Imagine a snack that beautifully marries the comforting sweetness of granola with the savory richness of steak—this Chewy Honey Oat Granola Bark with Steak Bits does exactly that. A surprising twist on traditional granola bark, it’s bold, flavorful, and entirely satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold sweet‑and‑savory combo: Honey and oats balanced with savory, seasoned steak bites.
- Chewy texture: Sticky granola bark for easy biting—no hard clusters.
- High in protein: Steak bits and oats keep your energy up between meals.
- Quick to make: A tasty alternative to full meals or grab‑and‑go snacks.
- Conversation starter: Unique flavor combo—perfect at parties or for creative meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rolled oats
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Steak (e.g., sirloin or ribeye), cubed
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Ground cumin (optional)
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Chopped nuts (optional, e.g., almonds or pecans)
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
Directions
- Prep Steak Bits
- Heat a skillet over medium-high.
- Toss steak cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder if using.
- Sear steak cubes until cooked to your desired doneness (medium-rare to medium recommended).
- Remove from heat, let rest, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make Granola Bark Base
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160 °C).
- On the same skillet (or a pan), melt butter with honey and brown sugar until sugar dissolves.
- Stir in rolled oats until thoroughly coated.
- Bake Oats
- Spread the oat mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant.
- Remove and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Bark
- Scatter steak bits and optional chopped nuts over the warm granola.
- Gently press them into the mixture using the back of a spatula.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Set and Slice
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes to firm up.
- Break or slice into irregular bark pieces.
- Serve or Store
- Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or unconventional party platter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Servings and Timin
- Servings: Yields approximately 12–16 bark pieces.
- Prep time: 10 minutes (plus resting time for steak).
- Cook time: 20–25 minutes (sear + bake).
- Chill time: 30–45 minutes.
- Total time: Around 1 hour, with a good portion of that as downtime.
Variations
- Alternative meat: Substitute steak with cooked bacon bits or pulled rotisserie chicken.
- Spice it up: Add chili powder or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Seed addition: Include sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
- Nut butter drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle almond or cashew butter over the bark.
- Herb garnish: Fresh chopped rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
Storage / Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months—wrap pieces individually, then freeze. Thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
- Serving suggestion: Bring to room temperature before serving; the steak bits are best enjoyed not too cold.
FAQs
1. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—replace steak with hearty grilled mushrooms or smoked tempeh cubes.
2. Is it still chewy if refrigerated?
Yes, the oats remain pleasantly chewy; refrigeration firms it without making it hard.
3. Can I use ground steak?
Minced steak will work but distributes meat more evenly. Be sure to cook thoroughly.
4. How can I reheat the steak bits?
Reheat quickly in a skillet or microwave for 10–15 seconds before assembling.
5. What oats work best?
Rolled oats create the ideal chewy texture—quick oats will be softer.
6. Can I omit the butter?
You can, but butter adds depth and helps the bark bind. Try coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
7. Will the bark stick to parchment paper?
No—once chilled, it lifts easily. If any sticks, use a spatula to carefully loosen edges.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just double all ingredients and use a larger baking sheet or two sheets.
9. What nuts go well?
Toasted almonds, pecans, or even pistachios offer great contrast.
10. How do I make clean pieces?
Use a sharp knife after chilling, or simply break into natural shards for that authentic bark look.
Conclusion
This Chewy Honey Oat Granola Bark with Steak Bits is a delightfully unexpected twist on granola—combining sweet, chewy oats with savory, tender steak. Ideal for adventurous eaters, creative hosts, or anyone looking for a high-protein, flavorful snack. Its versatility lets you make it vegetarian, spiced, or nut-enriched. Give it a try—you might just start a new trend at your next gathering!
PrintChewy Honey Oat Granola Bark with Steak Bits
This Chewy Honey Oat Granola Bark with Steak Bits blends sweet and savory in a unique, protein-rich snack that’s chewy, flavorful, and perfect for adventurous eaters or creative entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12–16 pieces 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 lb steak (e.g., sirloin or ribeye), cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g., almonds or pecans)
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Toss cubed steak with olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder if using.
- Sear steak cubes until medium-rare to medium, then remove and let rest. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In the same skillet or a new pan, melt butter with honey and brown sugar until dissolved.
- Stir in rolled oats until well coated.
- Spread the oat mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let cool slightly.
- Scatter steak bits and optional nuts over the warm oat base and gently press in.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Refrigerate for 30–45 minutes until firm.
- Break or slice into bark pieces and serve or store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Ensure steak is cooked to preferred doneness before adding.
- Cool oat base slightly before adding toppings to maintain chewiness.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Refrigerate bark to maintain firmness; bring to room temp before serving.
- Customize with nuts, seeds, or spices to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg