We've noticed an autumn chill is on the way! If you need a boost on a brisk morning to warm you, porridge has been a favourite for generations. Move over, humble breakfast. Healthy or decadent. Savoury or sweet. Our topping ideas will transform your porridge into a nutritious and hearty feast.
For the porridge, you can choose
- Traditional oats
- Millet meal
- Semolina
- Rye
Or one of these gluten-free options
- Buckwheat
- Cornmeal
- Rice
- Amaranth
- Quinoa
How to make it
Porridge can be made to suit most dietary requirements. There are plenty of recipes handed down through families. If you need a traditional method, Jamie Oliver has a video of "How to make porridge" below. This video has captions.
There are plenty of different methods you can try depending on your skill and time constraints. You can make ahead, soak overnight, do a 2-minute microwave or even an oven-baked porridge. Here are 30 topping ideas to get you started. Adapt to suit dietary requirements and taste as needed.
For the topping, why not try...?
- A dollop of choc-hazelnut spread, sliced oranges and mascarpone
- Blackberries with a dash of vanilla bean seeds
- Blueberries, grated ginger and mascarpone
- Chia seeds, Linseed, Sunflower and Almond Mix (LSA), currants
- Chia seeds, sliced banana and blueberries
- Coconut flakes, blueberries, a little lemon zest
- Coconut flakes, rosewater and sliced apricots
- Guava Jam stirred through with coconut flakes. Add a dash of grated ginger for the adventurous
- Grilled peaches
- Ground nutmeg, stewed apples
- Figs, a drizzle of honey and goat’s curd
- Mixed fresh berries on their own or with a little mascarpone
- Marmalade, blueberries and cinnamon
- Maple syrup, mixed berries and a hint of icing sugar
- Orange slices and a sprinkle of raw cacao powder (or dark chocolate for the decadent)
- Orange blossom water and sliced dates
- Peach, molasses and almond flakes
- Plain yoghurt and honey
- Salted caramel sauce and a shot of coffee
- Sliced pear and walnuts
- Sliced apple (varieties like gala) with a sprinkle of brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon
- Sliced dates and a drizzle of golden syrup
- Sliced banana with a drizzle of brown rice syrup*
- Sliced almonds with a drizzle of golden syrup
- Stewed apricots and toasted almonds
- Strawberries and poached quinces
- Stewed rhubarb, a dollop of plain yoghurt and a drizzle of honey
- Sultanas, sliced apple and honey
- Tinned plums and honey
- Treacle and sliced apple
You can make it a recipe challenge. See who can come up with the best tried-and-tested combination?
* Brown rice syrup is a lovely vegan alternative to honey.
