Crunchy Olive Oil Granola Recipe

Crunchy Olive Oil Granola Recipe: Homemade Breakfast Bliss

Breakfast just got a whole lot more exciting with this olive oil granola that adds a luxurious twist to your morning routine.

Golden oats roasted to perfection combine with rich olive oil for a nutty, crisp texture that elevates every spoonful.

Drizzles of olive oil create a delicate coating that helps each cluster achieve a delightful crunch.

Packed with wholesome nuts and a hint of sweetness, this granola delivers a sophisticated breakfast experience you’ll quickly become obsessed with.

Clusters of toasted goodness make each bite a celebration of simple, pure ingredients.

The magic of this recipe lies in its ability to turn ordinary mornings into something extraordinary.

Dive into a bowl of this olive oil granola and start your day with a delicious culinary adventure.

Olive Oil Granola Preparation Steps

  • Granola Preparation

Gather all dry and wet ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, combining them with enthusiasm for a delicious homemade treat.

  • Mixing Magic

Gently fold and stir the ingredients until every oat, nut, and seed is beautifully coated with sweet maple syrup and rich olive oil.

  • Baking Transformation

Spread the mixture evenly across a baking sheet, creating a thin layer that will transform into golden, crunchy granola clusters in the warm oven.

  • Oven Adventure

Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven, giving the granola an occasional stir to ensure even browning and maximum crunchiness.

  • Fruity Finale

Once the granola reaches a gorgeous golden color and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, remove from the oven and sprinkle with dried cherries and apricots.

  • Serving Suggestion

Allow the granola to cool completely, then crumble into delightful chunks perfect for topping yogurt, ricotta, or enjoying straight from the jar.

Granola Add-Ins & Tips for Customizing

  • Swap pistachios for almonds or pecans to match your taste preferences and pantry availability.
  • Add chia seeds or hemp hearts for extra protein and omega-3 nutrients that make this granola even more wholesome.
  • Keep granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, ensuring maximum freshness and crispy texture.
  • Experiment with different dried fruits like cranberries, blueberries, or golden raisins to create unique taste combinations that excite your breakfast routine.
  • Reduce maple syrup and honey by 25% and replace with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter, less sweet granola that still delivers incredible flavor.

How to Serve Olive Oil Granola

  • Morning Energy Booster: Create a vibrant breakfast bowl by layering creamy Greek yogurt with a generous sprinkle of this crunchy olive oil granola, topped with fresh berries for a burst of color and natural sweetness.
  • Dessert Crunch Topper: Elevate your favorite ice cream, pudding, or fruit parfait by scattering this golden-brown granola on top, adding a delightful texture and nutty flavor that transforms simple desserts into gourmet treats.
  • Snack Time Companion: Pack this granola in small containers for a quick, nutritious snack during work breaks or after workouts, providing a perfect blend of protein, healthy fats, and satisfying crunch to keep you energized throughout the day.
  • Gifting Delight: Package the cooled granola in mason jars with a ribbon, creating a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate – a personal touch that shows you care about their wellness and enjoyment.

Storing Olive Oil Granola for Freshness

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer completely cooled granola into airtight glass containers or sealed mason jars to maintain maximum crispness and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Freshness Lifespan: Homemade granola stays deliciously crunchy for 2-3 weeks when stored at room temperature in a dry, dark pantry away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Ingredient Protection: Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent staleness and protect granola from absorbing kitchen odors, ensuring consistent flavor and texture.
  • Freezer Friendly Option: For extended enjoyment, portion granola into freezer-safe bags, removing excess air, and store up to 3 months – simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 13

Olive Oil Granola Ingredient Checklist

For Base Ingredients:
  • Oats: Hearty whole grain providing a robust, toasty foundation for the granola.
  • Pistachios: Adds rich, buttery crunch and gorgeous green color for visual appeal.
  • Sunflower Seeds: Delivers nutty texture and boost of natural protein.
  • Pepitas: Provides earthy flavor and additional nutritional crunch.
  • Coconut Flakes: Introduces tropical sweetness and delicate crispy element.
For Sweetening Agents:
  • Maple Syrup, Honey, Brown Sugar: Creates complex, deep caramelized sweetness that binds ingredients and develops rich golden color.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Cinnamon, Cardamom: Balances overall sweetness, adds warm aromatic depth and sophisticated spice notes that elevate the entire granola profile.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Dried Cherries, Dried Apricots: Introduces bright, tangy bursts of fruity complexity and chewy contrast to the crunchy base.
  • Olive Oil: Provides smooth, silky coating that helps ingredients toast evenly and adds subtle Mediterranean-inspired richness.

Tools Needed for Making Olive Oil Granola

  • Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining all dry and wet ingredients.
  • Rimmed baking sheet: Essential for spreading granola evenly and creating a crisp texture.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and mixing granola during baking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate tools for portioning ingredients precisely.
  • Cooling rack (optional): Helps cool granola quickly while maintaining crispness.
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Crunchy Olive Oil Granola Recipe

Crunchy Olive Oil Granola Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired olive oil granola brings together nutty almonds, golden honey, and aromatic herbs for a wholesome breakfast treat. Simple ingredients create a distinctive crunch that pairs perfectly with yogurt or fresh berries. You’ll savor each spoonful of this delightful morning mix.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (470 ml) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup (150 g) pistachios, raw, hulled & coarsely chopped
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup, pure
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil, extra virgin
  • ½ cup (40 g) coconut flakes
  • ⅓ cup (45 g) sunflower seeds, raw, hulled
  • ¼ cup (35 g) pepitas
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, light, packed
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon, ground
  • ¼ tsp cardamom, ground
  • ½ cup (70 g) cherries, dried, chopped
  • ⅓ cup (50 g) apricots, dried, coarsely chopped

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Merge oats, pistachios, sunflower seeds, pepitas, and coconut flakes in a large mixing bowl, creating a textural dry base.
  2. Season and Coat: Drizzle maple syrup, honey, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom over the dry mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly glazed.
  3. Prepare for Roasting: Spread the coated mixture on a rimmed baking sheet in a thin, uniform layer that promotes consistent caramelization and crisp texture.
  4. Bake and Transform: Place the tray in an oven preheated to 300°F, roasting for approximately 45 minutes while gently stirring every 10 minutes to achieve an even golden-brown color and rich, toasted flavor.
  5. Cool and Enhance: Once the granola reaches a deep golden hue and crisp consistency, remove from the oven and let cool slightly, then fold in dried cherries and apricots to introduce bursts of fruity sweetness.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Sprinkle over Greek yogurt, ricotta, or savor as a standalone crunchy snack that celebrates complex textures and harmonious flavors.

Notes

  • Customize Nut Varieties: Feel free to swap pistachios with almonds, pecans, or walnuts based on personal preference or availability, maintaining the same total volume for consistent texture.
  • Prevent Burning Technique: Stir granola every 10 minutes during baking to ensure uniform golden-brown color and prevent edges from overcooking, which can create bitter, burnt flavors.
  • Storage Pro Tip: Store completely cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, preserving its crisp texture and preventing moisture absorption.
  • Flavor Enhancement Hack: Toast nuts and seeds briefly before mixing to intensify their natural oils and deepen the overall nutty, caramelized flavor profile of the granola.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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