Sourdough Granola is a delightful way to start your day, offering a blend of wholesome ingredients that create a comforting, flavorful breakfast or snack. The warm aroma of toasted oats and spices fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist. Whether you enjoy it by the bowlful with milk or sprinkled over yogurt, this granola is sure to become a staple in your home.
Why This Sourdough Granola Works
You’ll love this Sourdough Granola for its incredible flavor and crunchy texture. It harnesses the unique tang of sourdough starter, making it a perfect match for the sweetness of maple syrup and brown sugar. Here are a few reasons to enjoy it:
- Nutritious and filling
- Customizable with your favorite nuts and seeds
- A delightful blend of flavors from spices and sweeteners
- Perfect for meal prep and easy to store
- Versatile for breakfast or snacking
Ingredients and Key Notes
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to gather your ingredients and see how each one contributes to the granola’s texture and flavor. For this recipe, you will need:
- ¼ cup discard sourdough starter (active sourdough starter works too)
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup crisp rice cereal
- ½ cup chopped raw nuts
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds (or seeds of choice)
The combination of these components creates a granola that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
How to Cook Sourdough Granola
Follow these simple steps to create your Sourdough Granola:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the sourdough starter discard, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk everything together until well combined.

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Combine All Ingredients: Add the crisp rice cereal, rolled oats, chopped nuts, and seeds to the wet ingredients. Stir everything together really well, ensuring each piece is coated in the mixture.
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Bake: Spread the granola mixture in an even layer over the baking sheet, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes without stirring. After that, rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees and bake for another 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the granola during this time to ensure it turns a lovely golden color without over-browning.
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Optional – Add Chocolate Chips: If you’d like to incorporate chocolate chips or any type of “chip,” sprinkle them on top of the hot granola right after it comes out of the oven. The warmth will melt them just enough to set into the granola without losing their shape.
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Cool: Allow the granola to cool on the baking sheet at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes until it has completely set.
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Serve or Store: Once cooled, break the granola into clusters of your preferred size and either serve immediately or store in an airtight container for future enjoyment.
Prep ~15 minutes, Cook ~30 minutes, Total ~45 minutes, Servings ~4, Kcal ~250 per serving (estimation).
Make-Ahead and Prep Tips
You can make Sourdough Granola ahead of time for busy mornings. Simply prepare the mixture, bake, and store it in an airtight container once it has cooled. It can last for up to two weeks, making it a great option for meal prepping. If you want to enjoy it fresh, just bake it in small batches throughout the week.
How to Store Leftovers
For the best shelf life, keep your Sourdough Granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about two weeks. If you want to store it even longer, consider freezing it; just be sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, gently reheat it in the oven to restore its crunchiness.
Perfect Pairings
Sourdough Granola pairs beautifully with a variety of foods. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Serve it with yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- Sprinkle it over oatmeal for added crunch.
- Enjoy it as a topping for smoothie bowls.
- Mix it with dried fruits for a quick snack on the go.
- Use it as a crunchy topping for desserts like ice cream.
Variations and Swaps
Make this Sourdough Granola your own with these delicious variations:
- Nut Options: Swap in your favorite nuts or even seeds like pumpkin or chia for different flavors.
- Sweeteners: Try using honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a twist.
- Fruity Additions: Incorporate dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or raisins after baking for chewy bites.
- Spice Adjustments: Experiment with different spices, such as ginger or cardamom, to change up the flavor profile.
- Coconut Flakes: Add unsweetened coconut flakes for a tropical touch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in cocoa powder with the wet ingredients for a chocolatey granola.
- Healthy Add-ins: Consider adding protein powder or flaxseed to boost the nutrition even further.
- Flavor Enhancements: A splash of almond extract could bring a unique flavor to the finished product.
Cook’s Notes and Secrets
To achieve perfect Sourdough Granola, keep these tips in mind:
- Ensure the sourdough starter is active for the best flavor development.
- Mixing well allows the granola to bake evenly and achieve a consistent texture.
- Monitor the granola closely while it’s baking to avoid overcooking it.
- Letting it cool completely will result in a crunchy texture.
- For even clumping, refrain from stirring it while baking and let it set undisturbed.
Sourdough Granola FAQs
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Can I use any type of sourdough starter?
Yes, both discard and active sourdough starters work effectively in this recipe. -
How can I customize the sweetness?
You can adjust the brown sugar and maple syrup according to your taste preferences. -
Is this granola gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free oats, this granola can be made gluten-free! -
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, by using maple syrup and ensuring your chocolate chips are dairy-free, this recipe can be vegan-friendly. -
How should I serve this granola?
Sourdough Granola is delicious with milk, yogurt, or enjoyed as a snack on its own.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the delightful journey of making Sourdough Granola! This recipe brings together wholesome ingredients, customizability, and the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or as a snack, it’s bound to become a beloved favorite. Consider making a batch soon, and experience the joy it can bring to your day! For an extra tasty treat, check out this brown butter sourdough chocolate chip cookie recipe or learn how to make crusty dill pickle sourdough bread to enhance your baking collection.
Print
Sourdough Granola
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful blend of wholesome ingredients, Sourdough Granola offers a comforting, flavorful breakfast or snack packed with crunchy texture and incredible flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup discard sourdough starter (active sourdough starter works too)
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup crisp rice cereal
- 1/2 cup chopped raw nuts
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds (or seeds of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix the sourdough starter discard, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine the crisp rice cereal, rolled oats, chopped nuts, and seeds to the wet ingredients, stirring until well coated.
- Spread the granola mixture onto the baking sheet in an even layer and bake for 20 minutes without stirring.
- Rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees and bake for another 8-10 minutes until golden.
- Optional: add chocolate chips to the hot granola after removing it from the oven.
- Cool on the baking sheet at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until set.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
Ensure the sourdough starter is active for the best flavor. Mix well and monitor baking to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Granola, Sourdough, Breakfast, Healthy, Snack











