Strawberry Thyme Granola Parfait

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(Note: this post was originally published on July 1, 2020. The date above reflects migration to the new platform.)

The Perfect Morning

Are you sometimes stuck looking for a breakfast that can impress, yet one that is still nourishing and easy to put together? These Strawberry Thyme Granola Parfaits are just the thing when you're in need of a healthy, light, beautiful breakfast. Make them next time you host guests, or just as a special treat for yourself!

There's really not much better than a breakfast parfait. They're fun and so pleasing to look at! But they're also loaded with nutrients and won't weigh you down. Parfaits are easy to put together, infinitely customizable, and can make use of any fruit that's in season. I absolutely love the combination of creamy yogurt, juicy berries, and crunchy granola.

Adding in some fresh herbs takes these over the top! This will take your parfait from ho-hum to totally unique and memorable. I like thyme because it's subtle and goes beautifully with berries, but mint or basil would also be lovely. The fresh herbs wake up all the other flavors and make this unlike any parfait you've had.

A Very Special Granola

I'm very happy to be bringing you this recipe in collaboration with True North Granola. This is actually our second recipe together, so if you haven't yet seen these Granola Almond Butter Adventure Cookies, take a look! True North's products are so wonderful, and are without a doubt my go-to granola (which is really saying something, because I live for granola).

I used their Granola Blues in this parfait- it's perfect with the berry theme! But any one of their granolas would be lovely in this recipe. You could even change up the type of yogurt and fruit to match.

True North Granola is from my hometown, Brattleboro Vermont! I remember being amazed by their products when they first appeared at the farmers' market many years ago. Many (oh so many!) granola free samples were consumed. Now, thanks to online sales though, their products are available anywhere. I can't wait for you to try them!

Easily Customizable

A parfait like this is tremendously versatile. If you have all the ingredients on-hand, it's a very fast, nutritious breakfast for everyday. You can easily tweak the ingredients and ratios to fit your dietary needs. You could even layer it into a mason jar and take it on the go!

However, I'd argue that this parfait particularly excels when entertaining. Parfaits would be such an easy, nutritious, flexible meal for guests, and they're so beautiful! You could even set up a make-your-own parfait table at a brunch party, or pre-assemble mini parfaits in shot glasses. The sky is really the limit with these.

Given the flexibility of this dish, I'd approach the ingredient amounts as just suggestions, since how much of each ingredient you use will depend on whether this parfait is the central meal or a component of a meal, and what glass you'll be serving it in. But for a full breakfast, I'd suggest about half a dozen strawberries, half a cup of yogurt, and a quarter cup of granola. Scale up or down as necessary, or adjust the ratios to fit how you like to eat.

You can also easily customize this parfait to fit your diet. See specific ingredient tips below for making it vegan, gluten-free, and lower-sugar!

Let's Talk Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for this recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

  • Strawberries. This would also work great with any other berries, so use what's in season or mix a few types together.
  • Maple syrup. Just a dash! Although feel free to omit this if you want to minimize sugar.
  • Fresh thyme. Mint or basil would also be great! Having some fresh herbs in here is what really brings this parfait to life though, so the flavors won't be nearly as exciting if you omit them.
  • Sea salt
  • Unsweetened yogurt. Either dairy or non-dairy is fine.
  • Vanilla extract
  • Granola. True North's Granola Blues, of course! Or, if you're vegan and/or gluten-free and/or looking for a fruit-sweetened granola, their First Date Granola is a wonderful option.

Parfait Love

Whether you're hosting a summer brunch party, need an easy meal on-the-go, or are just looking for a special seasonal treat, this parfait will give you what you need. I always love to have recipes like this in my back pocket; ones in which you can easily change up the ingredients, size, and style to fit your preferences and occasion.

Don't these parfaits feel so summery and light? Having one of these, layered beautifully in a tall glass, maybe with some homegrown berries and herbs, while sitting outside on the deck... wow, that sounds like summer morning perfection!

Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

Suggested Pairings

Banana Bread Granola

Fruity Brunch Salad

Grilled Stone Fruit, Goat Cheese, and Pistachio Salad

Berry Banana Breakfast Popsicles

Wired Monkey Oat Flour Muffins

Disclosure: This recipe has been developed through a paid partnership with True North Granola. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The Rogue Brussel Sprout running.

Strawberry Thyme Granola Parfait

These delightfully summery (and easy!) parfaits combine sweet strawberries, fragrant thyme, and crunchy granola for an unforgettable breakfast treat. They're easily customizable too!

Author:
Lee

Ingredients

  • 4-6 strawberries
  • Dash of maple syrup
  • Few sprigs of fresh thyme
  • Few grinds of sea salt
  • 0.5 c unsweetened yogurt of choice
  • Dash of vanilla extract
  • 0.25 c True North's Granola Blues

Instructions

  1. Cut your strawberries into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with a dash of maple syrup, the leaves of a few sprigs of thyme, and a grind or two of sea salt. Let it sit for a couple minutes to marinate the strawberries.
  2. To your yogurt of choice, add a tiny dash of vanilla extract and an optional dash of maple syrup. Mix it, give it a taste, and adjust as you see fit. Remember that the strawberries and granola both have some sweetness, so the yogurt won't need much.
  3. When you're ready to assemble, layer your parfait ingredients into a serving glass. As shown here, I did yogurt on the bottom, then strawberries, then granola, more yogurt, and strawberries on top. But it will really depend on the size and shape of your glass, as well as how much of each ingredient you want.
  4. Serve immediately! If you want to garnish it, some fresh thyme sprigs or edible flowers give it a summery feel and a lovely smell.

Leave a Comment

Please Share Your Thoughts!

Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.

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Pamela
July 1, 2020
I always buy True North products at the Coop. This is a great way to dress up dessert!