Introduction
Whether you’re a breakfast enthusiast or just looking for wholesome snacks, Granola deserves a spot in your pantry. This versatile mix of oats, nuts, and sweetness pairs perfectly with yogurt, milk, or even as a standalone treat. Meanwhile, the right can elevate your kitchen experience, making preparation faster and more enjoyable. Let’s explore how to craft the perfect batch of homemade goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, and seeds—this forms the base of your Granola.
- Whisk together honey (or maple syrup), oil, and a pinch of salt, then pour over the dry ingredients.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Cool completely before adding dried fruit or chocolate chips. Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Granola
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Crunchy, customizable, and naturally sweetened—this homemade granola is perfect for breakfast or snacking anytime.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1/2 cup mixed seeds (e.g., pumpkin, sunflower)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup neutral oil (e.g., coconut or vegetable oil)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 cup dried fruit or chocolate chips (added after baking)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together rolled oats, chopped nuts, and seeds.
- In a separate bowl, whisk honey or maple syrup with oil and a pinch of salt.
- Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through for even toasting.
- Let cool completely before mixing in dried fruit or chocolate chips.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
Customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, or spices like cinnamon. For chunky granola, press the mixture down firmly before baking and avoid stirring.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: granola, oats, nuts, breakfast, healthy snack, baked cereal
Tips
For optimal texture, avoid over-stirring the mixture while baking. Letting the Granola cool undisturbed helps create those crave-worthy clusters. If you’re watching sugar intake, reduce the sweetener by 25% and add cinnamon for flavor. Keep your storage containers dry to prevent sogginess—a silica gel pack can help if humidity is an issue.
Alternative Methods
No oven? Try stovetop Granola by toasting the mixture in a skillet over low heat. For raw enthusiasts, dehydrate the mix overnight at 115°F (46°C) to preserve enzymes. Looking for a savory twist? Skip the sweeteners and add smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, and roasted chickpeas. The options are as endless as your creativity.
Conclusion
Homemade Granola isn’t just delicious—it’s a canvas for your culinary experiments. Pair it with fresh fruit, layer it in parfaits, or simply enjoy it by the handful. And remember, the right can make the process smoother, whether it’s a sturdy baking sheet or a reliable storage jar. Happy crunching!
