finer and more uniform flour.

Ingredients

Let’s take a quick look at the ingredients needed to create a finished bowl of cream of rice. Exact measurements are provided in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Rice – As mentioned above, white, long-grain rice is best for this recipe. I prefer jasmine rice, but you can use any medium to long-grain white rice you prefer.
Liquid – You’ll need a liquid to cook your cream of rice. We prefer fresh, whole milk. However, you can also use any type of non-dairy milk, or even water, if needed. If water is used, the taste will be very different from cream of rice made with milk (of any kind).
Salt – Though optional, I recommend adding a pinch of salt to the mix as it’s cooking to enhance the flavor of the rice.
Additions – After cooking the cream of rice, you can add additional flavors to your bowl, such as maple syrup and berries, butter and vanilla, or even butter and hot sauce! The combinations are endless, so try a few different things until you find what you like best.

Close up of a white bowl filled with homemade cream of rice, topped with butter and maple syrup

Cooking Instructions

Once you have your rice ground and you’re ready to actually turn it into finished cream of rice, you’ll just need to follow a few simple steps!

Combine – In a saucepan, combine the homemade rice flour, water or milk, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure that the rice flour is evenly incorporated into the liquid.
Cook – Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Simmer and Stir – Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the cream of rice thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Adjust – If the cream of rice becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding more water or milk, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Flavor – Once the cream of rice is cooked to perfection, you can sweeten it and add flavorings to suit your taste preferences. Common sweeteners include honey, maple syrup, or sugar, while flavorings such as cinnamon, vanilla extract, or fruit compote can be added for extra flavor. You can also opt for a savory cream of rice if desired.
Serve Hot – Spoon the hot cream of rice into serving bowls and enjoy it immediately. You can also add toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for added texture and flavor.

Common Questions

Can I use any type of rice to make homemade cream of rice?

While white rice varieties like jasmine or long-grain rice are commonly used for making cream of rice due to their smooth texture, you can experiment with other rice types. Keep in mind that different rice varieties may yield slightly different textures and flavors.

Is homemade cream of rice gluten-free?

Yes, homemade cream of rice made from ground rice flour is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. However, you’ll need to ensure that any additional ingredients used are certified gluten-free if cross-contamination is a concern!

Can I make a larger batch of homemade rice flour and store it for later use?

Absolutely! Grinding a larger quantity of rice into flour and storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place can save time for future batches of cream of rice or other recipes requiring rice flour.

How do I adjust the consistency of cream of rice if it’s too thick or thin?

If your cream of rice turns out too thick, simply add more water or milk (or a combination) gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, simmer it for a bit longer to allow it to thicken, or add a small amount of additional rice flour while stirring continuously.

Can I make savory versions of cream of rice?

Yes, cream of rice can be adapted to savory versions by adding savory seasonings such as salt, pepper, herbs, and even cheese or vegetables during the cooking process. Savory cream of rice can be enjoyed as a side dish or base for savory toppings.

How do I prevent lumps when cooking cream of rice?

To prevent lumps in your cream of rice, ensure that the rice flour is thoroughly mixed with the liquid (water or milk) before heating. Stir continuously while cooking over low heat to achieve a smooth consistency without lumps.

Can I use alternative sweeteners in cream of rice?

Yes, you can use a variety of sweeteners in cream of rice, including honey, maple syrup, sugar, or alternative sweeteners like stevia or agave syrup. Adjust the sweetness to your taste preference.

Can I make cream of rice without dairy?

Yes, you can make dairy-free cream of rice by using plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk. You can even use water if needed.

Even More Breakfast Ideas

If you’re looking for more hearty and filling breakfast ideas, we’ve got you covered!