• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Give Recipe logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Breakfast » Bulgur Breakfast

    Published: Jan 3, 2017 · Modified: May 18, 2025 by Zerrin & Yusuf

    Bulgur Breakfast

    Jump to Recipe

    This Bulgur Breakfast is a quick, easy, and healthy recipe. Cook bulgur in milk with cinnamon and sweetener, then top it with your favorite fruits or nuts. It's a tasty, nutritious way to start your day!

    Warm Bulgur Breakfast Bowls with cinnamon, honey and winter fruit will be a good surprise to your family. You’ll want to change your regular oatmeal bowls with this one.

    Bulgur wheat is a type of grain that's good for your body. It's full of vitamins, fiber, and minerals that can help keep you healthy.

    Our Bulgur Breakfast is not only good for you but it also tastes great. It's a wonderful way to start your day!

    And if you love bulgur as much as we do, you should see our best bulgur recipes too!

    Bulgur is one of the ingredients we use very often but not in a breakfast dish. We are on the savory side when we think of bulgur and we mostly make a bulgur pilaf or bulgur salad called kisir with it. Also, you might have heard about one of the most popular street foods, Cigkofte too.

    Bulgur breakfast bowl topped with orange, dried fruit, diced quince, and pumpkin seeds, held in hands.

    Is Bulgur Healthy?

    Eating bulgur for breakfast has many health benefits. It's rich in fiber and vitamins that help you feel full and energized throughout the day. Bulgur also supports digestion and heart health, making it a fantastic addition to your morning meal.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    There are plenty of reasons to love this Bulgur Breakfast recipe. Here are a few that stand out:

    1. Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber and essential vitamins, this recipe is a powerhouse of nutrition. Starting your day with this bulgur breakfast can keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day.
    2. Quick and Easy: Time is precious, especially in the mornings. This recipe can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy mornings when you still want a homemade and hearty breakfast.
    3. Versatile: You can customize this recipe based on your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you prefer fruits or nuts, sweet or savory toppings, the choice is yours! This makes it a great base recipe that you can adapt and make your own.
    4. Unique Flavor: If you're looking to switch up your breakfast routine, this recipe is a great choice. The combination of bulgur, milk, and cinnamon offers a delightful texture and flavor that's comforting and satisfying.

    More Bulgur Recipes

    • Bulgur Lentil Balls
    • Boza
    Warm Bulgur Breakfast Bowls with cinnamon, honey and winter fruit will be a good surprise to your family. You’ll want to change your regular oatmeal bowls with this one.

    About The Ingredients

    This Bulgur Breakfast recipe is made with simple, healthy ingredients. Here's what each one brings to the dish:

    1. Milk: Milk is used to cook the bulgur, giving it a creamy texture and rich flavor. It also adds a good amount of protein and calcium to your breakfast. If you're lactose intolerant or vegan, you can easily substitute this with a non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk.
    2. Bulgur: Bulgur is a whole grain that's packed with fiber, protein, and various nutrients. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a pleasant, chewy texture that works well in both sweet and savory dishes. In this recipe, it serves as the main ingredient, offering both substance and nutrition.
    3. Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a touch of warm, sweet spice to the dish. It's also known for its potential health benefits, such as blood sugar control and anti-inflammatory properties.
    4. Honey, Maple Syrup, or Agave Syrup: These sweeteners give the bulgur a lovely sweetness. They each have their own unique flavor, so you can choose the one you like the most. Plus, they're all natural sweeteners, which are a healthier choice than processed sugars.
    5. Fruit or Nuts for Topping: Fruits add a fresh, sweet, and tangy flavor that complements the creamy bulgur. Nuts, on the other hand, provide a delightful crunch and additional protein. You can choose your favorites to customize your breakfast.

    How To Make It

    Here's the simple process to create this nutritious and delicious bulgur breakfast dish:

    1. Heat the Milk: Start by heating the milk in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Make sure the milk gets warm, but be careful not to let it boil.
    2. Add the Bulgur and Cinnamon: Next, stir in the bulgur and the cinnamon into the warm milk. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
    3. Cook the Bulgur: Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and let the mixture simmer. Do this for about 10-15 minutes, until the bulgur is tender and has soaked up most of the milk. Remember to stir every now and then to prevent the bulgur from sticking to the pan.
    4. Sweeten the Dish: Once the bulgur is cooked, stir in the honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. Give it a taste and add more sweetener if you like.
    5. Let the Bulgur Rest: After sweetening, take the pan off the heat, cover it, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the bulgur to absorb any remaining milk and become more flavorful.
    6. Serve Your Bulgur Breakfast: Finally, pour the cooked bulgur into your breakfast bowls. Top it with your favorite fruits or nuts for added flavor and crunch. Enjoy this tasty and healthy breakfast while it's still warm!
    Warm Bulgur Breakfast Bowls with cinnamon, honey and winter fruit will be a good surprise to your family. You’ll want to change your regular oatmeal bowls with this one.

    Variations

    Here are a few variations you can try to switch things up:

    1. Vegan Version: If you follow a vegan diet, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. For the sweetener, use maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey.
    2. Protein Boost: For an extra protein boost, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or stir in some Greek yogurt. You can also top it with a spoonful of nut butter.
    3. Savory Twist: For a savory take on this recipe, cook the bulgur in vegetable broth instead of milk. Then, top it with some sautéed veggies, a soft-boiled egg, and a sprinkle of your favorite cheese.
    4. Gluten-free: Though bulgur is not gluten-free, you can make a similar recipe with quinoa or buckwheat groats for a gluten-free alternative.
    5. Add Spices: Add a pinch of other spices to change the flavor profile. Nutmeg, cardamom, or even a little vanilla extract could add an interesting twist to your bulgur breakfast.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serving this Bulgur Breakfast is just as easy and customizable as making it. Here's how you can create a delightful breakfast experience:

    1. Dish it up: After cooking, spoon the warm bulgur into individual breakfast bowls. A shallow bowl is ideal as it helps distribute the heat evenly, ensuring that your breakfast stays warm longer.
    2. Add your toppings: This is where you can get creative! Top your bulgur with your favorite fresh fruits like bananas, berries, or peaches for a sweet and tangy flavor. For a crunchy contrast, sprinkle some nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans. You can also add a bit of extra sweetness with a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or a dusting of cinnamon.
    3. Serve right away: This Bulgur Breakfast is best enjoyed warm. The warmth not only enhances the flavors but also provides a comforting start to your day.
    4. Pair with a beverage: Pair your Bulgur Breakfast with a beverage of your choice. A cup of hot tea, coffee, or a glass of fresh juice complements this breakfast beautifully.
    Warm Bulgur Breakfast Bowls with cinnamon, honey and winter fruit will be a good surprise to your family. You’ll want to change your regular oatmeal bowls with this one.

    Make It Ahead of Time

    You can prepare the bulgur for breakfast ahead of time, which is a great option for those with busy morning schedules.

    Here's how to do it:

    1. Cook the Bulgur: Follow the recipe steps to cook the bulgur in milk with cinnamon and sweetener. Once cooked, allow it to cool completely.
    2. Store: Transfer the cooled bulgur to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
    3. Reheat: When you're ready to enjoy your Bulgur Breakfast, simply reheat the bulgur in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen it up. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.
    4. Add Toppings: After reheating, add your chosen fruits or nuts, and enjoy!

    Our Tips

    Here are some useful tips to ensure your Bulgur Breakfast turns out perfect every time:

    1. Stir Frequently: When cooking the bulgur, make sure to stir the mixture regularly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
    2. Watch the Heat: Cooking the bulgur over medium-low heat allows it to absorb the milk gradually and cook evenly. High heat can cause the milk to boil too rapidly and possibly burn.
    3. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Start with a small amount of sweetener, then taste the bulgur once it's cooked. You can always add more sweetener if needed, but you can't take it away.
    4. Use Fresh Toppings: Fresh fruit will add a brighter flavor and a variety of textures to your breakfast. If you're using nuts, consider toasting them lightly first to bring out their flavor.
    5. Plan for Leftovers: If you're cooking for one, halve the recipe, or embrace the leftovers. The cooked bulgur stores well and can easily be reheated for a quick, ready-to-go breakfast.

    Storage & Reheating

    Storing and reheating this Bulgur Breakfast is simple and convenient. Here's what you need to do:

    Storing:

    1. Cool Down: Allow the cooked bulgur to cool completely before storing to prevent excess moisture buildup which can affect the texture and flavor.
    2. Transfer: Transfer the cooled bulgur to an airtight container or divide into individual serving-sized containers for easier reheating.
    3. Refrigerate: Store the bulgur in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

    Reheating:

    1. Saucepan Reheating: If you're reheating the bulgur on the stove, transfer the desired amount to a saucepan. Warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk to help loosen it up and restore its creamy texture.
    2. Microwave Reheating: If you prefer to use the microwave, transfer the bulgur to a microwave-safe dish. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even reheating.

    FAQs

    What can I use instead of milk?

    You can replace milk with any non-dairy milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, for a vegan-friendly version. For a savory twist, you can even cook the bulgur in vegetable broth.

    How can I add more protein to this breakfast?

    Increase the protein content, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the bulgur as it cooks, or stir in Greek yogurt at the end. You could also top the cooked bulgur with nuts or seeds, which are good sources of plant-based protein.

    Can I use a different grain for this recipe?

    Yes, you can substitute bulgur with other grains like quinoa, oatmeal, or farro. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts as needed based on the grain you are using.

    More Breakfast Recipes

    • Yogurt Parfait with Fruit
    • Almond Milk Pancakes
    • French Toast Sandwich

    You might also like:

    • Maple syrup being poured over a stack of pancakes garnished with blueberries and strawberries.
      Almond Milk Pancakes (Fluffy & Dairy Free)
    • Two slices of eggy bread served with tomatoes and fried egg garnished with mint leaves on a dark colored plate.
      Yumurtalı Ekmek (Turkish French Toast)
    • Medium bulgur after soaked in a grey bowl with a fork inside it.
      Bulgar Wheat (Fine & Coarse Bulgur)
    • A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches.
      French Toast Breakfast Sandwiches

    As always: If you make this recipe, let us know what you think by rating it and leaving a comment below. And post a pic on Instagram too—tag @give_recipe so we can see!

    Sign up for the FREE GiveRecipe Newsletter to get the new recipes into your inbox! And stay in touch with us on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram for all the latest updates.

    📖 Recipe

    Bulgur breakfast bowl topped with orange, dried fruit, diced quince, and pumpkin seeds, held in hands.
    No ratings yet

    Bulgur Breakfast

    By Zerrin & Yusuf
    Warm bulgur breakfast with cinnamon, honey and fruit is super tasty, healthy and filling.
    Yields: 2 servings
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    PRINT PIN
    PREP 5 minutes mins
    COOK 15 minutes mins
    TOTAL 20 minutes mins

    INGREDIENTS
      

    • 1¾ cups milk
    • ½ cup bulgur fine or medium
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 tablespoon honey maple syrup or agave syrup
    • 4 segments orange
    • 2 tablespoons quince diced
    • 1 tablespoon dried apricot diced
    • 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    •  Heat the milk: In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it's warm but not boiling.
    • Add the bulgur and cinnamon: Stir in the bulgur and cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
    • Cook the bulgur: Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and let the bulgur simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed most of the milk. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the bulgur from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
    • Add the sweetener: Stir in the honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
    • Let it sit: Remove the pan from the heat, cover it, and let it sit for about 5 minutes so that the bulgur can absorb any remaining liquid and become more flavorful.
    • Serve: Pour the bulgur into breakfast bowls. Top with your favorite fruits or nuts. Enjoy while it's warm.

    NOTES

    You can have the leftovers next morning. Just heat it a bit and top with your favorite fruit.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 336kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 13gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 89mgPotassium: 630mgFiber: 8gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 628IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 289mgIron: 2mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    ADDITIONAL INFO

    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American, Turkish
    Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below!
    « Creamy Brussels Sprouts Gratin
    Avocado Chickpea Pomegranate Salad »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Lulu Taylor says

      January 09, 2017 at 6:22 am

      This looks really good Zerrin. We will give it a go and we agree with you, we like ours creamy too. What size bulgur do you advise? And another bulgur question for you. Have you ever made a substitute couscous recipe using the smaller type of bulgur? Do you think it would work the same? I love the Moroccan couscous dishes with lots of vegetables. Do you think bulgur would work?

      Reply
      • Zerrin says

        January 10, 2017 at 2:46 am

        Hi Lulu!
        I use fine-ground bulgur for this recipe. Thank you for reminding, I'll add it to the recipe.
        As for your second question, believe or not I have never made something with couscous. I really don't know why. I think bulgur can be a good substitute though for any couscous recipe. Need to try this myself too.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Zerrin & Yusuf

    Meet Zerrin and Yusuf Gunaydin: The couple behind this blog. We bring Turkish food into your kitchen! From kebabs to desserts, everything you crave is here.

    More about us→

    POPULAR RECIPES

    • Chicken seasoning in a glass jar and a small spoon in it.
      Dry Rub For Chicken - Chicken Seasoning
    • Turkish bean stew in a dark colored bowl and a spoon inside it.
      Kuru Fasulye Recipe (Turkish Beans)
    • Roasted tomato soup topped with feta cheese and basil leaves in a white bowl, grilled cheese sandwich dipped into it and more grilled cheese sandwiches behind it.
      Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
    • Turkish chicken dish with a tomato sauce served in a bowl and a fork inside it.
      Tavuk Sote - Turkish Chicken Sauté
    • Chicken doner wraps on a wooden board, pickled, French fries, tomato and onion slices on the side.
      Chicken Doner Kebab (Tavuk Döner)
    • Baked chicken wings on a rack.
      Baking Powder Chicken Wings Baked In The Oven

    Zerrin & Yusuf

    Meet Zerrin and Yusuf Gunaydin: The couple behind this blog. We bring Turkish food into your kitchen! From kebabs to desserts, everything you crave is here.

    More about us→

    POPULAR RECIPES

    • Chicken seasoning in a glass jar and a small spoon in it.
      Dry Rub For Chicken - Chicken Seasoning
    • Turkish bean stew in a dark colored bowl and a spoon inside it.
      Kuru Fasulye Recipe (Turkish Beans)
    • Roasted tomato soup topped with feta cheese and basil leaves in a white bowl, grilled cheese sandwich dipped into it and more grilled cheese sandwiches behind it.
      Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
    • Turkish chicken dish with a tomato sauce served in a bowl and a fork inside it.
      Tavuk Sote - Turkish Chicken Sauté
    • Chicken doner wraps on a wooden board, pickled, French fries, tomato and onion slices on the side.
      Chicken Doner Kebab (Tavuk Döner)
    • Baked chicken wings on a rack.
      Baking Powder Chicken Wings Baked In The Oven

    Footer

    ABOUT

    • About Us

    POLICIES

    • Privacy Policy

    LET'S CONNECT!

    • Contact
    • Subscribe

    All content, recipes and photographs are copyrighted and the property of Give Recipe. They may not be republished in part or whole without proper credit and permission.

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2025 GIVE RECIPE

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Privacy PolicyACCEPT
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required