Toasted Four Grain Cereal

You inspired me to look for alternatives to Rolled Oats. I’m used to lots of options from Germany. Sadly, after checking the grocery store AND Whole Foods, I can’t find anything other than Rolled Oats or Rolled Quinoa here in the Philadelphia area. Any tips on where else to look for them?

I have been meaning to make ‘getting up to eat breakfast before I leave for work’ a New Year’s Resolution for two years running now. This reminds me of when I was a kid and I ate breakfast where you should—at home! I think you have inspired me to finally do it! And it might be interesting to try the bourbon blueberries before I hit the office, heh heh!

Very good. I added wheat berries to the oats mixture, and this resulted in a nice nutty flavor and a bit of a chewy texture. I liked this as I found the the overnight soak of the oats left them mushy.

Oh my gosh! YUMMO! Im going to try and make this tomorrow morning 🙂

This was fantastic! I could bathe in the buttermilk syrup. As always, it’s a hit. (even with my two toddlers)
Thank you!

Anything we could use instead of butter? my sweetie is vegan

thanks for the recipes i ejoyed the information very much.

I could not wait to make your breakfast recipe… Had oatmeal on hand, shopped for the rest and all I could find was rolled barley… so, I made it with: rolled oats, rolled barley, rolled quinoa, some farro and spelt. After the grains were toasted in heavenly butter and salt, the water was added and brought to a boil, gave it a stir, turned off the heat, and put the lid on. This morning everything was cooked and ready to enjoy and savor … (needed a bit more salt). Found yogurt and apple cider in the fridge plus blueberries and almonds. Thank you dear Heidi for the yummy and nutritious breakfast… will have it often!!

This recipe looks wonderful. I will have to try this out!

I can’t wait to give this a try, four grain is new to me. This is very exciting 🙂

Great lookin breakfast! Oatmeal in the morning has become a ritual for me and to get more variety, I really should start adding barley/spelt/flax. Nice recipe, girl!

What an excellent way to start the day!!! It would be great with Bulgarian yogurt and 100% maple syrup as a dessert too :),

This is a warming and unusual way to make breakfast cereal. A great change of pace, using some less widely-used grains. Am going to try it, blended and smooth, with some fruit, for my picky toddler!

I can’t wait to try this! I eat oatmeal pretty much everyday, so I am always looking for new ways to mix it up. Heidi, your baked oatmeal recipe from your cookbook changed my life!

This looks like a nice change from my standard oatmeal. I love toasted coconut on the top–or a spoonful of peanut butter.

I eat a ton of oatmeal and this is a great reminder to add some other grains…And I have never tried spelt

Wow, what a simple, healthy, and delicious breakfast idea!

Yum! I am completely into savory toppings, current favorite is pistachios, a good EVOO drizzle, sprinkle of fat salt and or grated parm/romano. To this will often add on of the following:chopped up hard boiled egg, or some small greens (wilted in) or blueberries, YES.

a healthy delicious breakfast. Love the addition of rolled spelt

I find soaking the oats the night before also makes it creamier the next day. I do this when making waffles with oats too. I wonder if this would work for other rolled grains,

I’ve become a fan of soaking/parcooking my oats the night before. Tried this little trick with just oatmeal and I am totally sold. Toasty, buttery deliciousness that makes weekday breakfast a luxury.

I think I will love the smell of oatmeal and butter wafting in the air the first thing in the morning.

You had me at “bourbon blueberries”. Wow. I have been eating oatmeal for breakfast every morning this winter, loving how it fills me up and fuels me through the day without weighing me down. But I think it’s time to expand my grains– this looks delicious, and the toppings you mention are out. of. this. world.
(Love the Buddha’s Hand in the picture too!)

I love combining my own rolled grains for cereal. I usually do it off the cuff as I’m making it in the morning, though, pouring a bit of this and a bit of that into the pan. Never thought of toasting it. Will have to try that.
I do love Kamut in mine, though, and rolled wheat, too.
My all-time favorite topping is coconut milk, which along with a bit of cold chunky applesauce on the hot cereal is an absolute dream of deliciousness.

The cereal looks great but what I really took from this post is the bourbon blueberries! Wow genius.

I just came across your blog. Your photography is beautiful!
I need to get out of my quinoa and oats rut and add some more grains to the mix!

Excellent idea!! It sounds delicious and doable for just about anyone. I may have a little project tonight…

I’m afraid I’d eat the cereal at night once I smelled the toasting oats. Seriously, this sounds delish. I’ll have to make it for Jack and Josh because we are all oats lovers.

Now I just want boozy blueberries. Is that so wrong?

Your recipes are always a real pleasure to try out – I love getting the emails! Keep it up!

I love making my own grain mixes. I’ve never thought of making my own cereal mix, Its a great idea! I usually do rice mixes and flour mixes. Thanks for the great idea!
Cheers!

I love hot cereals, and I am intrigued by this recipe. And I love the cheery yellow of the inside of that bowl–I take all the cheer I can get in the mornings! Thanks, Heidi!

Classic recipe. I use a similar one almost every day — its my comfort breakfast — healthy and delicious. Dried dates also taste fantastic with this. Its not too heavy in the winter 🙂

Heidi, I have made at least one quarter of the things you post, and not one of them has been just all right… they have all been truly memorable and enjoyed immensely by me, my boyfriend and others who come over. Also, all the things you post go well together, which I really appreciate when I’m trying to plan a party or a dinner. And they’re all beautiful, visually and texture-wise.
Have you considered using your brilliance to do beer and wine pairings with your recipes? I know you’ve posted some drink recipes, but I would love to hear what kind of wines you have paired with these dishes. I think your knack would be great here.
Thank you so so much – your website is a weekly visit when I’m planning my grocery list.You have my vegetarian diet so much more exciting and turned others onto vegetarian dishes, and I like that you recommend substitutes for ingredients we might not have around. I don’t know you but you have drastically improved my life, and I mean that! Cheers to you!

I like to put a large teaspoon of blackstrap molasses on my bowl of hot cereal: its a very strong, old-fashioned flavor and supplies SO many valuable nutrients, such as Iron. Regular molasses is also good, but isn’t as nutrient-dense. Real New York State Maple Syrup from my hometown is always a winner in my book too.

I just found your blog, and I could not be more happy. Such yummy food.

This is perfect timing! I need a morning oatmeal makeover big time! The day ahead factor doesn’t scare me. Thanks!!

Addendum: forgot to mention in my earlier note that one still cooks the oats, as you would any other oatmeal, though the souring process shrinks the cook time measurably. A bit less daring than plain fermented oats, and warm!

I love it. Especially the flexibility part. I’m looking forward to giving this a try. thanks!

Look out! Something is trying to attack your precious toasted four grain cereal! Oh, whew…it’s just your friendly neighborhood fingered citron. Carry on with the deliciousness…

I’m so on board with this multi-grain breakfast! I’ve been trying out new whole grains lately, and this looks like a fun alternative to my new love, steel cut oats.

Happy I popped by before bed. The grains are now soaking (and it does smell like cookies in the house). Thanks for sharing.

Heidi, this sounds so good. I’ve been making 10 Grain Cereal and also 8 Grain Cereal from Bob’s Red Mill. Really love it. I tried finding flaked barley and spelt this past weekend without any luck. I have to try a few of the other stores in a 10 mile radius otherwise I will have to buy them online. I live in the middle of nowhere.
Also, I am trying to make things a bit gluten-free for my son (allergist said to try and get him to eat more gluten-free items and completely dairy-free) so I need whole grains that have no gluten. Any suggestions?

I have been a reader of your journal for a long time but have never posted before. I would like to tell you how much I enjoy your column and photographs and love the enticing glimpses you give us of your old home. I live in an old house not far from Victoria, Vancouver Island and now that we have a direct flight to San Francisco I am very tempted to experience all the wonderful eating and cooking cultural experiences available there. We grow or locally source lots of our food and I am the proud Mum of Melanie who has co-ordinated the Feast of Fields on Vancouver Island for several years. I am prompted to write and tell you how delicious your lemon chutney recipe has turned out using the first good crop from my Meyer lemon tree. We are not necessarily vegetarian eaters but I find it challenging to make vegetables interesting…your column allows no excuses. Hope some day to meet you in person.

What a great recipe. I make overnight oats often, but I have not made cooked oats in a while. I am definitely going to try this recipe.

Cholesterol is a new problem at our house. Can you toast the grains without butter?

There is nothing better than the smell of breakfast and the anticipation it brings, so to smell it the night before? Utterly decadent. I love that the grains are toasted in butter – this must be incredibly delicious.

I’m an oatmeal fanatic and always looking for interesting ways to change it up! Thanks for the recipe!!

Thank you for this great post. I am always on the look out for healthy recipes for my family. I am going to make some up and take it with us on vacation/camping.

This looks great- I’m absolutely going to start expanding my typical oatmeal routine. I love it with stewed prunes! (Sounds like an old-person dish, but simmer some prunes with water, lemon zest, maple syrup and cinnamon and you’ll be converted too)

This looks like a great muesli recipe. What do you think? instead of soaking it in water overnight soak it in yogurt and then just eat it cold?

Your site, photos and books make me smile and smile, thank you!
We pour boiling water on our cereal grains, then put them in a widemouthed thermos overnight… ta da instant hot breakfast.

This is a wonderful way to incorporate slow-cooking grains into a warm, ready breakfast.
I’ve been using a similar day-ahead technique for months that you might really enjoy. Instead of toasting the grains, I put them in a jar with a scoop of plain yogurt and warm water, and shake. The grains break down and release their enzymes overnight, resulting in a slightly soured, rich porridge in the am.
I usually start with a full jar on Sunday and use about half each morning, refilling the jar with more oats and warm water as the week progresses. By Friday or Saturday (or, in the summer, Wednesday), the oats are delightfully fermented, and I can toss what’s left into an easy yeast bread (your recipe from 2011 is perfect for this) for a cheater’s sourdough. These oats are delicious, versatile and healthful — and fermented, like the kombucha of breakfast treats.
My thanks for continuing this inspiring, invigorating recipe collage. We housemates in Oakland send our collective cheers your way.

I want a live-in barista

No more boxed cereals after this! I might try using brown puffed rice here.

I love the idea of toasting the oats in the butter first- sounds delicious as does the buttermilk maple butter. Thanks for the breakfast inspiration.

I’m a little bit in love with the bourbon blueberry idea. Seems to me it would make bourbon weekday appropriate!

I usually just grab some rolled oats for breakfast, but I think it would be great to spice things up with other grains! Thanks for sharing!

I have been making and eating these types of cereals for years and when I am lazy I go buy muesli which sometimes toasted and sometimes not. The variations you can make are many and beat most boxed cereals hands down.

Hi H! I’m sipping on a mug of hot coffee and thinking about how delicious a hot bowl of cereal would be too :>) I’ve been a huge fan of hot quinoa cereals lately, and I’m happy to have an expanded roster of grains to be inspired by in the mornings. Thank you! Noelle

Hi Heidi! This looks like a nutritious and welcoming breakfast. I would love a cup of joe paired with this.
I wanted to tell you that I made your sprouted garbanzo burgers this past weekend and absolutely loved them! They are now my favorite go-to lunch. My husband even raved about them and he is a meat and potatoes guy. We actually whipped up this tzatziki greek yogurt sauce to go with them and it was the perfect compliment. Great recipe!!!

In addition I also toast flax seeds, pepitas, sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, walnuts, pecans into the mix for more of a granola type oatmeal. Thanks for the idea of the other grains!

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and I’m always trying different combinations of grains and toppings for muesli or oatmeal. I’m interested to try toasting the grains in butter the night before.

This sounds a delicious way to start the day, love the combination of grains
Mary

This sounds delicious! I’ve had a commercially produced organic grain blend that was similar to this mix, but I bet it would have tasted 100x better prepared with this method.
I usually just make steel cut oats in the slow cooker when I want overnight grains – just stick it all in there at bedtime, and it’s ready with just a stir in the morning!

This sounds simple and good. Love the ‘morning sunshine’ bowl!

Look at all those grains! I’d like to jump in them like a kid jumping into one of those big bins with all the balls in it. …ya know? Yes? No?
GRAINS!

I love the toasted flavor but was surprised when i toasted cereal like this for my little boy, he hated it! I guess it’s a grownup taste 🙂

I’m just about to have my morning oats and am loving this as a new variety to add!

mmm… anything with buttermilk maple butter has to be good! 🙂

Waking up to oatmeal cookie smells – not a bad idea! Hearty and healthy breakfast!

This could be a very good alternative to my regular oatmeal with apples and cinnamon.
Just have to find a way to ease up on the butter!
Peace
Mike

I love your twist on the traditional oatmeal breakfast. When I have to work really early, it’s my go to for a quick breakfast… with brown sugar and soy milk of course 🙂
Will have to try the boozy blueberries and the buttermilk maple butter. Sounds more like an indulgent weekend treat.

I can’t wait to try this recipe. I eat a lot of oatmeal and steel oats. For sweetening, I cook the oats with 1 chopped up medjool date. When I do this I don’t need any extra sweetener. I also top with it off with a Tbsp. of flax seed oil for an extra nutritional boost and an extra nutty flavor.

If you use the steel cut oats it’s even better. They have so much more texture than the rolled oats and are nutty. Delicious! I make up a large batch and heat up a little each day.

i love you!

What a wonderful recipe. I absolutely love cereal for breakfast, but am always slightly apprehensive as to what goes into the shop bought variety. This looks utterly perfect. And healthy.

You can toast the grains without any butter or oil at all. Use a heavy pan and stir to prevent burning. Stop when the grains are a medium brown and fragrant.

This looks so great. I love oatmeal for breakfast, but I’ve never thought of toasting the grains before. When you say to turn off the heat and add the water, do you leave it on the stove top over night or set it in the fridge?

This looks yummy. I love hot cereal! I’ve been mixing farro, bulgur and whatever random little bits of grains I have left in the pantry.

It’s nice to know exactly what’s in the cereal you’re eating. I love making my own and adding all sorts of toppings from nuts to fruit. I look forward with experimenting more with varied grains.

Ah, the magic of breakfast. Favorite meal of the day! Could I request a recipe for buttermilk maple butter, or do you buy it?

The cereal looks hearty and comforting and the buttermilk maple butter sounds fab.
Lovin’ that yellow veggie in the background, Buddha’s hand I’m guessing. Nice!

one of my favorite cookies ever (and there have been many) is a Nancy Silverton riff on Nutter Butters, from her early dessert cookbook. She begins by toasting oats in a melted butter, alongside a vanilla bean, and HOLY cow, the effect is incredible.
applying this same technique to breakfast cereal? love it. the toppings, too. we’ll so give this a go.
thanks, wayne!

Heidi, you are just so great. This is my first post though I have been OBSESSED with your blog and cookbook now for about a year. My husband keeps joking that he needs to write you a thank-you note for how you’ve revolutionized my cooking! This recipe looks great, breakfast foods have been on my mind lately! I just found your post for “Easy Little Bread” from Gran’s Kitchen cookbook. We’ve been craving scones lately and wonder if you have any great recipes to pass along?! Thanks for being so inspirational.

This looks delicious. I have to say my favorite hot cereal is the oatmeal from Super Natural Every Day, so I am looking forward to trying more of your recommendations!

Oh yum, I’ve never used spelt or barley flakes…must find them. I wonder if toasting the flakes in coconut oil would work in lieu of butter…

This sounds like a great mix of grains to have on hand. I always feel so much better when I start the day off the right way.

Thank you so much, Heidi.
I found your blog only recently, but it addresses my attempted change of eatinghabits so well, with the bright, comforting photographs and mouth-watering ideas.
I’m about to start an exam period and kept seeking healthy, filling breakfast ideas other than industrial sugar-y cereals. This sound wonderful, and I plan to try it next week, then come back and report. hope it will be as good with some fresh fruit other tha berries, that are hardly available in my country.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas with us.