Look no further! We have the perfect solution for you – a crispy homemade granola recipe that is not only easy to make but also incredibly healthy. Say goodbye to bland and soggy granola and hello to a delightful breakfast treat that will leave you wanting more.
This homemade granola recipe is packed with whole grains, unrefined oil, and natural sweeteners, making it a far superior choice to its store-bought counterparts. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of granola clusters that are crunchy, flavorful, and nutritious.
So, are you ready to elevate your breakfast game?
Ingredients for Homemade Granola
If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious breakfast option, homemade granola is the way to go. Packed with wholesome ingredients and customizable to suit your taste, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
The Main Ingredients
Let’s start with the foundation of this granola recipe – oats. Not only are oats heart-healthy, but they also provide a hearty, whole-grain base for your granola. Combine them with a variety of nuts and/or seeds like pecans, pepitas, walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, or sunflower seeds to add a satisfying crunch and nutritional benefits.
To make your granola extra crispy and flavorful, you’ll need to incorporate some unrefined oil. Coconut oil or olive oil works great in this recipe, adding both crispness and a hint of natural flavor.
For just the right amount of sweetness, natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey are the way to go. They not only enhance the taste of the granola but also provide a touch of natural sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
To add depth of flavor and a hint of spice, don’t forget to include salt and spices. Sea salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, or even pumpkin spice are all excellent choices.
Dried fruit is another crucial ingredient in this recipe, contributing sweetness, chewiness, and a touch of fruity flavor. Choose from a variety of options like cranberries, cherries, raisins, or apricots to suit your preferences.
Optional Mix-Ins
To take your homemade granola to the next level, consider adding some optional mix-ins. Citrus zest, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes are just a few examples that can offer additional taste and texture variations.
With these key ingredients and optional mix-ins, you can create a granola blend that perfectly suits your taste and dietary preferences. Experiment with different combinations until you find your favorite.
Now that you’ve selected your ingredients, it’s time to move on to the next section and see how easy it is to make this crispy homemade granola.
How to Make Crispy Homemade Granola
Making crispy homemade granola is a breeze, and you only need a few common pantry ingredients to get started. Follow this easy-to-make homemade granola recipe to create a delicious and wholesome breakfast option. In just a single bowl, you can combine oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt, and spices to form the base of your granola.
To begin, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of oats
- 1 cup of mixed nuts and/or seeds (such as almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pepitas)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of unrefined oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil)
- 1/4 cup of natural sweetener (such as maple syrup or honey)
Once you have all the ingredients, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt, and cinnamon.
- Pour in the unrefined oil and natural sweetener, then mix well until every oat and nut is coated.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the lined baking sheet.
- Bake the granola for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, to achieve a light golden color. Stirring will help create delicious granola clusters.
- Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely. This cooling process will help the granola harden and become crispy.
- After the granola has cooled, break it into desired-sized chunks.
To make chunky granola, try pressing down on the mixture with a spatula halfway through the baking process. This will help the granola stick together and form larger clusters.
There are endless possibilities for granola variations. Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins and flavors. You can add dried fruit, chocolate chips, or even coconut flakes to add more texture and taste to your granola.
Here’s an image to inspire you while making your homemade granola recipe. Use it as a visual guide to help you achieve the perfect chunky granola texture.
Serving and Storing Homemade Granola
Homemade granola offers a versatile and delicious way to start your day. Enjoy it on its own as a satisfying snack, mix it with milk or yogurt for a nutritious breakfast, or use it as a delightful topping for salads or desserts.
When it comes to storing your homemade granola, it’s important to keep it fresh and crunchy. Transfer the granola to an airtight container to maintain its texture and flavor. At room temperature, it can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, allowing you to enjoy it whenever you crave a wholesome treat.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your granola, freezing it is an excellent option. Place the granola in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Freezing not only preserves the granola’s freshness but also helps maintain its crispy texture.
For added variety in your homemade granola, consider incorporating dried fruit or coconut flakes. However, it’s best to add these ingredients after the granola has cooled completely. This prevents the dried fruit from becoming overly hard and ensures that the coconut flakes achieve the perfect level of toasting during the baking process.