Creamy Mushroom Barley Skillet

Name: Creamy Mushroom Barley Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup pearl barley; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced; 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Quick Meals Collection

I absolutely love making this Creamy Mushroom Barley Skillet because it’s a delightful tribute to comfort food. The combination of creamy textures and earthy mushrooms creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but also wonderfully aromatic. It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal, and its unique flavor profile always leaves my family wanting more. I enjoy serving it hot, garnished with fresh herbs, as it's both hearty and wholesome, perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Nola Patterson

Last updated on 2026-01-20T00:10:38.021Z

When I decided to create the Creamy Mushroom Barley Skillet, I knew I wanted a dish that brought warmth and flavor to the table. I experimented with various types of mushrooms, and it was a blend of cremini and shiitake that truly elevated the taste. The creaminess comes from a touch of mascarpone cheese, which I add in the end for that luscious texture.

As I made it, I discovered that toasting the barley beforehand enhances its nutty flavor and brings out its natural richness. It may seem like a small step, but it makes a world of difference in the final dish, adding depth and character that is simply irresistible.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that envelops each grain of barley
Savory mushroom depth complemented by fresh herbs
Perfectly filling and satisfying for any meal

Perfecting the Barley

To achieve the ideal texture in your barley, toasting it beforehand is essential. This process enhances the nutty flavor and adds depth to the dish. When you toast the barley, aim for a golden hue that indicates the grains are well-roasted. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning, as it can quickly go from perfect to overdone in just a minute or two.

If you're unfamiliar with pearl barley, it's important to know that it retains a delightful chewiness compared to other grains, which makes it a great choice for this creamy dish. While cooking, keep an eye on the liquid levels; if it evaporates too quickly, you might need to add small amounts of extra broth or water to ensure the barley cooks evenly and absorbs all those savory flavors.

Mushroom Choices and Flavor Boosts

The combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms brings a robust umami flavor to your skillet. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties such as portobello or oyster mushrooms for new flavor profiles. Just remember that different mushrooms have varying moisture contents, which can influence the cooking time. For instance, if you opt for meatier portobello mushrooms, you might need to increase the sauté time slightly to achieve that soft, silky texture.

Incorporating fresh herbs like thyme not only enhances the dish's aroma but also complements the earthiness of the mushrooms. If you're using dried thyme, remember that it’s more concentrated than fresh; reduce the quantity accordingly. You could also toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a zingy contrast to the creaminess.

Ingredients

For the Skillet

1 cup pearl barley
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Toast the Barley

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the pearl barley and toast for 3-4 minutes until slightly golden.

Cook the Vegetables

Add the remaining olive oil, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add Mushrooms and Thyme

Stir in the sliced cremini and shiitake mushrooms along with the dried thyme. Cook until the mushrooms are soft, around 7-8 minutes.

Combine with Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the barley is tender.

Finish with Mascarpone

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the mascarpone cheese until well combined and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the mushrooms.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Mushroom Barley Skillet makes for an excellent make-ahead meal. Simply prepare the dish up to the point of adding the mascarpone, let it cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it, reheat the skillet gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a little broth to loosen it up if needed. This technique helps preserve the creamy texture without risking curdling the cheese.

If you want to store leftovers, they can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, be sure to do so slowly and add a splash of vegetable broth to regain the creaminess, as the barley tends to absorb moisture over time.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful serving experience, pair this dish with a light salad or roasted vegetables. The crisp freshness of greens like arugula or a citrusy side salad provides a beautiful contrast to the creamy skillet. Additionally, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top before serving can add an extra layer of flavor and richness.

This recipe is quite versatile; you can easily transform it into a hearty main or a side dish. For a complete meal, consider adding protein like grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to elevate the dish further. Not only does this increase the nutrition, but it also makes it more filling for hungry diners.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other grains instead of barley?

Yes, you can substitute quinoa or farro; however, cooking times may vary.

→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Absolutely! Replace mascarpone with a vegan cream cheese or cashew cream for a vegan version.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, adding cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp can make a great addition!