Creamy Barley Porridge

This creamy, sweet, and satisfying barley porridge is the perfect oatmeal alternative. A one-pot recipe that is easy to make and only requires 3 ingredients. A freezable recipe that is great for meal prep! 

You can serve it sweet with fruits and nut butter, or make a savory version topped with vegan andouille sausages and silken tofu scramble. 

 Looking to add more variety to your grains? this barley porridge is a must-try! Like my millet porridge, it’s a delicious alternative to oatmeal with a creamy texture and a pleasantly chewy bite.

If you are more of an oatmeal fan, I recommend checking out my vegan protein overnight oats or applesauce overnight oats instead.

💚Why you will love this recipe

• A hearty and delicious breakfast to start your day right.
• Wholesome, nourishing, and naturally high in fiber.
• Versatile and easy to customize - serve it sweet or savory!
• Great for meal prep and freezes perfectly

🫘What is barley

Barley is an ancient grain loved for its chewy texture and mild, nutty flavor. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for soups, salads, or as a hearty stuffing.

The two main types are pearl and hulled barley. Pearl barley has its husk and bran removed, making it lighter and quicker to cook. Hulled barley is the wholegrain version that is slightly more nutritious, but requires a longer cooking time. 

Pearl barley is suggested for this recipe as it cooks faster and yields a creamier texture.

🌾What you will need 

• Barley—Pearl barley is the best choice for a smoother texture and quicker cooking. If you prefer whole grains, go for hulled barley, but it has a firmer bite and takes longer to cook. Soaking overnight is recommended.
• Milk – Use any dairy or non-dairy milk of your choice.
• Maple syrup - You can substitute other sweeteners. For a sugar-free option, use sugar-free syrup, Splenda, or stevia.
• Vanilla extract & cinnamon – Optional but add warmth and flavor to your barley porridge. 

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

✨Add-ins and flavor variations 

Banana Bread – Add ½ to 1 mashed banana while cooking. Top with almond butter, chopped walnuts, and banana slices before serving.

Blueberry Muffin – Mix in a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries in the last 5–10 minutes of cooking. Gently mash them with a spatula to release their juices, then top with more blueberries and your favorite nut butter.

Peanut Butter - Stir 2–3 tablespoons of peanut butter into the cooked porridge. For a lower-fat option, use peanut butter powder, such as PB2.

High Protein – While the porridge is cooking, mix 1–2 scoops of your favorite protein powder with a bit of water to form a thick paste. Stir it into the cooked porridge until well combined.

Savory Porridge – Swap milk for vegetable broth and skip the maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon. Season with soy sauce, cumin, paprika, or chili flakes, and top with vegan Italian sausage or chopped vegan chicken breast for a hearty meal.

🔪How to make barley porridge

Step 1: Add milk and water to a saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, add barley.

Step 2: Cook for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

✅Helpful tips 

• Make it smooth – For a creamier texture, blend barley porridge with an immersion blender before serving.
• Cook on low heat – Keep the heat low to medium to prevent burning. The mixture should gently simmer, not boil.
• Adjust porridge consistency-  If your barley porridge is too thick, stir in more milk until it reaches your desired texture. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken, or drain off excess liquid if needed.
• Instant Pot method – Add barley and water, then cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally, then stir in milk, sweetener, vanilla, and cinnamon. 

🍌Toppings ideas for barley porridge

Here comes the fun part - toppings! Below are some ideas to get you started: 

• Fruits - banana slices, blueberries, chopped apples 
• Nut butter - coconut almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, chocolate hazelnut spread 
• Nuts and seeds of choice
• Yogurt - plain, greek, or plant-based, like soy or almond 
• Sweetener - Maple syrup, brown sugar, chocolate syrup 
• Chocolate or chocolate chips 

❄️Storing suggestions 

Fridge – Store leftover barley porridge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezer – Freeze for up to 3 months. For easy portioning, use Souper Cubes, so you can thaw only what you need. Let it defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating - Warm the barley porridge on the stove or microwave, adding milk or water as needed. Barley porridge thickens when stored. You can also serve it cold if you prefer.