5 Minute Microwave Porridge Recipe (2024)

How to cook porridge in the microwave - my tried and tested 5 minute microwave porridge recipe makes the perfect quick and easy healthy breakfast!

Do you find yourself falling back on cereal (or having no breakfast at all!) during the week because there's no time for anything else? You might be surprised to learn that you can prepare and cook a bowl of porridge for yourself in less than 5 minutes, with no expensive packet mixes needed, just simple, good, real ingredients!

Today I'm sharing my tried and tested foolproof recipe for easy microwave porridge, one of the quickest and easiest breakfast recipes around! This recipe is free from refined sugar, and I'm sharing a dairy free alternative too.

Since taking up the Sugar Free February challenge, cereal and toast have been out of bounds for me, so my breakfast habits have had to change, fast!

Given the freezing cold weather at the moment, a warm breakfast is the perfect way to start the day, so I've been making porridge for breakfast and thoroughly enjoying it. I have a feeling that this is a habit that will outlast my sugar-free challenge, until the hot summer weather comes back at least!

I make my porridge with unsweetened almond milk. It's dairy free, sugar free, low in calories and works perfectly in porridge. You can substitute the almond milk for cows milk if you prefer though, they both work equally well.

I also like to add a splash of vanilla extract to my porridge, it gives a hint of sweetness without adding sugar. I usually top my porridge with chopped banana and chia seeds, but you can use any fruits, nuts or seeds that you like.

5 Minute Microwave Porridge

Ingredients (serves 1):

• 40g rolled oats
• 200ml unsweetened almond milk (or dairy milk)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

To serve:

• 1 banana
• 1 tsp chia seeds

Method:

Measure out the oats and milk into a microwave safe bowl, then add the vanilla extract if using.

Stir, then cook on high in the microwave for 2 ½ minutes.

Remove from the microwave and stir again then place back in the microwave.

Continue to cook at 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the porridge is at your desired consistency.

Serve with chopped or sliced banana and a sprinkling of chia seeds or top with other fresh fruits of your choice.

Enjoy!

Note: This recipe is easily doubled, just cook for a minute or so longer when doubling the quantities.

Top Tips for Making Porridge

What oats should you use for porridge?

I prefer to use rolled oats for my porridge, but you can use any type of oats - it's really down to personal preference. Steel cut oats, rolled oats, porridge oats and jumbo oats are all great for making porridge, they just produce slightly different textures and their cooking times may vary a little.

What type of milk should you use for porridge?

You can make porridge with any type of milk. Full fat cows milk makes a deliciously creamy porridge, but semi-skimmed or skimmed is fine as well. Non-dairy milks such as soya milk, rice milk or almond milk also make great porridge.

Should porridge be thick or runny?

I like to cook my porridge until it is thick, but again, it's really down to personal preference so if you prefer your porridge runny, just cook it for a little less time. Be aware that porridge will thicken as it cools, so bear that in mind when deciding when to finish cooking it.

Why does my porridge boil over in the microwave?

Porridge rises during the cooking process, so if your bowl is too small, your porridge is very likely to boil over. Make sure you cook it in a large bowl with plenty of room for the porridge to rise - you can always spoon it into a smaller bowl for serving afterwards.

I don't have a microwave - how do I cook porridge in a pan?

If you don't have a microwave, don't worry, it's just as easy to cook porridge on the stove top! Use the same quantities as the recipe above, heat the milk in a saucepan and bring it the the boil. Reduce the heat to medium, stir in the oats and cook for a few minutes until the porridge starts to thicken. Continue to cook, stirring from time to time, until the porridge is at your desired consistency.

What toppings can you put on porridge?

For a healthy breakfast, top porridge with fresh fruit such as sliced banana, chopped peaches or mango, grated apple or berries. Dried fruit, nuts, seeds and sugar free nut butters are also delicious, or try my easy berry compote recipe.

Less healthy (but totally yummy!) toppings include a sprinkle of sugar, drizzle of maple syrup, honey or golden syrup, small handful of chocolate chips or a dollop of Nutella or jam.

Enjoy this recipe? Why not try one of these healthy breakfast ideas too:

Easy Porridge Bread

Easy Carrot Cake Porridge

Porridge with Summer Berries Topping

Fruity Yogurt Baked Oats

Super Healthy Granola Bar

Or for more delicious breakfast ideas, check out the Healthy Breakfast Recipessection here on the Eats Amazing blog or follow myHealthy Breakfast Ideas Pinterest boardfor fresh and seasonal inspiration all the year around.

Grace

Want to try this recipe? Why not save it to Pinterest so you can easily find it again!