Alton Brown's Easy, Delicious Granola Recipe You'll Love

Imagine waking up to the enticing aroma of freshly baked granola, the kind that promises a delicious start to your day. If you've ever craved a homemade granola that's crunchy, nutty, and packed with flavors, you're in for a treat. Today, we're diving into Alton Brown's legendary granola recipe, a concoction so simple yet irresistible that you'll find yourself making it again and again. This easy, delicious granola isn't just a breakfast option; it's a lifestyle choice for those who value nutrition, flavor, and the joy of homemade food.

The Ingredients

Let’s start with what you’ll need. Alton Brown’s granola recipe is known for its balanced simplicity, requiring just a few high-quality ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1 cup cashews (roughly chopped)
• ³⁄₄ cup shredded sweet coconut
• ¹⁄₄ cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ¹⁄₄ cup vegetable oil
• ³⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup raisins

Why These Ingredients?

Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role:

• Rolled Oats: The base of the granola, providing texture and fiber.
• Almonds & Cashews: Add crunch and a subtle flavor that contrasts beautifully with the oats.
• Shredded Coconut: Gives a tropical flair and extra chewiness.
• Brown Sugar & Maple Syrup: Not only do they sweeten the granola, but they also caramelize during baking, creating delightful clusters.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps in binding the ingredients while ensuring a crispier texture after baking.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of other ingredients.
• Raisins: Added after baking to maintain their softness and juiciness.

The Preparation

Here’s how you transform these ingredients into granola heaven:

1. Preheat: Set your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius). This low temperature ensures even baking without burning.
2. Combine: In a large bowl, mix oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar. Stir well to distribute the sugar evenly.
3. Create the Binding: In another bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the maple syrup, vegetable oil, and salt until the oil is well combined.
4. Mix: Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5. Bake: Spread the mixture evenly onto a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
6. Cook: Bake for approximately 75 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, to ensure even toasting and prevent burning.
7. Cool: Once it’s golden brown and crispy, let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial for achieving those desirable granola clusters.
8. Add Raisins: Mix in the raisins once the granola has cooled.

Serving & Storage

Your freshly made granola can be:

• Eaten plain as a snack
• Served with yogurt or milk for breakfast
• Used as a topping for smoothies or desserts

Store your granola in an airtight container to keep it crisp. It should stay fresh for about two weeks at room temperature. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

Notes

⚠️ Note: If you’re using different nuts or dried fruits, ensure they are not too large as they might not bake uniformly.

🍯 Note: You can adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup according to your taste.

The process of making granola at home, especially with Alton Brown's recipe, not only results in a treat that's far superior to store-bought versions, but it's also a mindful practice. It's about choosing better ingredients, understanding what goes into your food, and enjoying the process of creating something simple yet delightful. The aroma, the crunch, the flexibility of flavors, all contribute to why this recipe is loved by many. Next time you're looking for a new breakfast idea or a homemade gift idea, give this recipe a try. You might just find yourself hooked on the joys of homemade granola.

Can I make this granola vegan?

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Absolutely, this recipe is already vegan! Just ensure that your ingredients, like maple syrup, are vegan-friendly.

How can I make this granola recipe gluten-free?

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Replace the rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats, and check that your other ingredients, like nuts, are also gluten-free. Cross-contamination can be an issue, so read labels carefully.

What other mix-ins can I add to the granola?

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You can get creative! Consider adding flaxseed, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, or even dark chocolate chips (after baking). Just keep the baking time in mind for ingredients that could burn easily.