As I scooped a bowl of Rømmegrøt, the warmth of this creamy Norwegian porridge wrapped around me like a cozy embrace, transporting me to snowy Scandinavian winters. Known for its rich, pudding-like consistency, this delightful dish can serve as a hearty breakfast, an indulgent dessert, or a comforting side dish—quick to prepare and endlessly versatile. With its key ingredients of whole milk and a touch of flour, Rømmegrøt transforms into a special treat drizzled with melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar. As someone who cherishes homemade meals, I find it irresistible! Have you ever tasted a dish that makes you feel instantly at home? Let’s dive into making this creamy Norwegian porridge together!

Why is Norwegian porridge a must-try?
Comforting Warmth: The moment you take a bite of Rømmegrøt, its creamy texture envelops you in a delightful embrace, making it perfect for chilly mornings.
Quick to Make: This dish can be prepared in just a few simple steps, making it ideal for busy days or when you’re craving something cozy.
Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy it as a hearty breakfast, comforting side dish, or decadent dessert; Rømmegrøt fits any occasion!
Flavorful Toppings: Drizzle with melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar for a sweet touch that brings the flavors to life.
Cultural Heritage: Experience a piece of Norwegian tradition with each spoonful, connecting you to heartwarming family gatherings and festive celebrations.
If you’re looking to explore more comforting recipes, don’t miss out on our thriving collection of delicious breakfast ideas.
Norwegian Porridge Ingredients
For the Porridge
• Whole Milk – Provides the creamy base for the Norwegian porridge; try heavy cream for a richer texture.
• All-Purpose Flour – Acts as a thickening agent to achieve the perfect porridge consistency; no substitutes needed.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dish and balances its richness; brown sugar can add a delightful depth of flavor.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances the overall taste; any preferred salt works, but kosher ensures precise measurements.
For the Topping
• Salted Butter – Adds indulgence when drizzled on top; unsalted butter can be used if you prefer a pinch of added salt.
• Cinnamon-Sugar – A classic topping that adds sweetness and spice; mix cinnamon with sugar to your taste.
This cozy Norwegian porridge recipe is a delightful way to experience comfort and warmth during meals!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Rømmegrøt: Creamy Norwegian Sour Cream Porridge
Step 1: Heat the Milk
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour in 1 quart of whole milk and slowly heat it over medium-low heat. Stir continuously to prevent the milk from scorching as it warms. Keep an eye on the temperature, aiming for 195°F, which should take about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s steaming and just below boiling, creating small bubbles around the edge.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture
While the milk is heating, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ⅓ teaspoon of kosher salt. This mixture will be the thickening base for your rømmegrøt, so make sure it’s well-combined and free of lumps. Set it aside for the next step.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
In a separate small saucepan, melt ¼ cup of salted butter over low heat. Allow it to simmer gently as you wait for your milk to reach the proper temperature. The melted butter will enrich the porridge and should not brown; you’ll want it to remain a golden color.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Once the milk has reached 195°F, slowly fold the flour mixture into the melted butter, stirring until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually add this paste to the hot milk, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. This combination will create the base for your delicious Norwegian porridge, thickening it as it heats.
Step 5: Cook the Porridge
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, continuing to stir consistently. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. During this time, keep stirring frequently to ensure the rømmegrøt thickens evenly, reaching a creamy, pudding-like consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After simmering, remove the pan from heat and ladle the warm rømmegrøt into individual bowls. Drizzle each serving generously with melted butter and finish with a liberal sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar for that classic Norwegian touch. Serve immediately for a delightful breakfast or dessert that encapsulates the comforting essence of Norwegian porridge.

Make Ahead Options
Rømmegrøt is an excellent dish for meal prep, saving you time on busy mornings or when entertaining guests. You can prepare the porridge base, including the milk, flour, and butter mixture, up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain its creamy texture, make sure to stir it well before reheating. When it’s time to serve, gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the consistency, and then simply add your toppings of melted butter and cinnamon-sugar. This way, you’ll have a delicious, homemade Norwegian porridge ready to enjoy with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Rømmegrøt
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Monitor Milk Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to keep the milk at 195°F; this prevents scorching and ensures perfect creaminess in your Norwegian porridge.
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Smooth Flour Mixture: Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt well before adding to the milk. This keeps your porridge lump-free, leading to that desired pudding-like texture.
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Stir Constantly: When combining the flour paste with the hot milk, stir continuously to prevent lumps; this is key to achieving a silky-smooth rømmegrøt.
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Perfect Toppings: Experiment with toppings like fresh berries or honey alongside the classic cinnamon-sugar; they can elevate your Norwegian porridge to new flavor heights.
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Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the rømmegrøt in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Gently reheat with a splash of milk for a creamy consistency.
Norwegian Porridge Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!
- Creamy Upgrade: Substitute half of the whole milk with heavy cream for an even richer, more indulgent porridge.
- Sweetener Swap: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar to add a deeper flavor profile that pairs beautifully with spices.
- Flavor Boost: Introduce a splash of vanilla or almond extract to elevate the flavor, transforming your porridge into a flavorful dessert treat.
- Fruit Fusion: Top your rømmegrøt with fresh berries or banana slices for a delightful burst of sweetness and a pop of color—perfect for breakfast!
- Nutty Delight: Fold in finely chopped nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts before serving for a lovely crunch and a boost of healthy fats.
- Savory Twist: For an unconventional take, mix in crumbled bacon or sausage to complement the rich sweetness, creating a sweet-and-savory delight.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that still offers a creamy texture.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg for added warmth and spice that elevates your porridge to a new level of flavor.
For more comforting recipes, don’t forget to explore our collection of delicious breakfast ideas.
What to Serve with Rømmegrøt: Creamy Norwegian Sour Cream Porridge
Imagine curling up with a warm bowl of rømmegrøt, surrounded by cozy flavors that invite comfort and joy to your dining table.
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Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of crispy bacon offers an irresistible contrast to the porridge’s creamy texture, making for a delightful bite. Pairing savory with sweet brings balance, turning breakfast into a feast.
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Fresh Berries: A burst of fresh berries adds a tangy sweetness that elevates rømmegrøt’s richness. Blueberries or strawberries drizzled with honey complement the warm spices beautifully.
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Warm Applesauce: A spoonful of warm applesauce brings a gentle sweetness and a hint of spice that harmonizes with the cinnamon-sugar topping, making each bite even more satisfying.
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Rugbrød (Danish Rye Bread): This dense, hearty bread provides a nutty flavor and chewy texture, creating a comforting side that contrasts with the velvety porridge.
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Light Salad: A fresh salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette lightens the meal, balancing the indulgence of the rømmegrøt while adding a refreshing element.
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Iced Coffee: A glass of chilled iced coffee complements rømmegrøt beautifully, adding a caffeinated kick to energize your breakfast or brunch experience.
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Almond Biscotti: Pair this delightful porridge with crunchy almond biscotti for a sweet, nutty finish, perfect for dipping as you savor each warm spoonful.
How to Store and Freeze Rømmegrøt
Fridge: Store any leftover Norwegian porridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh while you decide when to enjoy it again.
Freezer: If you’d like to preserve rømmegrøt for future use, freeze it in portioned airtight containers for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to serve, gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk, stirring until warmed through and creamy again.
Make-Ahead Tip: Preparing rømmegrøt in advance is a great option. Simply follow the recipe and store it as directed to enjoy this comforting treat ahead of time.

Rømmegrøt: Creamy Norwegian Sour Cream Porridge Recipe FAQs
What kind of milk should I use for Rømmegrøt?
I recommend using whole milk for the best creamy texture. However, using heavy cream or a combination of half cream and half milk will give your porridge an even richer consistency.
How do I store leftover Rømmegrøt?
You can keep your leftover Norwegian porridge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore its creamy goodness.
Can I freeze Rømmegrøt?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the porridge to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a little milk.
What if my Rømmegrøt turns out lumpy?
If your porridge is lumpy, don’t worry! You can use an immersion blender to blend it until smooth. Alternatively, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve, though it may lose some thickness. Next time, ensure to whisk the flour mixture thoroughly into the milk to prevent lumps.
Is Rømmegrøt suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Keep in mind that Rømmegrøt contains dairy, so it’s not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy. You can experiment with dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk, but the texture may vary. If you’re serving this dish to pets, make sure it doesn’t contain any ingredients that might be harmful to them, like excessive sugar or salt.
How should I serve Rømmegrøt?
Serve this creamy Norwegian porridge warm, drizzled generously with melted butter and sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar. You can also add toppings like fresh berries or a drizzle of honey for a flavorful twist that everyone will love!

Warm and Creamy Norwegian Porridge for Cozy Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour in 1 quart of whole milk and slowly heat it over medium-low heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- While the milk is heating, whisk together ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ⅓ teaspoon of kosher salt in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate small saucepan, melt ¼ cup of salted butter over low heat, keeping it golden and not browned.
- Once the milk reaches 195°F, slowly fold the flour mixture into the melted butter, stirring until it forms a smooth paste, then gradually add this to the hot milk, whisking vigorously.
- Increase heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to thicken.
- After simmering, ladle warm rømmegrøt into bowls and drizzle with melted butter, finishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar.

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