Want a hot and healthy breakfast in 5-minutes? Well, here you go, this quinoa cereal takes 5 minutes from start to finish and will leave you feeling healthy and satisfied! I love my other quinoa and steel-cut oat cereal, but I have to plan ahead the night before in order to make it, and sometimes I just want to wake up and have some hot cereal, like NOW! I’m not the type of person who likes to fuss a lot when it comes to breakfast. I like to have my coffee and cereal ready within 10 minutes of waking. That’s just how I roll.
So, if you’re at all like me and want something quick, hot and healthy, then give this a try! What have you got to loose?
I will admit that this cereal is kind of bland on its own, but top it off with a large spoonful of your favorite nut butter or maple syrup, some fresh seasonal fruit, and this cereal goes from bland to “wow,” all in an instant. It’s all about the toppings baby! If you top it with peanut butter and berries you don’t even need honey or maple syrup. The peanut butter adds amazing flavor to the quinoa, and it melts into the cereal making it taste like a peanut butter sandwich. YUM! Come on, doesn’t that bowl of cereal look amazing?
You can use water here, but I wanted to add to the nutritional value and flavor by adding almond milk (which is vegan and dairy free). I love using my homemade vanilla almond milk. You can also use coconut milk, or rice milk, the list goes on and on….
The milk also helps to make the cereal a bit creamier. I also threw in some antioxidant rich goji berries, just because I like them, and they’re a super food you know! You don’t have to add those if you’re not a fan though. You could keep the cereal as is with just the milk, or add in some dried blueberries or cranberries in lieu of the goji berries. Ok, set your timer and let’s make some cereal!
5 minute hot quinoa cereal:
makes 1 serving
Cereal:
- 1 cup almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, 1% milk, or milk of choice.
- 1/3 cup quinoa flakes – you can find these flakes in the cereal section next to the oatmeal
- Optional – 1/4 cup goji berries, dried blueberries or cranberries
- pinch of sea salt
Toppings:
- peanut butter, almond butter, maple syrup, or honey – I adore topping this cereal with peanut butter, that’s my go-to!
- toasted walnuts or toasted or raw almonds, or raw sunflower seeds
- fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, mango, peaches, sliced banana
- granola
- dried fruit like blueberries, goji berries, mulberries, cranberries, cherries
- chia seed
- Medjool dates, apples and or persimmons in the fall
Here’s a photo of what a box of quinoa flakes look like, for those of you that are not familar.
These are all of the ingredients that you will need to make a bowl of 5-miute hot quinoa cereal. Easy, right?
Let’s get started! In a small to medium sized saucepan set over medium-high heat, bring the almond milk to a boil.
When the milk comes to a boil, add in the 1/3 cup quinoa flakes, the 1/4 cup goji berries (or dried blueberries) and a pinch of salt, turn off the heat and give the cereal a stir.
Let the cereal sit for 3 minutes, (set your timer here) to allow the quinoa flakes to cook through. This is what the cereal looks like before it sits for 3 minutes.
Give the cereal and give it a final stir. See how much thicker and creamier it is?
Ladle the cereal into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings!
I love it topped with unsweetened shredded coconut, walnut butter and smashed raspberries.
I also love it topped with peanut butter, smashed raspberries mixed with chia seed.
I adore it topped with some chunky peanut butter and sliced strawberries. It tastes like a peanut butter and strawberry sandwich!
I also love it topped with some peanut butter, homemade granola and dried blueberries!
Hey, why not make this breakfast even healthier by adding in chia seed. Add in 2 tablespoons of chia seed along with the goji berries, peanut butter and strawberries!
Did you know that just 1 tablespoon of chia seed is high in protein, provides energy and helps the body maintain sustained hydration? Pretty cool! This is what I eat before I go for a long bike ride!
I hope this becomes another cereal staple in your house!
You could even make this cereal with a bowl and hot water if you didn’t have a pan or milk handy, like say on a trip or at the office. Just microwave or boil the water in a bowl and then add in the quinoa, salt and goji berries. Stir and let sit and serve as usual!
When I travel, I pre-mix the quinoa flakes, salt and goji berries in a small jar or bag so that I can have a healthy breakfast when traveling. All I then need is some hot water, hot milk and a banana. Easy peasy!
Like hot cereals?
Then try my hot quinoa and steel-cut oat cereal with goji berries. This is an overnight cereal that’s packed with the heartiness of steel cut oats and the protein of quinoa.
Or you can try my easy overnight steel cut oats. This is the simple and classic way to enjoy steel cut oats.
Toasted overnight steel cut oats. Toasting the oats in butter adds a new depth of flavor and richness, as well as a chewier and nuttier taste and texture. Double YUM!
When I have some time on the weekends, I love to make a batch of these almond flour pancakes. They’re packed with protein and healthy fats to keep you going all morning long! They’re also kid approved, grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo! 
If you’re looking for a another grain-free, gluten-free, vegan and paleo warm porridge then you have to try my grain-free, paleo, vegan breakfast porridge. It’s loaded with healthy Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats, contains tons of fiber, antioxidants, magensisum, and minerals. It takes only 10 minutes to make from start to finish, and the best part is that it’s low in carbs, and a warm, tasty and satisfying way to start the day. It will also give you the necessary fuel to get you through your morning.
- Cereal:
- 1 cup sweetened or unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, 1% milk , or milk of choice
- ⅓ cup quinoa flakes - you can find these flakes in the cereal section next to the oatmeal
- Optional - ¼ cup goji berries, dried blueberries or cranberries
- pinch of sea salt
- Toppings:
- peanut butter, almond butter, maple syrup, or honey - I adore topping this cereal with peanut butter, that's my go-to!
- toasted walnuts or almonds
- fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, mango, peaches, sliced banana
- granola
- dried fruit like blueberries, goji berries, mulberries, cranberries, cherries
- chia seed
- In a small to medium sized saucepan set over medium-high heat, bring the almond milk to a boil.
- When the milk comes to a boil, add in the ⅓ cup quinoa flakes, the ¼ cup goji berries (or dried blueberries) and a pinch of salt, turn off the heat and give the cereal a stir.
- Let the cereal sit for 3 minutes, (set your timer here) to allow the quinoa flakes to cook through.
- Give the cereal and give it a final stir. It will be a lot thicker and creamier.
- Ladle the cereal into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings! I love topping my cereal with fresh fruit in the summer, like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, mango, you name it! I always blend in a big spoonful of peanut butter though! Amazing!
Hi Jackie, found your recipe recently & was dying to make it. Finding the quinoa flakes took some time. The first time I made it, I followed the recipe. However, the next time I simplified it by using the microwave. I know many don’t like to use it but it was so easy & quick. Mix the quinoa with the liquid & microwave for 100 seconds, stir & add your toppings. If it’s a little thick, just add a little more liquid. Delicious & filling. Thanks again for a great recipe.
Yay! So glad you loved it! Thanks for the microwaving tip, I know it will make a lot of readers happy :).
So happy that I found your recipes. Made my cereal this morning with coconut milk, goji berries and added almond butter when done. It was delicious.
Thank you this quick, healthy and delicious recipe! I used raisins instead of goji berries and added almond butter, maple syrup and cinnamon. Topped with chopped almonds and sliced bananas. My children loved it. This will definitely go in the breakfast rotation.
How do we figure out what the nutrient value is.. Calories protein etc? is there an app you use to figure this out ? thanks
Hi Jess. I honestly don’t have or use any sort of nutritional app. I know that 1/3 cup of dry quinoa has the following: 131 calories, 4.3 grams of protein. If you want more protein, add the almond milk, nut butter and some chia seeds and you will have a protein powerhouse!
This Quinao recipe makes a HUGE serving for 1
Hi Linda! Yes, it makes a bit, but breakfast is my big meal of the day, so I usually eat the whole amount! Feel free to half the recipe!
Hi. I am totally new to Quinoa and purchased some Ground Quinoa Cereal. Can I make pancakes and hot cereal with the ground quinoa or do I have to use flakes? Thanks for any advice. Kim
Hi Kim! I’m not entirely sure what ground quinoa cereal is? Is it just regular old quinoa?
Hi, it is almost like a flour texture…. here is the link to the brand http://www.ceres.co.nz/products/ceres-organics/mueslis-cereals/organic-cereal-quinoa/
Hi Kim! hmm…. I’ve never seen or used that brand before, but it says that you can mix it with water, so give it a try. I think the consistency is going to be very much like that of cream of wheat. It seems like it’s regular old quinoa that has been pureed down into an almost like flour texture. I would give it try.
I’m also going to be posting an overnight quinoa and steel cut oats recipe this week that uses regular old quinoa. You may want to give that a try.
Let me know how this quinoa turns out! Check out their website, as they have lots of great recipes to make with this quinoa. I may actually give it a try myself, so please report back on how you liked it! xoxo, Jacquelyn
who sells Quinoa?
You can get regular quinoa at most grocery stores like Whole Foods and such. Quinoa flakes might be a bit more difficult to find, but they will usually be located near the oatmeal in the cereal isle. I always buy my quinoa flakes at Whole Foods! 🙂
Thankyou – after just being diagnosed celiac – i miss my porridge aka oats – i bought quinoa flakes and had no idea what to do with them until i found you. I appreciate you.
Hi Raylene! I’m so happy that you found another hot breakfast alternative that you can enjoy just as much as oats. I just ate a bowl of the quinoa flakes today topped with some peanutbutter and raspberries, so yum! xoxo, Jacquelyn
I like quinoa and all kind of berries a lot. I’m gonna try the hot quinoa and steel-cut oat cereal with goji berries, look delicious.
Greetings,
Angel
I made this this morning and topped it with crunchy peanut butter and half a banana…DELICIOUSNESS!!! It was a bit too much for me to eat, but not enough to split in half. I’ve had the quinoa flakes in my pantry for a while and am so glad I now know a way to prepare them that is tasty! I also recently bought a bag of goji berries and have loved putting them in various recipes, including your overnight quinoa and steel cut oats recipe. Now that made a ton of servings and was yummy too!! I would rate this one a little higher than the overnight one. Thank you so much for some new breakfast recipes I can add to my routine :))))
Yaay Michelle! I’m so glad that you loved the quinoa flakes. I have been eating them everday for the past 3 weeks topped with peanut butter and fresh strawberries. Goji berries rock and they’re so healthy to boot! I have an easy overnight steel-cut oat recipe that you should try as well. Super easy and super yummy! Thanks for saying hi Michelle! xoxo, Jackie
Thanks Jackie!! I made the steel cut oats last night and added crunchy PB, half a banana and goji berries. It needed a little extra salt and something else a little sweet, but I didn’t add anything. Maybe just a tad organic brown sugar or almond milk?
You can really add just about anything to sweeten it up. You could add a touch of dark brown sugar and mix it in or some honey. I also add fresh strawberries or blueberries when in season and that really helps to sweeten it up! 🙂 xoxo, Jackie
Thank you for the great ideas. I’m preparing for a multi day trek, but as a gluten intolerant the options are very limited. This seems like a really wonderful idea. I’ll try it out and give you feedback on how well this worked while hiking.
Thanks again!
Tried it and loved it! During the trek I couldn’t bring almond/soy milk, so I added some almond meal to the pre-packed dry mix. Worked really well! Having a good breakfast in three minutes is scoring gold when you’re just out of your tent and still cold.
This one is a keeper! Thanks again. Thomas
Awesome Thomas! I’m so happy that this worked out for you and that it warmed you up! What did you use to heat it all up, hot water? Good to know that when I go camping in the future that I can make up a batch of quinoa flakes. I will just have to remember to bring a few packets of almond butter or peanut butter as I’m addicted to that this cereal! Have a great day and thanks for letting me know how it all turned out 🙂 xoxo, Jackie
Thank you for this fabulous recipe 🙂
I’ve had quinoa flakes in my cupboard for a few months now. In the past I’ve made a porridge with water, and neither the taste nor the texture was very appealing, so I was delighted when I saw this recipe. I added some coconut oil and dessicated coconut, while ‘cooking’ it, and added chopped 1/2 banana, some raspberries, and soya yoghurt to serve. Super delicious- it’s like eating pudding for breakfast! 🙂 However, with the fruit and yoghurt to serve, I think I could have done with 1/2 the quinoa portion size- it’s very filling, and very calorific (with the coconut, it takes it to around 550 calories-eeeek!! And that’s without the extras to serve!)
Thought I’d add the calorie info, because I’m in the process of losing weight by monitoring my calorie intake, and I often equate ‘super-healthy’ to mean ‘low in calories’ . Not so! Just thought I’d mention it in case the info is of value to anyone else 🙂
Hi Lori! Thanks so much for the calorie info. I think it’s really helpful for people and I never even thought about it, but adding on too many toppings can add up! My new fave way is just to top it with peanut butter or almond butter and throw in a banana, then I don’t need the sweet! I like the idea of coconut oil, that sounds very appealing! I love hearing the different ways people top their cereal as it keeps things interesting when you get in a cereal rut! Thanks for your info! xoxo, Jackie
Just recommended this recipe to one of my clients with food allergies. Thanks for posting! Love the simplicity and so will my client…food allergies can be overwhelming.
Many thanks for this fantastic simple but yummy breakfast recipe, which I had this morning – I’m new to your blog but have looked a many of your recipes today and I shall try them out, I’m from Western Australia and have a 5 year old and spend lots of time in our kitchen – many thanks for sharing – love your website 🙂
Best wishes
Sarah
Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for stopping by and saying hi. I’m so happy that you tried and liked this cereal. I loved it the first time I tried it and I love how quick it is to prepare. Its sometimes nice to have a hot cereal on a cool morning. I have 2 other cereals that you might enjoy as well, and both are just as easy as they are made to sit out overnight. I love hearing that you’re from Australia. The internet makes it such a small world. I can’t wait to hear what you and your 5 year old make up next. 🙂 xoxo, Jackie
Made this hot cereal this morning and it was delish! Think it will become a new favorite!!
Awesome Katherine! I’m so glad that you tried the cereal and loved it! It’s my absolute favorite morning cereal now, and it’s so easy to prepare. My favorite way to eat it now is topped with fresh strawberries. Give it a shot, so good! 🙂
That looks amazing! I hadn’t heard of quinoa flakes before, and they look so creamy. Sometimes my regular oats get a little temperamental, so this would be something fun to try to mix things up! And I’m with you — I definitely need my sweetness!
I had never heard of them either until I stumbled upon them in the grocery store. This is simply the easiest hot breakfast I have made and I have been making it every day. Let me how you like it when you try it. 🙂
Lucky grocery store finds are some of my favorites! Some days, I could spend hours walking up and down the aisles. But my limited free time doesn’t quite allow for that on a regular basis. :]
I know! I love the days where I have the time to stop and explore each isle. It’s a treat! 🙂
Do you have a favorite aisle?
Hmmm, that’s a tough question. I love the bulk isle at Whole Foods along with the produce section and the section with the pastas, sauces and beans. You?
Those are all great! I love the produce, as well as the bakery. I use grocery stores’ expensive baked goods as inspiration sometimes!
Ok, lady! I’m getting bored with my breakfast – same thing for years – but this I will try! Fast, healthy and hot…how I like to start my day ;).
Hey Cathie! You should totally give this a try. I mean it’s too easy not to and tastes awesome! It’s the perfect fuel for one our Lauren workouts. xoxo, Jackie
This looks so yummy! I have never tried quinoa as a breakfast cereal before, always used it for other meals. Looks like it’s time to give it a whirl! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Lisa. You should totally give this a try. I was never a huge fan of quinoa cold like in a salad, but give me quinoa all warmed up in a patty or cake or in cereal, and I’m hooked! This cereal is too simple not to give it a try! xoxo, Jackie
i haven’t seen quinoa flakes before…can’t wait to try it out. i love a hot breakfast…just something about the warmth…or maybe i say that since there is still some snow piles on the ground outside my front door. lol and i must admit i don’t know if i’ve ever had a mulberry…wanna check those out too. have a wonderful day!
Hi Angela! I love a warm breakfast even when it’s warm out. There’s just something so comforting about a warm breakfast. You should try these. I seriously have been eating this concoction for the past 3 weeks. It’s just too easy not to and I feel so good afterwards! xoxo, Jackie
I agree with Sharon B. You are sweet and I love the way you write too! It’s like we’re talking on the phone…I love this hot cereal and I love that it’s 5 minutes!
Awww, Annie you’re too sweet! I do agree that we have been visiting each other’s blogs for so long that it’s like we’re chatting on the phone. It’s great how you can develop an on-line blogger friendship. Yes, 5 minutes for a healthy breakfast, that’s a winner in my book. xoxo, Jackie
I agree, no fussing first thing in the morning and this looks perfect! so healthy and delicious
The consistency on this looks creamy and delicious! I’m going to look for quinoa flakes and give this a try! Maybe you’ll help me get over my dislike for quinoa like you did with kale!
Ok, knowing you, you will definitely need to add a drizzle or two of maple syrup girl. It needs a bit of sweet! xoxo, Jackie
5 minutes? Girl! I can do this! homemade cinnamon rolls in the morning (a daily request) i think not but 5 minute quinoa- i can do that. It looks delicious my friend. Hope you had a wonderful Easter! Got to make it short today- no time- as if I ever really have time but today definitely no time but I wanted to stop by:)
Girl, I so get it! I’m so excited for vacation next week 🙂 I need a break from the routine! I can’t believe that you make homemade cinnamon rolls each morning. WOW, you have me beat.
Good morning Sunshine! First of all, you make me smile by the way you write. “I need the sweet people!” Ha! I would too! 🙂 I use either maple syrup or agave syrup on oatmeal or your other “hot and healthy cereal” recipe and it just makes it taste so good!
I just realized I’ve been calling you sunshine in the last couple comments I’ve written and now I figured out why. It’s because the way you write is so…sunny! I always look forward your posts. 🙂
Anyways, this recipes looks like one to try! I’ve never had dried mulberries or quinoa flakes before – I didn’t even realize either of those existed! I’ll have to look for those. I like your other cereal recipe too but you’re right that it takes awhile to make. I’ve got to pin this one too and try it too! Okay girl, I’ll talk to you soon! xoxo, Sharon
Awwww, you’re super sweet and you made my morning. Hey, I’m being honest there, I love these healthy quinoa cereals, but I need to top them off with something sweet, I can’t eat them as is. Dried mulberries are a super food, so of course I bought them. They are dried so they are not plump and moist like raisins. The cereal really tastes great with the sliced banana on top. I mean you gotta put that on there. I hope you have a blissful day. I’m attempting to make another veggie burger to sample at lunch today. It’s from my Meat Free Monday cookbook, so I think it will be good. I have tried a few recipes from there and have loved them all. xoxo, Jackie
I’ve been eyeing these same quinoa flakes at my local natural foods store but just haven’t purchased a box for some reason. I’m glad you were the guinea pig:) Next time I’m there I’ll grab a box.
Hey girl! That’s what I’m here for, to guinea pig recipes 🙂 I hope you like it!