Granola Isn’t Just For Breakfast

So you may think granola is only delicious for breakfast with fruit and yogurt? Think again. There are SO many more ways to enjoy it.

Here are Top Ways to Enjoy Granola Other Than Breakfast

How about as a crunchy topping for salads? My friend Lindsay told me quite excitedly that she ran out of croutons and used Pat's Granola in its place.

Here’s how: Layer salad greens—whatever you like; my favorites are arugula, spinach or kale with dried fruits, nuts or seeds. Add a protein, such as chicken, salmon, tofu, tempeh, and some fresh fruit and cheese. Roasted veggies--cubes of sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, squash and beets are also good additions to a salad bowl. Sprinkle with a handful of granola. 

Now might be a good time to poke around in your pantry for that bottle of flavored vinegar or olive oil that you’ve been saving and would be great drizzled over a salad.

Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, and acorn or Hubbard squash combine deliciously with toasted nuts, dried cranberries and maple syrup. Our family loves this at Thanksgiving but it’s delicious anytime. You can sprinkle a handful of granola on this yummy dish. Crunchy granola pairs especially well with naturally sweet veggies.

Here’s how: Halve Brussels sprouts and toss on a sheet pan with cubed sweet potatoes, pecans or walnuts and dried cranberries or cherries. Add olive oil, a squirt of fresh lemon juice, a couple teaspoons of maple syrup or honey, salt and pepper, to taste. Stir to combine on the sheet pan. Roast in a hot oven (400 degrees) for 10-15 minutes until the edges of the Brussels sprouts brown and get crispy. Sprinkle with granola--the Ginger Spiced is especially delicious. Warning: this dish doesn't leave leftovers.

Sweet potatoes get a starring role on your plate when topped with crunchy granola. Root vegetables are good eats right now and are shelf stable--just need a cool, dry place to store them.

Here's how: Wash the potatoes and rub a bit of olive oil over them before placing in the oven on a baking sheet. Slow roast sweet potatoes in the oven (300 degrees) for 2 hours--they really do get sweeter the longer they're baked.You can also finish them under the broiler to crisp up the skins. Top with a small dollop of yogurt, or sour cream and granola. More like a luscious dessert, if I do say so.

Or stuff a baked sweet potato and top with a drizzle of yogurt, sour cream and granola!

You can also roast a sheet pan of carrots using the same method and sprinkle a handful of granola on them right before serving.

Baked apples are not just for autumn. Pat's Granola baked apples are a treat anytime. 

Food or charcuterie boards are more popular than ever. Add granola to whatever you’re serving alongside bits and bites of cheese, sausage, seafood, fruits, veggies and crackers. Makes a perfect appetizer when entertaining family and friends.

You can even make granola into a delicious pie crust for the holidays. Perfect for sweet potato or pumpkin pie. Here's the recipe I've used. Vegan Granola Pie Crust

Check out our blog posts on Pantry Foraging, Pantry Meals 101, A Delicious Adventure and Granola Spiced Pumpkin Bread for additional meal ideas. If you have a favorite way to enjoy granola, please feel free to share them. We'd love to hear from you!

Pat Bennett is the founder and President of Pat's Granola, a Cleveland based food company. Pat's Granola is sold online at www.patsgranola.com and is also available at selected Northeast Ohio businesses including:

Troubadour Coffee Roasters www.troubadourcoffeeroasters.com

Sports and Spine Physical Therapy www.sportspine.com

Locle Box www.loclebox.com

Made Cleveland www.madecleveland.com

Mister Brisket www.misterbrisket.com

Nature's Oasis Lakewood www.naturesoasis.com

Happy Cows Group Share Happy Cows Group Share 

The Corner at The Van Aken District The Corner at The Van Aken District

Sweet Bean Candies Sweet Bean Candies

Hear Pat's story on Food Founders Podcast.

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