Pin A creamy, comforting dessert made from leftover rice, gently sweetened with sugar and infused with warm cinnamon.
I first tried making rice pudding when I had extra rice after dinner and did not want it to go to waste. Mixing in cinnamon and sugar made it an instant family favorite.
Ingredients
- Cooked leftover rice: 2 cups (white or jasmine preferred)
- Whole milk: 2 cups (or any milk of choice)
- Granulated sugar: 1/3 cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (optional)
- Salt: Pinch
- Unsalted butter: 1 tbsp (optional)
- Ground cinnamon: For garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, place cooked rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Simmer:
- Set over medium heat and stir frequently until a gentle simmer forms.
- Thicken Pudding:
- Lower heat and cook uncovered, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes, until thickened.
- Add Flavorings:
- Mix in vanilla extract, salt, and butter (if using) during last 2 minutes.
- Cool Slightly:
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly so pudding thickens.
- Serve:
- Spoon warm or chilled pudding into bowls and sprinkle with extra cinnamon.
Pin 
Pin Whenever I serve this simple rice pudding, it instantly reminds my family of cozy evenings together after dinner.
Serving Ideas
Try topping your pudding with chopped nuts, honey, or fresh berries for extra texture and flavor.
Nutritional Info
Each serving has about 210 calories, 4 g fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.
Storage
Cool leftover pudding in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days in a covered bowl.
Pin 
Pin Simple, delicious, and comforting every time—homemade rice pudding is always the best use for leftover rice.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use any type of rice for this pudding?
White or jasmine cooked rice works best for a creamy texture, though other leftover rice varieties can be used.
- → Is it possible to substitute dairy milk?
Yes, plant-based milks like almond or oat milk can be substituted, though they may alter the creaminess slightly.
- → How can I make the pudding thicker?
Cook the mixture uncovered on low heat while stirring frequently until it reaches your preferred thickness.
- → What additional flavors can I add?
Try stirring in vanilla extract, adding raisins, chopped nuts, honey, or fresh berries to enhance the taste.
- → Can this dessert be served cold?
Yes, it tastes delicious served warm or chilled, with cinnamon sprinkled on top for extra warmth.