Barley Casserole

Barley Casserole

This casserole is always on our table during the holidays. I've never made it and not had someone want the recipe. It's just THAT good!

Ingredients

  • butter or margarine or 1 stick or 8 tablespoons
    ½ c
  • quick cooking barley
    1 c
  • onion chopped
    1 medium
  • slivered almonds
    ½ c
  • 2 oz. pkg dehydrated onion soup
    1
  • chicken broth
    2 c
  • 3 oz. can drained mushroom slices

    reserve liquid

    1
  • 5 oz. can water chestnuts

    drained and sliced

    1

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat butter in saucepan, add barley and onion and saute till golden color. Add almonds, dry onion soup and chicken broth. Saute mushrooms a few minutes in a little butter and add to barley along with water chestnuts and liquid drained from canned mushrooms.

  2. 2

    Stir well, turn into a greased casserole. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour adding more liquid if needed.

Barley Casserole

Barley Casserole

4.8(13)80 min

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 13 ratings

thesouthernladycooks.com
4.8(13 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a side dish that consistently steals the show at holiday gatherings? This Barley Casserole is the answer, earning rave reviews and recipe requests every single time it graces the table. It's truly that good, and you'll soon understand why it's a cherished tradition.

The magic of this casserole lies in its comforting blend of textures and savory flavors. The quick-cooking barley provides a delightful chewiness, beautifully complemented by the subtle crunch of slivered almonds and crisp water chestnuts. It's a symphony of satisfying elements that elevates any meal.

Expect a deeply savory, aromatic experience that feels both homey and a touch special. The dehydrated onion soup mix, combined with fresh chopped onion and rich chicken broth, creates an umami-packed foundation. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of earthy barley, tender mushrooms, and a wonderfully savory, buttery finish. This side dish is substantial enough to feel incredibly satisfying, yet perfectly complements your main course without overpowering it.

Feel free to customize this beloved casserole to suit your pantry or preferences. You can easily swap butter for margarine, or adjust the amount of slivered almonds based on your desired crunch. While the chicken broth adds a rich depth, a good quality vegetable broth could make this a hearty vegetarian option. If you're out of canned mushroom slices, fresh sautéed mushrooms can also work beautifully.

This Barley Casserole is an absolute must-have for your holiday spread, special family dinners, or any occasion where you want to serve a truly memorable side dish. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and other classic comfort foods, making it a perfect addition to any festive menu.

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