Crispy Olive Oil Granola Recipe for Busy Mornings

Olive oil upgrades ordinary granola into a luxurious breakfast experience that tantalizes taste buds with unexpected richness.

Mediterranean kitchens have long understood the magical potential of this golden liquid as a culinary companion.

Clusters of nuts and grains become remarkably crisp and delectable when bathed in smooth, fruity olive oil during roasting.

Home cooks appreciate how this ingredient elevates a simple morning staple into something extraordinary and memorable.

Each batch promises a delightful crunch with subtle undertones of sophisticated flavor that dance across your palate.

The secret lies in selecting high-quality olive oil that complements the natural sweetness of oats and nuts.

Careful toasting techniques ensure maximum texture and depth, creating a breakfast treat that feels both comforting and innovative.

Your next morning meal will never be the same once you master this game-changing approach.

Why Olive Oil Granola Is Better Homemade

• Burst with Nutty Complexity: Packed with pistachios, sunflower seeds, and pepitas, this granola delivers a satisfying crunch and rich, multilayered flavor profile that transforms ordinary breakfast into a gourmet experience.
• Effortlessly Versatile Delight: Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this olive oil granola can grace yogurt, top smoothie bowls, or enjoy standalone as a wholesome snack that suits multiple meal moments.
• Healthful Indulgence with Minimal Effort: Using minimal ingredients and simple baking techniques, this recipe creates a nutritious treat loaded with wholesome nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup and honey, offering maximum taste with minimal kitchen complexity.
• Aromatic Spice Symphony: Warm cinnamon and exotic cardamom infuse the granola with deeply comforting and sophisticated undertones, elevating a basic recipe into a sensory culinary journey that delights both palate and nose.

Everything That Goes Into This Golden Crunch

• Oats: Hearty whole grain base that provides a classic granola texture and nutty flavor.
• Pistachios, Sunflower Seeds, Pepitas: Crunchy nuts and seeds that add protein, healthy fats, and satisfying crunch.
• Coconut Flakes: Tropical-tasting ingredient that brings light, sweet texture to the mix.

• Maple Syrup, Honey: Natural sweeteners that help bind ingredients and create golden-brown clusters.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps with granola's caramelization.

• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth oil that helps toast ingredients and provides a subtle fruity undertone.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Cinnamon, Cardamom: Warm, aromatic spices that bring depth and complexity to the granola.

• Dried Cherries, Dried Apricots: Chewy, sweet additions that provide bursts of fruity flavor and slight tartness.

How to Bake a Perfect Batch of Granola

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Warm up your oven to 300°F (150°C) and get ready for some delicious granola-making magic.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Rolled oats
• Pistachios
• Sunflower seeds
• Pepitas
• Coconut flakes

Step 3: Add Liquid Goodness

• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Olive oil

Step 4: Sprinkle Flavor Enhancers

• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Evenly spread the mixture on a rimmed baking sheet, creating a beautiful golden landscape of crunchy goodness.

Step 6: Roast to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Stir the granola every 10 minutes to ensure even toasting and that irresistible golden-brown color.

Step 7: Add Fruity Finishing Touches

• Dried cherries
• Dried apricots

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle this crunchy delight over Greek yogurt, fresh ricotta, or whatever your heart desires. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Tips for Getting That Ideal Sweet-Savory Mix

• Choose High-Quality Olive Oil: Select a mild, fruity extra virgin olive oil to enhance the granola's flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
• Stir Consistently: Gently mix the granola every 10 minutes during baking to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Control Moisture: Keep the oven door slightly ajar while baking to help the granola crisp up and remove excess moisture.
• Cool Completely: Allow the granola to cool entirely on the baking sheet to achieve maximum crunchiness before storing in an airtight container.

Best Ways to Store Homemade Granola

• Refrigerate: Store cooled granola in an airtight container or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, maintaining its crispy texture and fresh flavor.
• Freeze: Transfer granola to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months without losing its delightful crunch.
• Restore Crispness: If granola becomes slightly soft, spread it on a baking sheet and toast in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to crisp up and regain its original texture.

Pairing Your Granola with More Than Just Milk

• Pair with Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layer the olive oil granola with tangy Greek yogurt, drizzle honey, and top with fresh berries for a luxurious breakfast experience.
• Match with Warm Chai Latte: The spicy notes of cardamom in the granola beautifully complement the aromatic chai, creating a harmonious morning ritual.
• Serve alongside Ricotta Toast: Spread fresh ricotta on crusty bread, sprinkle the granola on top, and add a light drizzle of olive oil for a sophisticated, textural breakfast treat.
• Enjoy with Iced Almond Milk: The nutty, toasted granola pairs perfectly with cold almond milk, offering a refreshing and satisfying morning or afternoon snack.

Granola Variations for Every Mood

• Tropical Paradise Crunch: Swap pistachios and pepitas with macadamia nuts and coconut chips. Replace maple syrup with passion fruit nectar and add dried mango pieces for a Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Morning Mix: Use almonds and pine nuts instead of original seeds. Drizzle orange blossom honey and add dried figs and dates for a Mediterranean-style granola that celebrates Middle Eastern ingredients.
• Autumn Harvest Blend: Substitute sunflower seeds with chopped pecans and add pumpkin pie spice. Include dried cranberries and golden raisins for a cozy fall-inspired version that captures seasonal warmth.
• Chocolate Lovers' Breakfast: Mix in cacao nibs and dark chocolate chunks after baking. Sprinkle sea salt and use dark brown sugar for a rich, indulgent granola that feels like a morning dessert.

Olive Oil Granola Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired olive oil granola brings rustic charm to breakfast tables with its golden clusters and aromatic herbs. Crisp oats, toasted nuts, and fragrant rosemary blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each wholesome spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (470 ml) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup (150 g) raw pistachios, hulled & coarsely chopped
• ½ cup (40 g) coconut flakes
• ⅓ cup (45 g) raw sunflower seeds, hulled
• ¼ cup (35 g) pepitas

Sweeteners and Oils:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
• ¼ cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil

Spices and Dried Fruits:

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ cup (70 g) chopped dried cherries
• ⅓ cup (50 g) dried apricots, coarsely chopped

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Instructions

1. Gather all the dry ingredients including oats, pistachios, sunflower seeds, pepitas, and coconut flakes in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Pour maple syrup, honey, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom over the dry components, ensuring thorough and even coating.
3. Carefully distribute the mixture across a rimmed baking tray, creating a uniform layer that allows for consistent heat distribution.
4. Position the tray in a preheated oven set at 300°F, maintaining a steady moderate temperature for optimal toasting.
5. Rotate and redistribute the granola every 10 minutes to promote even browning and prevent potential burning at the edges.
6. Monitor the mixture closely, looking for a rich golden hue and a fragrant, toasted aroma that indicates perfect caramelization.
7. Remove the tray from the oven once the granola achieves a deep golden color and crisp texture, approximately 45 minutes of total baking time.
8. Allow the granola to cool slightly in the tray, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
9. Gently fold in dried cherries and apricots, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the crunchy mixture.
10. Serve as a luxurious topping for Greek yogurt, fresh ricotta, or enjoy as a standalone crunchy snack.

Notes

• This homemade granola bursts with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, combining nutty pistachios, crunchy seeds, and sweet-tangy dried fruits.
• Olive oil replaces traditional butter, creating a heart-healthy breakfast or snack option with rich, smooth undertones.
• Low and slow baking ensures each oat and nut caramelizes perfectly, developing deep golden-brown color and intense toasty notes.
• Maple syrup and honey blend seamlessly, providing natural sweetness while helping ingredients cluster into delightful crispy chunks.
• Versatile recipe allows customization with different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on personal preference or pantry availability.
• Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks, enjoying as a yogurt topper, smoothie mix-in, or standalone crunchy treat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg