5 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Make with Cereal

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can all use one ingredient: Cereal

How many times have you searched through the pantry only to find that you have little more than the basics, which includes, of course, a box of cereal? Well, with a little ingenuity and thinking outside of the “cereal” box, you can make a variety of recipes, from appetizers to desserts, using the breakfast staple. So, whether you are a well-seasoned kitchen MacGyver or a home cook in training, making meals with whatever you have on hand just got easier — thanks to cereal.

Breakfast cereal isn’t just served with a splash of cold milk and a sprinkling of fruit anymore. In fact, cereals can be used in many recipes that call for breadcrumbs. For example, when coating chicken, much like breadcrumbs, cereal holds the moisture inside of the meat and adds a crunchy texture to the outside. Also, cereal acts like breadcrumbs when binding food together like in burgers or meatballs. It can also be used as a crunchy topping in desserts instead of cookies or crackers.

The Cook editors at The Daily Meal surveyed the cereal aisle and were excited about these recipes using Kellogg’s brand cereals. Chicken marinated in ginger, garlic, and soy sauce is then coated in Rice Krispies cereal for an extra crunch. All-Bran wheat flakes are used for a crunchy topping on a juicy apple cake. Raisin Bran is added to a beef and dried fruit curry for satisfying Crock-Pot meal. And Corn Flakes are combined with marshmallows and used as a crispy topping to a sweet potato casserole — perfect for the holidays.

Next time you find yourself without breadcrumbs, cookies, crackers, or whatever binding agent a recipe calls for, try using breakfast cereal instead. Or better yet, check out some of the recipes that we’ve selected. Using ingredients that you have on hand and becoming a little creative in the kitchen is the foundation for a satisfying and gratifying meal.

Asian Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ginger, garlic, and soy sauce give an Asian twist to chicken tenders. Rice Krispies cereal gives them a crunch!
Click here to see Asian Chicken Tenders Recipe

Cheesy Broccoli Bake Recipe
Rice Krispies cereal gives a crispy crunch to this classic casserole.
Click here to see Cheesy Broccoli Bake Recipe

Chocolate Scotcheroos Recipe
It’s fun to say. They’re fun to make. And, thanks to the chocolate, butterscotch, and peanut butter, they’re even more fun to eat.
Click here to see Chocolate Scotcheroos Recipe

Moroccan Chicken Stew Recipe
Chicken and vegetables are combined with spices, couscous, and crunchy cereal for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Click here to see Moroccan Chicken Stew Recipe

Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
A longtime holiday favorite — sweet potato casserole topped with Corn Flakes and sweet miniature marshmallows.
Click here to see Sweet Potato Bake Recipe