Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa.

• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 large apples
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• Honey, for drizzling

Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa well before cooking to help remove its natural bitterness.

Water: For a creamier breakfast bowl, replace some or all of the water with almond milk or oat milk.

Apples: Crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well, but you can use another variety you already have.

Honey: Pure maple syrup can be used instead of honey.

Optional toppings: Chopped walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, Greek yogurt, coconut cream, or almond butter can all be added before serving.

If you enjoy easy breakfast recipes with cottage cheese, you can also try these High-Protein Cottage Cheese Breakfast Tacos.

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel and core the apples, then cut them into small, even pieces. Keeping the pieces similar in size helps them cook evenly.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. Add the quinoa, water, and chopped apples to a medium saucepan.

Step 3: Cook the Quinoa

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed the water and the apples are tender.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon

Stir in the cinnamon until evenly combined. If the quinoa needs a little more time, cover it and let it rest off the heat for a few minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Divide the warm quinoa between two bowls. Drizzle with honey and add your favorite toppings if desired.

• Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to help reduce bitterness.
• Keep the heat low once the mixture reaches a boil so the quinoa cooks evenly.
• Let the quinoa rest covered for a few minutes after cooking for a fluffier texture.
• Add a spoonful of almond butter before serving for a richer bowl.
• Chop the apples into similar-sized pieces so they soften at roughly the same rate.

For another easy breakfast option, try this High-Protein Breakfast Wrap with Cottage Cheese and Avocado.

Serve the quinoa warm with any of these additions:

• Greek yogurt or coconut cream
• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• Chia or flax seeds
• Toasted pumpkin seeds
• A little extra cinnamon
• Almond butter
• A cup of coffee or herbal tea

If you like preparing breakfast ahead of time, these High-Protein Cottage Cheese Breakfast Rounds are another simple option to add to your breakfast rotation.

Store leftover Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When reheating, add a small splash of water or plant-based milk to loosen the quinoa. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval, until warmed through.

Can I use frozen apples?

Yes. Fresh apples will give you a firmer texture, but thawed frozen apples can also work. They may become softer during cooking.

Can I make this with milk instead of water?

Yes. Almond milk or oat milk can be used for a creamier breakfast bowl.

Can I make Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the quinoa, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions when ready to eat.

Can I eat this cold?

Yes. The cooked quinoa can also be served chilled for a simple make-ahead breakfast.

Can I make this in a rice cooker?

You can adapt the recipe for a rice cooker, although cooking settings vary between models. Check your manufacturer’s instructions for cooking quinoa.

Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa is a simple way to turn quinoa into a warm breakfast with sweet apples and cinnamon. The recipe uses basic ingredients, takes about 30 minutes, and can be changed easily with different toppings or milk.
If you’re looking for another easy recipe to add to your breakfast or meal-prep rotation, you can also try the High-Protein Cottage Cheese Breakfast Rounds.