By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 1, 2026
Serves 6
74 cal · 25 min
Hot Cornmeal Cereal
Recipe GLPR8f2135699b5a26
A warm and comforting breakfast porridge made with cornmeal, salt, and water. This simple hot cereal has a creamy, smooth texture and is traditionally served hot with a splash of milk and a sprinkle of sugar for sweetness.
Save recipes you love
Create a free Grocery List Plus account to save recipes, rate them, and add every ingredient to your grocery list in one tap.
Ingredients
1 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups cold water
3 cups boiling water
Milk for serving
Sugar for serving
Directions
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before beginning.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal and salt. Gradually add the cold water while stirring continuously until a smooth mixture forms with no lumps.
Bring the boiling water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Slowly pour the cornmeal mixture into the boiling water while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Continue stirring frequently as the mixture cooks. After a few minutes, the mixture will begin to thicken noticeably. Keep stirring until the cereal reaches a porridge-like consistency.
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Ladle the hot cornmeal cereal into serving bowls. Top each serving with a splash of milk and a sprinkle of sugar to taste. Serve immediately while hot.
Comments
A straightforward polenta-style breakfast that checks most boxes for Charlotte families: cornmeal is cheap and stocked everywhere, the six servings easily feed a household, and the ingredient list is under five dollars. The 25-minute stated time is honest—just stirring cornmeal into boiling salted water, then adding milk and sugar—and leftovers reheat well in a pot with a splash more milk. The only minor drawback is that it's plain-flavored unless you dress it up at the table, and the constant stirring means you can't walk away, which matters on a weeknight when you're juggling other tasks.
Sign in or create a free account to add your review.
