Easy Sourdough Discard Granola Recipe
Homemade granola just got a sourdough twist! Ever wonder what to do with that leftover sourdough starter sitting in your fridge? This easy sourdough discard granola recipe is the perfect way to use up extra sourdough starter—whether discard or active sourdough starter (recently fed). Sweetened naturally with maple syrup, combined with heart-healthy nuts, seeds, and oats, and flavored with warm cinnamon and vanilla, this granola is delicious. Plus, it’s completely customizable to suit your taste and miles better than the store-bought kind.
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Why use Sourdough Discard in Granola
Sourdough discard is an excellent natural binder. When added to rolled oats, nuts, and other granola ingredients, it helps hold everything together as it bakes, creating crunchy clusters. It is also a great way to use that sourdough discard in your fridge. Reduce waste while creating a delicious pantry staple at home.
What you will Love about this Recipe!
- No Food Waste – A creative and tasty way to use sourdough discard.
- Healthier Alternative – No refined sugars, artificial preservatives, or additives.
- Customizable – Swap in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Long Shelf Life – Make a big batch and enjoy it for weeks.
Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Granola
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup sourdough discard (or active starter)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or a neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (homemade if available)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup nuts of choice (raw and unsalted)
- ½ cup seeds of choice (raw and unsalted, such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- ¼ cup hemp seeds
- ½ cup unsweetened dry coconut flakes or coconut chips (my favorite)
Supplies for Sourdough Discard Granola
- Mixing Bowls – Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Baking Sheet – For even toasting.
- Parchment Paper – To prevent sticking.
- Spatula – For stirring and spreading the granola.
Pro tip:
Avoid stirring too vigorously during the halfway point to get clumpy granola. Instead gently flip with a spatula. Once you remove it from the oven, allow it to cool completely on the cookie sheet without touching it. This allows the granola to set into crunchy clusters.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sourdough Discard Granola
- Preheat Oven – Set oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients—In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt.
- Add Dry Ingredients – Stir in oats, nuts, seeds, hemp hearts, and coconut flakes/chips until well coated. If you notice any dry spots, don’t hesitate to add an extra tablespoon of discard.
- Spread Evenly – Transfer the mixture onto the lined baking sheet and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake – Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through to get even baking without burning.
- Cool Completely—Remove the granola mixture from the oven and let it cool completely before breaking it into clusters. Add dried fruits if desired.
Storage Suggestions
Granola can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Cereal – Enjoy it with milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- With Yogurt – Sprinkle over Greek yogurt with fresh fruit or freeze-dried fruit.
- On Smoothies – Add crunch to your favorite smoothie bowl.
- In Trail Mix – Mix with dried fruit and dark chocolate for a nutritious snack.
- As a Topping – Use it on oatmeal, ice cream, or even baked goods.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey works just as well, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
2. What if I don’t have coconut oil?
You can substitute it with melted butter or another neutral oil like avocado oil.
3. Can I add dried fruit?
Absolutely! Add dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates after the granola has cooled.
4. Why use sourdough discard in granola?
The discard helps bind the ingredients together and adds a subtle tangy depth to the flavor.
Special Ingredients (affiliate links): coconut chips |
Making homemade sourdough discard granola is a simple, nutritious, and delicious way to start your day or snack smart. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought granola again!
If you try this recipe and love it, please tag me on Instagram and Facebook @grindinggearsfarmstead.
Happy cooking, happy sharing, and may your kitchen always be filled with laughter and love. ❤️
Lechyd Da, (means “Cheers to Good Health” in Welsh)
Easy Sourdough Discard Granola Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup sourdough discard or active starter
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or a neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract homemade if available
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup nuts of choice raw and unsalted
- ½ cup seeds of choice (raw and unsalted such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- ¼ cup hemp seeds
- ½ cup unsweetened dry coconut flakes or coconut chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Set oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients—In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt.
- Add Dry Ingredients – Stir in oats, nuts, seeds, hemp hearts, and coconut flakes until well coated. If you notice any dry spots, don’t hesitate to add an extra tablespoon of discard.
- Spread Evenly – Transfer the mixture onto the lined baking sheet and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake – Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through to get even baking without burning.
- Cool Completely—Remove the granola mixture from the oven and let it cool completely before breaking it into clusters. Add dried fruits if desired.
Notes
- As a Cereal – Enjoy it with milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- With Yogurt – Sprinkle over Greek yogurt with fresh fruit or freeze dried fruit.
- On Smoothies – Add crunch to your favorite smoothie bowl.
- In Trail Mix – Mix with dried fruit and dark chocolate for a nutritious snack.
- As a Topping – Use it on oatmeal, ice cream, or even baked goods.
