Mix and Match Granola Recipe

 

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 60 mins

Total: 65 mins

Servings: 8 servings

Yield: 6 cups

Granola is a versatile and delicious breakfast or snack option that you can customize to suit your taste preferences. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, it provides a nutritious and filling start to your day. Here’s how to make your own mix-and-match granola at home:

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups raw, unsalted nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
• 1/2 cup raw seeds (such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or flax seeds)
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes, sweetened or unsweetened
• 1/2 cup honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup (choose based on preference or dietary needs)
• 1/2 cup oil (choose from options like coconut oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, chopped dates, or dried apricots)

Steps to Make It

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, raw nuts, raw seeds, coconut flakes, salt, and any optional spices like cinnamon. Mix well.

3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the liquid sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup), oil, and vanilla extract (if using). Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients.

4. Coat and Spread: Stir the mixture until all dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet ingredients. Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. For larger clusters, gently press the mixture together.

5. Bake: Bake the granola in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for more even cooking.

6. Add Dried Fruit: Remove the granola from the oven and immediately stir in the dried fruit while the mixture is still warm. This allows the dried fruit to soften slightly and meld with the flavors of the granola.

7. Cool and Store: Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or jar for storage at room temperature. Homemade granola will stay fresh for up to one week.

Tips for Success

• Customize Your Ingredients: Adjust the ratio of oats, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners to suit your preferences. Add more nuts for extra crunch or reduce sweeteners for a less sweet granola.

• Even Baking: Ensure even baking by stirring and spreading out the granola mixture on the baking sheet. Rotate the sheet during baking to prevent burning or uneven cooking.

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavor combinations using spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. Incorporate extracts like almond or coconut for added depth.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few flavor combinations to inspire your homemade granola creations:

• PB&J: Mix oats with peanuts, almonds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, honey, and dried cranberries.

• Apple Cinnamon: Combine oats with walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, maple syrup, dried apple, crystallized ginger, and raisins.

• Tropical: Use oats with macadamia nuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, coconut flakes, agave syrup, dried pineapple, and dried mango.

• Cherry and Nut: Try oats with hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, brown rice syrup, dried cherries, and a touch of cardamom.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 573
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Protein: 11g

Enjoy your homemade granola with yogurt, milk, or as a snack on its own. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite mix-and-match flavors!