Simple Homemade Granola

This Simple Homemade Granola is so easy to make, yet tastes delicious! Add some to your favorite yogurt or just eat it on its own - either way is scrumptious.

Do you like granola? I thought so. It’s THE BEST! Especially the homemade version. I mean, you cannot even compare homemade and store-bought granola. The freshness, the crunchiness, the sweetness — it’s all just a million times better than the packaged stuff. Really. And you know what, friends? It’s super easy to make.

I think I shared in one of my earlier posts that I use Bob's Red Mill Thick Oats, and that remains true in this recipe. I have tried many brands and many kinds and these oats work the best for granola and many other recipes that I will share with you in the future. Besides, they are sold in many major supermarkets (ShopRite, Walmart, etc.) and health food stores, so they are easy to find.

Top your yogurt with it, add a spoonful of it to some cottage cheese, or just have it as a snack. Plus, your kitchen will smell heavenly while you are toasting it. Let's get started.

Video Tutorial

Main Ingredients

• Rolled Oats. Old fashioned and extra-thick is best. I prefer using organic oats.
• Walnuts. Chopped, so they are the same basic size as the oats.
• Coconut Oil. Helps to moisten the granola and gives a nice crunch.
• Agave Syrup or Honey. Adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon. This is the perfect complement to the oats.
• Sea Salt. A touch of saltiness offsets the sweet.

How to Make Homemade Granola

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

2. Place a layer of parchment paper on a large baking sheet.Add all of the ingredients on top and stir thoroughly. Spread the oats evenly on the parchment paper.

3. Bake the oats for about 8 minutes, stirring once, until they turn golden brown.

4. Let it cool before eating.

Helpful Tips & Tricks

• Don't skimp on the oil. The oil is really important in this recipe because it helps the oats to moisten and adhere to each other a little. It also helps with that beautiful golden brown color you see. I suggest coconut oil because it is a healthier option than many others.
• Use the right oats. Old fashioned, thick-cut oats are the very best for granola. They have the best shape and hold it throughout the cooking process. They also have more chew that the quick-cooking kind.
• Don't overcook it. When the granola is finished, it will feel soft and pliable. As it cools, it hardens. Do not cook it until it is hard because this will dry it out and may even burn it, ruining the flavor.
• Add toppings last. If you add any additional toppings (such as raisings, coconut flakes, cranberries, etc..) add those when the granola is almost done cooking. This way they don't cook longer than they should.

How to Serve

• With Yogurt or Cottage Cheese. A few spoonfuls of crunchy granola in cottage cheese or smooth yogurt is a delicious combo.
• On top of a fruit salad. This makes a great topping and adds just the right amount of crunch.
• With fruit. Spoon some into a bowl of fruit or roll a banana in it.
• In homemade muffins. Sprinkle some on top of homemade muffins for a little crunchy sweetness.
• By itself. This granola is so delicious, you'll love it just on its own.

How to Store Homemade Granola

This granola can be stored in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

This is the basic recipe that I use most of the time. It has just a touch of sweetness and the toasted walnuts bring a lot of flavor. Of course, you may customize it by adding almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, raisins, dried cranberries, or anything else you like. But for me, I feel it’s perfect just the way it is.

More Recipes You'll Love:

• Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl
• Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
• Healthy Banana Pancakes
• Almond Oatmeal Cookies
• Fried Bananas
• Sweet Crepes
• Overnight Oats

The photos for this recipe have been updated. See the original photo below.