Hearty Granola Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying snack, this hearty granola recipe is the perfect solution to curb your cravings while providing wholesome nutrition.
Granola has long been a favorite among snack enthusiasts for its versatility and ease of preparation. This hearty granola recipe not only combines the perfect blend of oats and dried fruits, but it also allows you to customize the ingredients based on what you have at home or what flavors you’re in the mood for. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own, topping your breakfast yogurt, or mixing it into smoothies, this homemade granola provides a delightful crunch and a nutritious boost to your daily routine. Plus, making your own granola is a simple and rewarding process that ensures you’re in control of what goes into your food.
Granola Facts
Granola first appeared in the late 19th century when Dr. James Caleb Jackson created a cereal marketed as a health food that he called “granula.” It became popular in the 80s and 70s when the health and wellness movement was taking off. Granola is rich in whole grains, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious option for breakfast or snacking. The oats in granola can help lower cholesterol and improve heart health. One of the best things about granola is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding various nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and spices to suit your taste preferences. Many granolas are naturally gluten-free, especially if made with oats that are certified gluten-free. Beyond just a breakfast food or snack, granola can be used as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or smoothie bowls. It can also be incorporated into baked goods for added texture and flavor.
What You’ll Need:
- Old-fashioned oats
- Nuts or seeds (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds)
- Sugar (coconut sugar or brown sugar)
- Honey (or maple syrup for a vegan alternative)
- Salt
- Dried fruit (such as cranberries, raisins, or apricots)
- Olive oil (or another cooking oil of your choice)
- Optional additions: shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon for added flavor
Directions:
Making this hearty granola recipe couldn’t be easier, and I promise it’s a fun process! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven — this helps your granola bake evenly and turn that lovely golden color we all love. Then, grab a big bowl and mix together the oats, nuts, and seeds. Don’t forget to add in your favorite sweetener and some oil for that perfect crunch. Once everything is nicely combined, spread the mixture out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let the oven work its magic. Before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with the most amazing smell. The best part? You’ll have a tasty, crunchy snack that’s not only nutritious but also totally customizable—great for munching on anytime or throwing on top of some yogurt!
Notes
- Oat Selection: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats can become too mushy, while steel-cut oats will take much longer to cook and may not work well in granola.
- Sweetener Options: While honey and maple syrup are popular choices, you can experiment with other sweeteners like agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or even date syrup. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary based on the sweetener used.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your granola while it’s baking. Ovens can vary, and it’s essential to stir and check for doneness to prevent burning. The granola should be golden brown and fragrant when done.
- Cooling: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into pieces. This will help it clump together and create crunchy clusters.
- Storage: Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or freeze it for longer storage. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it to avoid moisture buildup.
Hearty Granola Variations
- Nutty Granola: Add a variety of nuts such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts. You can also experiment with nut butter like almond or peanut butter for extra creaminess.
- Tropical Granola: Incorporate dried tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and coconut flakes. For extra protein, consider adding macadamia nuts or cashews.
- Chocolate Chip Granola: Stir in dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs after baking for a sweet, indulgent touch.
- Spicy Granola: Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy kick. Chai spice or ginger can also bring a unique twist.
- Cinnamon Raisin Granola: Mix in raisins and a generous amount of cinnamon for a classic flavor combination. You can also add chopped apples for extra sweetness.
- Pumpkin Spice Granola: Use pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired granola. Add nuts and seeds for crunch, and mix in chocolate chips for a treat.
- Apple Pie Granola: Incorporate dried apples, cinnamon, and walnuts to create a granola reminiscent of apple pie. Add a bit of vanilla extract for flavor.
- Savory Granola: For a different take, go savory by mixing in herbs like rosemary or thyme, along with seeds (pumpkin or sunflower), and a touch of olive oil. This makes for a great snack or topping for salads.
- Berry Blast Granola: Use dried mixed berries like cranberries, blueberries, and strawberries. You can also sprinkle in some chia seeds for added nutrition.
Hearty Granola
Ingredients
- 3 C old-fashioned oats
- 3 T sugar
- 1/4 C olive oil
- 1/3 C honey
- 1 t salt
- 1/4 C dried fruit
- 1/2 C seeds or nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300º. Mix oats, seeds, sugar, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine honey and oil. Drizzle over the oat mixture and combine. Spread evenly over a parchment-lined baking sheet or pan. Bake for 15 minutes, lightly stir, and then bake for 15 more minutes. Remove from oven and add dried fruit. Let cool completely, then break into pieces.
This hearty granola recipe is a fantastic way to add wholesome goodness to your meals. With its blend of oats, nuts, and dried fruits, it’s nutritious and easily customizable for any taste. Enjoy it for breakfast or a snack!
