Welcome to a bowl of warmth and nourishment with our Porridge Recipe featuring Barley Grits and Milk. This comforting dish combines the wholesome goodness of hearty barley grits with the richness of creamy milk. Join us on a journey into the heart of comfort food, where simplicity meets flavor. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a cozy evening snack, this porridge promises to envelop your senses in warmth and satisfaction. Let’s embrace the simplicity of a well-crafted bowl that nourishes both body and soul. Dive into the world of hearty goodness!
Have you spotted barley grits at your local supermarket and wondered how to incorporate them into your meals? You’re in for a treat! I’m excited to share a delightful recipe for barley porridge that can serve as a wholesome sweet breakfast or a savory dish, depending on your taste. If savory is more your style, just skip the sugar!
This easy-to-follow recipe could become your favorite way to prepare barley grits, and it’s also a fantastic technique for cooking various grains—just remember the essential liquid-to-grain ratio. Keep in mind that the boiling time may differ with each grain, as some are quicker to cook.
Here’s a simple and nourishing breakfast porridge recipe featuring barley grits and milk. I recommend choosing barley grits or barley groats for their higher fiber content compared to pearl barley. Enjoy the process and indulge in a delightful meal—your taste buds will thank you!
Barley Grits Porridge Ingredients:

- 1 cup barley grits (or barley groats);
- 2 cups water;
- 2 cups milk;
- 20 g unsalted butter;
- salt and sugar to your taste.
How long do you boil barley porridge with barley grits? Overall, you spend 30 minutes boiling barley grits. 8 to 10 minutes, grits will be cooked in water and 15-20 minutes in milk. Do not forget that you have to let the porridge sit for an extra 10 minutes after boiling.
What is the ratio of liquid to barley grits (groats) for porridge? First, decide what type of porridge you want for breakfast. If you want porridge that is runny, combine 1 cup of barley grits with 5 cups of liquid (for this recipe, these are 2 cups of water + 5 cups of milk), and for sticky porridge, use 4 cups of liquid for 1 cup of grits (like I did).
How to make tasty porridge with barley and milk at home:
- Thoroughly wash the barley in cold water. You can rinse it under running water using a strainer or follow my steps. Place grits in a bowl, cover it in water, and then drain it. Repeat these steps until the drained water is clear.

- Now, take a pot and place rinsed barley there.

- Cover barley with hot/cold water and put the pot on the stove on the heat. Add a pinch of salt and lower the heat when the water starts boiling.

- Cook barley grits in water until it fully cooks off. It can take you about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally.

- Then pour warmed-up milk. Stir grits until they are covered evenly and fully in milk.

- When barley is simmering in milk, try stirring porridge constantly. In such a way, you will prevent porridge from burning. There is a chance that boiling porridge will be spitting hot liquid into you. Cover the pot with a lid after each stir.

- Add the necessary amount of sugar. I always start with a tablespoon and then add some more if I need. Cook barley groats in milk for 15-20 minutes on low heat.

- Add butter, cover the pot with a lid, and set it aside for 10 minutes.

- Serve in deep bowls. Enjoy your meal!

I hope that the recipe was not too difficult and that you enjoyed cooking barley porridge with barley grits. Do not forget to share the recipe with yours!
Barley Grits Porridge Recipe with Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup barley grits (or barley groats)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 20 g unsalted butter
- salt and sugar to your taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the barley in cold water. You can rinse it under running water using a strainer or follow my steps. Place grits in a bowl, cover it in water, and then drain it. Repeat these steps until the drained water is clear.
- Now, take a pot and place rinsed barley there.
- Cover the barley with hot/cold water and put the pot on the stove on the heat. Add a pinch of salt and lower the heat when the water starts boiling.
- Cook barley grits in water until they fully cook off. It can take you about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Then pour warmed-up milk. Stir grits until they are covered evenly and fully in milk.
- When barley is simmering in milk, try stirring porridge constantly. In such a way, you will prevent porridge from burning. There is a chance that boiling porridge will be spitting hot liquid into you. Cover the pot with a lid after each stir.
- Add the necessary amount of sugar. I always start with a tablespoon and then add some more if I need to. Cook barley groats in milk for 15-20 minutes on low heat.
- Add butter, cover the pot with a lid, and set it aside for 10 minutes.
- Serve in deep bowls. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
Porridge with Barley Grits and Milk is a wonderful celebration of comfort food that warms both body and soul! The hearty barley grits paired with the creamy richness of milk create a deliciously nourishing bowl that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re starting your morning with a wholesome breakfast or winding down with a soothing evening snack, each delightful spoonful brings a sense of true comfort and fulfillment. Embrace the simple joy of this delicious porridge and relish the goodness it offers in every bite. Enjoy every moment of your meal!
If you have any questions about the recipe or need clarification, please feel free to leave a comment below—I’m here to help!
Julia Miller is the founder of FreeFoodTips. Julia loves to travel and test new recipes. Here you will find recipes that are simple, delicious and perfect for everyday meals. FreeFoodTips is also packed with cooking tips and tricks.








