Granola, oh granola! It’s like the cozy sweater of the snack world—warm, comforting, and somehow always just right. Whether you’re munching it straight from the jar or sprinkling it over yogurt, this crunchy creation has a way of turning ordinary moments into little celebrations.
Remember that time we all got obsessed with sourdough starters? Well, making your own granola is the sourdough of 2023—minus the existential crisis. Let’s dive into a recipe that promises not only healthiness but also the kind of joy that can only come from a kitchen filled with the scent of toasty oats and nuts.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts or seeds, salt, and cinnamon, stirring to mix them thoroughly.
- Add the melted oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, mixing well until each oat and nut is lightly coated.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet using a large spoon.
- Bake the granola for 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway through. For more clusters, press down with a spatula after stirring.
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 45 minutes. Once cool, add the dried fruit and optional chocolate chips.
- Break the granola into pieces to your desired size. Store the finished granola in an airtight container at room temperature or in the freezer for longer storage.
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)
- 1 ½ cups raw nuts and/or seeds (e.g., 1 cup pecans and ½ cup pepitas)
- 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (use ¾ teaspoon if using standard table salt)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ? cup dried fruit, chopped if large (e.g., dried cranberries)
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes
FAQ
- What ingredients are essential for making healthy granola?
- The key ingredients for healthy granola include old-fashioned rolled oats, raw nuts and seeds, unrefined oil (like coconut or olive oil), a natural sweetener (such as maple syrup or honey), salt, spices, and dried fruit. You can also add optional mix-ins like coconut flakes or chocolate chips.
- How can I ensure my granola is chunky?
- To achieve chunky granola, use a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper to help the sweetener stick to the oats. Press down on the granola mixture with a spatula halfway through baking. Avoid over-baking and let the granola cool completely before breaking it into chunks.
- Can I customize the granola recipe?
- Absolutely! You can customize your granola by experimenting with different nuts, seeds, spices, and dried fruits. Some variations include adding orange zest, coconut flakes, or different dried fruits like cranberries or cherries.
- What is the best way to store homemade granola?
- Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. If stored in the freezer, let it warm to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- Is it possible to make gluten-free or nut-free granola?
- Yes, you can make gluten-free granola by using certified gluten-free oats. For a nut-free version, substitute nuts with seeds like pepitas or sunflower seeds.
Tips
- For optimal clumpiness in your granola, use a half sheet pan to ensure the oats have enough space to stick together without crowding, and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Enhance the flavor by not skipping the salt; use fine-grain sea salt for the best result. Regular salt works too, but reduce the quantity slightly.
- To maintain the freshly baked taste, store your granola in the freezer and allow it to reach room temperature before serving.
- Customize your granola by experimenting with different mix-ins like citrus zest before baking, or adding chocolate chips and coconut flakes after baking for a personal touch.
Equipment
- Half sheet pan with rimmed edges
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula
