15 Barley Recipes to Keep in Your Back Pocket

Barley is a versatile and wholesome whole grain that has a naturally mild flavor, which means it’s perfect for adding into soups or salads. It’s super high in fiber, which means it’s a nutritious and nourishing ingredient as well. Whether you cook it as an easy side dish or use it to bulk up your main, these are our favorite ways to use barley for every meal of the day.

When you think of barley, beef and barley soup is the recipe that most often comes to mind. That’s because it’s a hearty and flavorful way to use up this versatile grain. We love this recipe that uses oxtail for a shredded, melt-in-your mouth beef texture in every bite.

This super simple recipe makes a fantastic side dish for any hearty and nourishing entrée. Ready in just 30 minutes, it pairs caramelized onions with sliced mushrooms cooked in butter. Barley gets cooked in chicken stock for optimal flavor.

This cheesy gratin could easily be mistaken for another comfort favorite: macaroni and cheese. But beneath the crispy topping, it's perfectly cooked barley, not pasta, that's cloaked in a creamy and buttery cheese sauce. Browned onions, garlic and thyme give this decadent side dish deep, rich flavor.

Shrimp and risotto is a hearty combination, and it’s a fantastic pairing for both lunch and dinner. That’s why we love this recipe that swaps in healthy barley for the Arborio rice. Chopped fennel, garlic and rosemary help infuse maximum flavor into each and every bite.