Broccoli & Bits-O-Barley Bake

Five ingredients, 35 minutes, and you’ve got a warm, cheesy bake that punches way above its weight.

Pearl barley brings a nutty chew that pairs beautifully with creamy broccoli soup and gooey Monterey Jack cheese.

It’s the kind of hands-off side dish you can throw together while something else takes center stage on the stovetop.

Variations

• Toss in sautéed onions, diced bell pepper, or celery for extra texture and color.
• Swap cheddar or pepper jack for the Monterey Jack to change up the flavor profile.
• Stir in a handful of frozen broccoli florets for double the broccoli factor.

Kitchen Tips

• Use the quick-cooking barley (hot cereal variety) here, not regular pearl barley. It softens in minutes rather than an hour.
• Don’t dilute the soup. It goes in straight from the can for a thick, creamy bake that holds together on the plate.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes out of the oven before serving. It firms up just enough to scoop cleanly.