If you have never tried wheat berries, you are in for a treat!
These whole grains have nutritional benefits and a mild flavor, similar to oatmeal but with a chewier texture. They easily mix with flavors, making them perfect for soups, salads, and breakfast dishes.
When purchased at the store, they come hard and dry, requiring cooking before they are ready to eat. While you can cook them on the stove, in a pressure cooker, or even a rice cooker, the crock pot is the most user-friendly method.
Using a crockpot means making them with minimal effort, and the consistent results ensure they turn out just right every time. This tutorial teaches you the advantages of this method and how to get the best outcome. The slow, steady heat allows the grains to absorb water evenly, giving them the perfect texture without needing constant attention.
Whether you’re looking to follow a new recipe or experiment, learning how to cook wheat berries in a crock pot is worth mastering. If you are interested in more details, a comprehensive guide can help you learn fun stuff about incorporating them into your diet.
My Easy Way to Cook Wheat Berries in the Crock Pot
Cooking wheat berries in a crock pot has become one of my favorites because it’s such an effortless method. I love how I can just set everything up and forget about it, no standing by the stovetop, worrying about burning my grains. It’s especially perfect for busy mornings! Before bed, I throw everything into the slow cooker, and when I wake up, a warm, delicious, and nutritious breakfast is ready for me.
First, Rinse the Wheat Berries Thoroughly
The first step is to give the wheat berries a good rinse under cool water. This helps wash away any dirt, dust, or extra starch that might have settled on them during storage.
Second, Add the Right Amount of Water
Then, I pour them into my crockpot with the right amount of water. I usually stick to a ratio of 1 cup of dried wheat berries to 3 cups of water. This amount works perfectly as it cooks down to a little over 2 cups of soft, chewy grains. If I need more, I just adjust the portions accordingly.
Next, Season with Salt or Spices (If Desired)
To make them extra flavorful, I like to add a dash of salt and sometimes a pinch of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. It makes my whole kitchen smell amazing!
After That, Cover with the Lid and Start Cooking
After that, I pop the lid on the slow cooker, set it to high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, and let it work its magic. If I’m making it for breakfast, I’ll leave it cooking overnight so it’s fresh when I wake up. One of the best benefits of this method is that there’s no risk of burning unless you completely neglect it for a long time.
Finally, Drain Excess Liquid and Serve
Once it’s done, I simply drain any extra liquid, and that’s it!
Now, a bowl of perfectly cooked wheat berries is ready to enjoy. Whether I eat them plain or mix them in some fruit and honey, they always turn out amazing.
My Top Tips for Perfect Wheat Berries
- I love cooking wheat berries in the crock pot because it’s so easy, but I’ve learned that choosing the right type is important. Red berries need more time to cook than white, and soft wheat berries cook much faster than hard ones. When I first started, I had no idea which one to pick, but checking a comprehensive guide about wheat berries helped me choose the best type for my dish. Now, I always adjust cook times based on the variety to get the perfect texture.
- For the best flavor, I skip plain water and use broths instead. It makes such a difference! I also add aromatics like garlic and bay leaves, which enhance the taste. The first time I tried this, I couldn’t believe how delicious my cooked wheat berries turned out. Now, it’s my go-to method whenever I want a warm, comforting meal.
My Favorite Ways to Store and Reheat Wheat Berries
I always make a big batch of cooked wheat berries because they are so versatile, but knowing how to store them properly is key.
- I keep mine in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days, so they’re always ready when I need them. If I have extra, I freeze portions in a freezer-friendly container after letting them cool completely to prevent freezer burn. It’s a lifesaver to have a healthy, whole-grain option ready to go. Stored this way, they stay fresh in the freezer for 6 months, making meal prep much more effortless!
- For even longer storage, I use a simple freezing trick—spreading them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them into freezer bags. This keeps them from sticking together, and they last for 3 months.
When I want to enjoy them again, I love using the stovetop to warm them up with a little broth, but the microwave is great when I’m short on time. Sometimes, I skip reheating and just toss them straight into hot dishes, where they soak up flavors beautifully. It’s the perfect way to enjoy wheat berries without extra effort!
Serving Size
I love how 1 cup of dry wheat berries magically turns into 2 cups of cooked wheat berries. It always feels like you’re getting more than you started with! This simple ratio makes meal planning so much easier, whether prepping for the week or making a hearty dish for the family.
Creative Ways to Use Wheat Berries
I love using wheat berries in my kitchen because they bring such a delicious and wholesome touch to so many dishes. Their chewy texture makes them perfect for salads, and they add heartiness to warm soups on chilly days. There’s nothing better than baking fresh bread with a deep, nutty flavor or starting the day with a filling breakfast made from these little gems. I even grind them into whole wheat flour for homemade goodies! If you’ve never tried sprouted wheat berries, they open up a whole new variety of flavors and textures.
I’ve come across so many favorite recipes while exploring ideas across the web, and each time, I find a new way to enjoy them!
Nutrients
I love how wheat berries are packed with nutrients, making them a staple in my kitchen. They are loaded with iron, manganese, thiamin, and phosphorus, which help keep me energized throughout the day. What I really appreciate is that they’re low in fat and calories, yet they keep me full for hours.
According to Healthline, just ½ cup of uncooked wheat berries has around 340 calories, 14 grams of protein, and 32% of the total daily fiber—no wonder they’re a favorite in my meal prep! Whether I’m making a warm breakfast bowl or adding them to salads, I always feel good knowing I’m eating something so wholesome.
Recipe
How to make Wheat Berries in the Crock Pot
Equipment
- 1 Crock Pot / Slow Cooker
- 1 Strainer For Rinsing Wheat Berries
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Wheat Berries Dried
- 3 Cup Water
- 1/2 Tea Spoon Salt Optional
- 1/2 Tea Spoon Cinnamon or Nutmeg Optional
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- Broth instead of water
- Garlic or bay leaves
Instructions
- Rinse the wheat berries: Wash thoroughly under cool water to remove dirt and starch.
- Add water and wheat berries to the crock pot: Use a ratio of 1 cup wheat berries to 3 cups water.
- Season (optional): Add salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, or broth for extra flavor.
- Cook: On high for 4 hours, On low for 8 hours (best for overnight cooking)
- Drain excess liquid: Once cooked, strain out any remaining liquid.
- Serve & enjoy: Eat plain, mix with fruit and honey, or use in salads, soups, or baked goods.
Notes
- Choosing the right wheat berries: Red wheat berries take longer to cook than white ones. Soft wheat berries cook faster than hard ones.
- Storage:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
- Freeze in portions for up to 6 months.
- Reheating:
- Use the stovetop with broth for a warm, fresh taste.
- Microwave for a quick option.
- Add directly to hot dishes without reheating.
- Best uses: Great for salads, soups, breakfast bowls, and even making whole wheat flour.
Hi, I’m the voice behind The Bean Bite — someone who’s genuinely obsessed with beans! What started as a simple love for homemade lentil stew turned into a journey of discovering bean varieties, cooking tips, and their amazing health benefits. This site is my way of sharing that joy with you — one bean at a time.
