Easy Sourdough Granola

Sourdough Granola: A Healthy, Homemade Treat with a Twist

Hi friends! If you’re anything like me, you love a good homemade snack that’s healthy, kid-friendly, and leaves your kitchen smelling divine (seriously, is “baked oats and cinnamon” the best scent in the world, or is it just me?). Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite way to use leftover sourdough starter—say hello to sourdough granola!

Sourdough granola? Yep, you heard right. It’s a fun, creative spin on classic granola that sneaks in a little extra flavor and nutrition thanks to your sourdough discard. Plus, this recipe is so versatile that you can customize it to suit whatever nuts, seeds, or sweeteners you have on hand.

Grab your apron (and maybe a curious kid to help out), and let's walk through how to make this crunchy, golden magic.

What Makes Sourdough Granola Special?

Before we get down to business, I have to tell you—this granola is a game changer. Here’s why you’ll love it as much as I do:

• No waste! Using your sourdough discard in this recipe eliminates the pain of tossing it—zero guilt, 100% deliciousness.

• Healthier than store-bought. Packed with whole oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners, this granola skips the preservatives and refined sugars found in many store-bought versions.

• Endless possibilities. Allergic to nuts? Leave ‘em out. Prefer maple syrup over honey? Go for it. Chocolate chips or dried fruit? Your call (but spoiler alert, both are amazing).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your first batch of sourdough granola (feel free to get creative here!):

• 1/2 cup sourdough discard (unfed starter works perfectly!)

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1/2 cup nuts (almonds, pecans—whatever makes your heart happy)

• 1/4 cup seeds (chia, sunflower, pumpkin—I’m a pumpkin seed stan!)

• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (natural sweetness = happiness)

• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: Dried fruit, chocolate chips (don’t add these until after it’s baked!)

How to Make Sourdough Granola

Making sourdough granola is as easy as tossing everything together, spreading it on a baking sheet, and letting the oven work its magic. Here’s the step-by-step guide that’ll have your kitchen smelling AMAZING in no time.

1. Preheat your oven

Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. It’ll save you from scrubbing sticky granola bits (you’re welcome).

2. Mix the wet ingredients

Grab a bowl and stir together the sourdough discard, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Pro tip: If your honey is super thick, warm it up for a few seconds to make mixing easier.

3. Combine the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This step smells amazing already, doesn’t it?

4. Mix it all together

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until every last oat is coated in sweet, sourdough goodness.

5. Spread and bake

Spread the mixture out evenly on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through to make sure it browns evenly. Keep an eye on it around the 25-minute mark—nobody likes burnt granola!

6. Cool, add extras, and store

Once out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in right away. Let it cool completely (this helps it get nice and crunchy). After it’s cool, you can toss in any extras like dried fruit or chocolate chips. Store your granola in an airtight container—it’ll stay fresh for weeks. (Though, if you’re anything like us, it won’t last that long.)

Ways to Enjoy Your Sourdough Granola

The best part about homemade granola? It’s ridiculously versatile. Here are just a few ways to enjoy it (though sneaking spoonfuls straight from the container is a totally valid option):

• With yogurt: Layer it with fresh fruit and yogurt for a healthy and quick breakfast parfait.

• With milk: A classic for a reason—add a splash of your favorite milk and enjoy your granola as cereal.

• On smoothie bowls: Sprinkle it over your smoothie bowl for crunch and extra fiber.

• By the handful: Yep, it’s the perfect grab-and-go snack.

Why Your Whole Family Will Love It

If your kids have picky taste buds (like mine), this sourdough granola is an instant hit. It’s lightly sweet, super crunchy, and you can even make a batch together—kids love stirring the mix! Plus, it’s a win for busy mornings because it’s quick, healthy, and keeps everyone full until lunch.

For my fellow sourdough bakers, this is an awesome way to get even more use out of your starter. And for those who’ve never worked with sourdough before, don’t worry—you don’t need any baking experience to make this granola!

Wrap-Up

There you have it—sourdough granola that’s wholesome, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. Whether you’re a sourdough enthusiast looking to use up discard, a health-conscious eater searching for better snack options, or a busy parent in need of a breakfast your kids will actually eat, this recipe ticks ALL the boxes.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Snap a pic of your granola masterpiece and tag me on social media—I’m always on the lookout for new twists and topping ideas.

Now go grab that sourdough starter and preheat your oven. Your perfect breakfast is just 30 minutes away!

Happy snacking,

Liz