Homemade Granola Recipe

Introduction

Granola is a popular breakfast and snack option known for its satisfying crunch and nutritional value. While store-bought granola is convenient, making your own granola at home offers several advantages that can improve your health, save money, and enhance your culinary experience. Below, we explore the many benefits of homemade granola and why you should consider making it yourself.

1. Control Over Ingredients

When you make granola at home, you have complete control over the ingredients that go into your recipe. This means you can choose whole grains, natural sweeteners, and healthy fats, while avoiding artificial additives, preservatives, and excess sugars commonly found in commercial granola.

2. Customization to Fit Your Preferences

Homemade granola can be tailored to your taste and dietary needs. Whether you prefer a nut-free, gluten-free, or vegan version, you can select ingredients that suit your lifestyle. You can also experiment with different nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and spices to create unique flavor combinations that match your mood or the season.

3. Cost Savings

Buying granola at the store can be expensive, especially for premium or specialty brands. Making your own granola is often more affordable, letting you buy ingredients in bulk and reduce packaging waste. Over time, homemade granola can save you money while delivering a fresher product.

4. Improved Nutrition

Many store-bought granolas are high in sugar and unhealthy fats. By making granola yourself, you can lower the sugar content, use heart-healthy oils, and incorporate nutrient-rich foods like chia seeds, flaxseed, or coconut flakes. This results in a healthier snack or breakfast that fuels your day and supports your wellness goals.

5. Freshness and Quality

Homemade granola is fresher than its packaged counterparts, which may sit on shelves for weeks or months. You can enjoy the aroma and texture of freshly baked granola, knowing exactly when it was made and how it was stored.

6. Fun and Satisfaction

Making your own granola can be a fun and rewarding activity. It allows you to experiment in the kitchen, involve family or friends, and take pride in creating something delicious from scratch. The process can even be a relaxing ritual that brings joy to your routine.

Homemade Granola  with Dried Cranberries, Sunflowers and Almonds

Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats

• 3/4 cup dried cranberries (Craisins®)

• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

• 2 tablespoons ground flax seed

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup honey

• 1/4 cup oil (such as coconut or cold pressed sunflower oil)

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, ground flax seed, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together the honey, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.

5. Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Stir in the dried cranberries.

8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to one month.

Ready for the oven

Golden Brown

Shelf Life and Storage

To keep your homemade granola fresh and crisp, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, the granola will maintain its quality for up to two weeks to one month. For longer storage, you can keep the granola in the refrigerator for up to two to three months, or freeze it for up to four to six months. Make sure the granola has cooled completely before sealing and storing to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess or spoilage. Always use a clean, dry spoon to avoid introducing moisture when serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy with milk or yogurt for breakfast.

• Use as a topping for smoothie bowls or oatmeal.

• Pack in small bags for a healthy, on-the-go snack.

  
  

Optional Ingredients for Additions or Substitutions

• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Add a rich, nutty flavor and extra crunch, along with healthy fats and protein.

• Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): Provide additional magnesium, iron, and zinc, making your granola even more nutritious.

• Shredded Coconut: Brings a touch of sweetness and a tropical twist, plus healthy fats and fiber.

• Chia Seeds: Boost omega-3 fatty acids and fiber for extra heart health benefits.

• Dried Fruits (e.g., raisins, chopped apricots, dates): Offer variety in texture and flavor while supplying natural sweetness and antioxidants.

• Dark Chocolate Chips: For a hint of indulgence and antioxidants—add after baking to prevent melting.

• Spices (e.g., ground ginger, cardamom, or cloves): Experiment with warm spices for added depth of flavor and additional health-promoting properties.

• Hemp Seeds: Increase the protein content and add a mild, nutty flavor.

  
  

Feel free to mix and match these optional ingredients with the base recipe to customize your homemade granola to suit your taste preferences and nutritional needs!

Conclusion

This granola recipe not only delivers excellent taste but also confers various health benefits through its carefully selected ingredients. The inclusion of ground flax seed increases the content of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber, supporting sustained nourishment.

Preparing granola at home offers significant advantages, including ingredient control, customization, cost efficiency, and enhanced nutritional value. For those seeking a nutritious and satisfying snack, making granola from scratch is a practical option that allows for quality assurance and dietary alignment.

Nutrition:

Recipe makes approximately 25 ounces

Serving size: 1/2 cup

Per serving nutrition facts: Calories 363, Fat 14.8g (Saturated fat 2.7g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 822mg, Carbohydrate 39.9g, Dietary Fiber 13.5g, Sugar 9.5g, Protein 8.7g, Vitamin D 0mcg, Calcium 129cmg, Iron 7mg, Potassium 374mg