Baked Barley with Mushrooms Recipe
Baked Barley with Mushrooms is a hearty, oven-baked comfort dish loaded with rich, earthy flavor and chewy texture. Featuring whole-grain barley, savory mushrooms, and simple aromatics, this one-pot meal is nourishing, high in fiber, and satisfying enough to stand alone or serve as a wholesome side. Perfect for cold evenings or meatless meal prep.
- 1 cup pearled barley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2½ cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Step 2: Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and mushrooms. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until mushrooms begin to release moisture and brown slightly.
- Step 3: Stir in the dry barley, coating it in the oil and vegetable mixture. Let it toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring everything to a simmer.
- Step 5: Cover the skillet or pot with a lid or foil, then transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Step 6: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the barley is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir once halfway through if desired.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven, fluff with a fork, and let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving warm.
Notes
- Pearled barley cooks faster than hulled barley and gives a creamy texture.
- Add spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes for extra greens.
- Leftovers store well for up to 4 days in the fridge—great for lunchboxes.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar before baking.
- You can double the batch for easy meal prep or batch cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use hulled barley instead of pearled?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 15-20 minutes and check liquid levels.
What mushrooms work best for this?
Cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms all add great flavor and texture.
Is this a complete meal?
It can be! Add beans or tofu for more protein, or serve alongside roasted veggies.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
Is this freezer friendly?
Yes, portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 1 month.