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Classic British Creamy Oat Porridge

Porridge is a cornerstone of British and Scottish breakfast traditions, tracing back to medieval times when oats provided a hearty, nourishing start to the day. This creamy interpretation of classic oat porridge embraces the inherent sweetness of wholegrain rolled oats gently cooked in milk, yielding a lusciously smooth texture that melts with each spoonful. More than just a comforting bowl, porridge has played a vital role in rural communities, celebrated for its simplicity and adaptability through the seasons. Today, it stands as both a nostalgic staple and a canvas for modern flavor explorations—from tangy berries and roasted nuts to exotic spices and superfood seeds. Its slow, gentle simmer unlocks the oats’ natural creaminess, transforming humble grains into an indulgent breakfast that energizes and satisfies. Versatile by nature, this recipe invites endless personalization: swap dairy for plant-based alternatives, sweeten with maple syrup or honey, or elevate with fresh fruit compotes. Whether you seek a soul-soothing morning ritual or a quick, nourishing pick-me-up, this porridge promises warmth, comfort, and wholesome goodness in every bowl.

Breakfast | British | Scottish | Egg-Free | Vegetarian | Porridge | Mixing Bowl | Saucepan | Whisk | Cow Milk | Oat | Simmering | Stirring | Whisking | Under 15 Minutes
Time to complete

Prep

5min

Cook

6min

Wait

0 minutes

Total

11min

Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)

Ingredients

  • 160g (1 3/4 cups) rolled oats
  • 600ml (2 1/2 cups) milk, or soya milk, or water
  • Pinch of sea salt

For Serving/Garnishing

  • Fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced banana
  • Nuts, such as chopped almonds or walnuts
  • Seeds, such as chia or flax
  • Sweetener to taste (honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar)
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 132
  • Fat: 4.2
  • Protein: 6.2
  • Carbohydrates: 17.8
  • Fiber: 2.2
Directions

Prepare Ingredients

  • 1. Measure out oats and liquid, and have a pinch of sea salt ready.

Combine & Simmer

  • 2. In a large saucepan, whisk together oats, milk (or soya milk or water), and sea salt over medium heat.

Cook Porridge

  • 3. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir continuously for 5–6 minutes, until the mixture is thick and creamy.

Adjust Consistency

  • 4. If you prefer a looser porridge, stir in an extra splash of milk or water until it reaches your desired texture.

Finish & Serve

  • 5. Divide into warm bowls and top with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, and sweetener of your choice.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Prepare porridge in a slow cooker on low for 2–3 hours for hands-off convenience.

Alternative Ingredients

  • Use quinoa flakes instead of oats for a naturally gluten-free and protein-rich version.

Bold Flavors

  • Swirl in a spoonful of tahini and a pinch of flaky sea salt for a savory-sweet twist.

Flavor Pairings

  • Stir in cinnamon and diced apple mid-cook for a warm apple pie–inspired bowl.

Healthy Variations

  • Swap half the milk for plain yogurt after cooking for added probiotics and tang.

Seasonal Tweaks

  • Top with roasted pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg in autumn months.

Serving

  • Warm your serving bowls ahead of time to keep the porridge hot longer.

Soaking

  • Soak oats in the liquid for 5 minutes before cooking to enhance creaminess.

Stirring

  • Use a wooden spoon and stir constantly on low heat to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth texture.

Sweetening

  • Add sweetener halfway through cooking so it melts evenly into the porridge.

Texture

  • For ultra-creamy porridge, finish cooking off-heat with a lid on for 2 minutes to allow oats to steam.

Toasting

  • Toast oats for 1–2 minutes in the dry pan before adding liquid to deepen their nutty flavor.