Oat-free 100% millet granola is crispy, crunchy and made with only 4 ingredients! The granola is gluten-free, low in lectins, and can be made oil-free, too. Customize it with all of your go-to add-ins and extras.

100% millet granola in a light colored wood bowl

Making your own granola at home is an straightforward and economical way to get exactly the granola you want. You have full control over the ingredients, the flavorings, and the add-ins (Me? A control freak? When it comes to granola, yes!).

This 100% Millet Granola is no exception. It is 100% delectable, no matter if you keep it plain, or empty the pantry for every last go-to “extra” (hello chocolate, pecans and coconut). It’s a plain, yet nourishing, start to the day, but I confess that I grab fistfuls for snackingall day.

This straightforward gluten-free granola has a twist: it is made with millet flakes instead of rolled oats. This results in extra light, crispy and crunchy granola (similar to myquinoa flake granola recipe). I know you will love it as much as I do!

What Are Millet Flakes?

white scalloped bowl filled with millet flakes

Millet flakes, made from wholemilletgrains (an ancient grain), are available in the United States, but not very well known (yet!).Milletis a naturally low cost, gluten-free, low lectins grain, which means it can be easier to digest than oats (for some people). Both the grains and the flakes have a neutral flavor, with a subtle flavor similar to corn.

Just likerolled oats, which are made by steaming and then rolling whole oat groats,millet flakesare made by steaming wholemilletgrains and then rolling them into thin, flat pieces, or “flakes.” Sincemilletgrains are much smaller than oat groats,millet flakesare smaller, lighter and thinner thanrolled oats.

Millet flakescan be used as a nourishing, high fiber 1:1 substitute (by volume) forrolled oatsin baking, cereals, toppings, snacks, and so much more.

Varieties ofMillet Flakes:Milletcomes in several varieties around the world (in the US and Canada,milletis typically labeled “millet” alone, but it is most often prosomillet. You can purchase and use any variety ofmillet flakesinterchangeably, so order any option (e.g., foxtailmillet flakes, prosomillet flakes, kodomillet flakes, or barnyardmillet flakes).

Where Can I Buy Millet Flakes?

I buy mymillet flakesfrom online shops. I have also foundmillet flakesat well stocked Indian and Eastern European grocery stores.

Blisstree(website: bliss-treeDOTus)Recipe Benefits
Organic Sphere(website: organicsphereDOTcom)
Amazon
Walmart(online ordering, not in store)
GoStockUp(gostockupDOTcom) Russian & Eastern European food store. Free pickup in NYC area.
Naturitas(naturitasDOTus) It is a French brand, Primeal, labeledflacons demillet)

Recipe Benefits

Oat-free
Low in lectins
Gluten-free
Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
High fiber (3.5 grams per serving)
Quick and straightforward to prepare
Easily varied (e.g., spices, extracts, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolate, and more)

close up of millet granola on a baking sheet

Ingredients

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post.Toggle betweenUS Customary(volume) andMetric(weights) for preferred measurement option.

millet flakes
maple syrup (see notes for options)
avocado oil (see notes for options)
salt

millet granola ingredients in glass bowls

Customizing this millet granola to your liking is a cinch. For example, add chopped dried fruit, nuts, seeds, or chopped chocolate, as well as add extra flavorings, such as spices and extracts. I have a slew of suggestions in the notes to get you started!

Step by Step Directions

Note that the complete instructions are also in the recipe card below.

Step One: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 300F (150F). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step Two: Combine the Essential Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, maple syrup and salt. Add the millet flakes, tossing to coat. If adding nuts, seeds or coconut, add to the millet flakes, tossing to combine. I typically use my hands to make sure everything gets coated.

three photo collage showing the mixing of millet granola ingredients

Step Three: Spread the Granola

Spoon and spread the granola in an even layer onto the prepared pan. Be careful not to spread too thin at the edges.

Step Four: Bake

Bake the millet flakes granola in the preheated oven for 32 to 38 minutes, stirring halfway through baking time, until light golden brown and completely dry to the touch.

Step Five: Tamp the Granola

baked millet granola getting tamped with a spatula

Transfer to a cooling rack. Using a pancake turner or large spoon, firmly press down the granola (this will help form clusters and clumps). Cool completely without stirring.

Step Six: Break Up Granola

Break the cooled granola into pieces and stir in dried fruit, if adding.

millet granola, broken into clumps and clusters

Enjoy Millet Granola onEverything

My go-to way to enjoy this granola? Straight from my hand to my mouth :). It’s a great pre- or post-workout snack. Sometimes the granola makes it to a bowl. Enjoy it with your milk of choice ((e.g., almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk).

I love this 100% Millet Granola on plain or vanilla non-dairy Greek yogurt, or on a fruit smoothie bowl (sometimes you need some crunch first thing in the morning). You can also:

Sprinkle it ondairy-free ice cream, sorbet orfrozen banana nice cream
Use it as a topping on cut fresh fruits / fruit bowls / bowls of berries
Stir a handful of the millet granola into your go-topancake recipeormuffins recipe

Storage

Store the 100% millet granola in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Ingredient Swaps

Maple Syrup:An equal amount of other liquid sweetener (e.g., agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or date syrup) can be used in place of themaple syrup. If you do not follow a vegan diet, you can also use honey as a substitute.
Avocado Oil:An equal amount of the oil you prefer can be used in place of the avocado oil. For example, coconut oil or olive oil.
Oil-Free Option:Replace the avocado oil with an equal amount of runny almond butter, tahini or peanut butter.
Millet Flakes:An equal volume of rolled oats or quinoa flakes can be used in place of the millet flakes. Quick-cooking oats are closer in texture to the millet flakes, but old fashioned rolled oats can also be used.

Add-In Ideas

Transform the essential millet flake granola recipe here by adding in flavorings and other crunchy, crispy or chewy add-ins. No limitations on how many different items to stir into the mix!

Spices:Add 1/4 tsp to 2 teaspoons of your go-to spice, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice to the millet flake granola mixture before baking. Or add a combination of spices (no more than 2 teaspoons total).
Nuts/Seeds:Add up to 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or seeds of your liking (one variety, or a combination) to the millet granola mixturebefore baking. For example, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, pistachios, green pumpkin seeds (pepitas), sunflower seeds, or hemp hearts.
Dried Fruit:Stir in up to 1/2 cup (118 mL) of chopped dried fruit, such as raisins, dried apricots, dried blueberries, dried cherries,dried cranberriesor 1 cup of chopped dried apples..
Chocolate:Add up to 1/2 cup of your go-to dark chocolate chips, chopped chocolate or cacao nibs.
Extracts or Zests:Add a teaspoon or two of pure vanilla extract or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of almond extract, rum extract or coconut extract to the millet flakes granola before baking. Or add one to two teaspoons of finely grated lime, lemon or orange zest.
Coconut:Add up to 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened) or unsweetened coconut flakes to the millet flakes mixturebefore baking.

100% Millet Granola (No Oats, Gluten-Free)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 38 minutes
Servings: 5 (1/2 cup) servings

Ingredients

3 tablespoons avocado oil melted (see notes for other options)
3 tablespoons maple syrup (see notes for options)
1/4 teaspoon salt more or less to taste
2 1/2 cups millet flakes (certified gluten-free)
Optional: 1/2 cup coarsely chopped raw nuts, seeds, or a mix (e.g., pecans, walnuts, sunflower seed kernels , green pumpkin seeds, almonds)
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (e.g., dried apricots, dried cherries, raisins, dried cranberries )

Method

Preheat oven to 300F (150F). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper .
In a large bowl , whisk together the avocado oil , maple syrup and salt. Add the millet flakes , tossing to coat. If adding nuts, seeds or coconut, add to the millet flakes , tossing to combine. I like to use my hands to make sure everything gets coated.
Spoon and spread the millet flake granola in an even layer onto the prepared pan. Be careful not to spread too thin at the edges.
Bake in the preheated oven for 32 to 38 minutes, stirring halfway through baking time, until light golden brown and completely dry to the touch.
Transfer to a cooling rack . Using a pancake turner or large spoon, firmly press down the granola (this will help form clusters and clumps). Cool completely without stirring.
Break the cooled granola into pieces and stir in dried fruit, if adding.

Notes

Storage: Store the millet granola in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Ingredient Swaps Maple Syrup : An equal amount of other liquid sweetener (e.g., agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or date syrup) can be used in place of the maple syrup . If you do not follow a vegan diet, you can also use honey as a substitute. Avocado Oil : An equal amount of the oil you prefer can be used in place of the avocado oil . For example, coconut oil or olive oil . Oil-Free Option: Replace the avocado oil with an equal amount of runny almond butter or tahini. Millet Flakes : An equal volume of rolled oats or quinoa flakes can be used in place of the millet flakes. Quick-cooking oats are closer in texture to the millet flakes, but old fashioned rolled oats can also be used . Add Ins: Spices: Add 1/4 tsp to 2 teaspoons of your go-to spice, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice to the millet flake granola mixture before baking. Or add a combination of spices (no more than 2 teaspoons total). Nuts/Seeds: Add up to 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or seeds of your liking (one variety, or a combination) to the millet granola mixture before baking . For example, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, pistachios, green pumpkin seeds ( pepitas ), sunflower seeds , or hemp hearts . Dried Fruit: Stir in up to 1/2 cup (118 mL) of chopped dried fruit, such as raisins, dried apricots, dried blueberries, dried cherries, dried cranberries or 1 cup of chopped dried apples.. Chocolate: Add up to 1/2 cup of your go-to dark chocolate chips, chopped chocolate or cacao nibs . Extracts or Zests: Add a teaspoon or two of pure vanilla extract or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of almond extract, rum extract or coconut extract to the millet flake granola before baking. Or add one to two teaspoons of finely grated lime, lemon or orange zest. Coconut: Add up to 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened) or unsweetened coconut flakes to the millet flakes mixture before baking .