Spent Grain Granola: Crunchy, Malty, and Baked With Brewday Depth

Spent Grain Granola is crisp, nutty, and packed with character — a smart way to use up brewing leftovers while turning out small-batch, big-flavor breakfast or snack fuel.

It’s slightly sweet, deeply toasty, and endlessly riffable. Toss it over yogurt, pack it on hikes, or eat it by the handful with a beer that fits.

Ingredients (Makes about 6 cups)

Base Mix

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1½ cups spent grain (wet, well-drained, and finely chopped)
• ¾ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, or a mix)
• ½ cup seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, chia, or flax)
• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

Wet Mix

• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup neutral oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 tbsp beer (brown ale, porter, or cream ale for flavor depth)

After Baking

• ½ to ¾ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots)
• Optional: chocolate chips or cacao nibs (add once granola has cooled)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep

• Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment.

Step 2: Mix

• In a large bowl, combine oats, spent grain, nuts, seeds, coconut, cinnamon, and salt.
• In a saucepan over low heat, warm the honey/maple, oil, vanilla, and optional beer until just blended.
• Pour over dry ingredients and stir until well coated.

Step 3: Bake

• Spread in an even layer on the baking sheet.
• Bake 45–60 minutes, stirring every 15–20 minutes, until golden and crisp.
• Let cool completely (it crisps more as it cools), then stir in dried fruit and optional extras.

Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks
• Freeze in batches for up to 3 months
• Best kept in a cool, dry place away from moisture

Serving Suggestions

• Top yogurt or smoothie bowls
• Pour into a bowl with milk or cold brew
• Add to ice cream, muffins, or trail mix
• Toss with peanut butter and honey for no-bake granola bites

Flavor Variations

🍎 Apple Cinnamon

• Add dried apple + extra cinnamon
• Pair with: cider ale or blonde ale

🥜 Peanut Butter Chocolate

• Add ½ cup chopped peanuts + chocolate chips after baking
• Pair with: porter, cream ale, or peanut butter stout

🧡 Ginger Apricot

• Add chopped dried apricot + crystallized ginger
• Pair with: saison or witbier

🥥 Toasted Coconut Almond

• Add extra coconut + sliced almonds
• Pair with: pale ale or wheat beer

Beer Pairing

In the Mix

• Optional splash of smooth brown ale, porter, or blonde
• Avoid sour or hoppy beers — bitterness doesn’t belong in granola

In Your Glass

• Blonde ale or cream ale with nutty or vanilla-forward granola
• Hefeweizen with fruit-focused mixes
• Coffee stout with chocolate chip versions
• Belgian dubbel or Vienna lager with spiced granola

Final Thoughts

Spent Grain Granola is malty, toasty, and built with purpose — a crunchy, customizable way to make something delicious out of your brewday byproduct.

It’s breakfast with backbone, snacking with strategy, and another reason to keep brewing. Cheers to golden clusters, sweet crunch, and beer in every batch! 🥣🍺🔥

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.