Granola is a delightful, healthy snack or breakfast option that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're looking for a quick morning boost or a nutritious trail mix for your hikes, granola fits the bill. In this post, we'll explore five simple granola recipes from Allrecipes that are not only easy to make but also delicious and packed with nutrients. Let's dive into the world of homemade granola!
Why Make Your Own Granola?
Making granola at home has several benefits:
- Control Over Ingredients: You know exactly what goes into your granola, avoiding unwanted preservatives or high sugar content.
- Cost-Effective: Buying ingredients in bulk can be more economical than purchasing pre-made granola.
- Freshness: Nothing beats the taste of freshly baked granola.
- Customization: Tailor your granola to your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Classic Honey Almond Granola
The Classic Honey Almond Granola is perfect for those who love traditional flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1⁄3 cup honey
- 1⁄4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix oats and almonds in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, combine honey, oil, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour over oats and mix well.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Allow to cool completely before storing.
🌟 Note: Ensure to stir the granola well while baking to avoid burning the nuts or sticking to the pan.
Cinnamon Coconut Paleo Granola
This version is great for those following a Paleo diet or anyone wanting a grain-free granola option.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup almonds, chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1⁄2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl until well coated.
- Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden, stirring once.
- Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Nutty Maple Quinoa Granola
Quinoa gives this granola a delightful crunch, making it a nutritious choice.
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 cups rolled oats
- 1⁄2 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.
- Spread on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cool and store in an airtight container.
Chocolate Banana Granola
This recipe introduces a sweet twist with the natural sweetness of banana.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1⁄4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1⁄4 cup honey
- 1⁄4 cup cocoa powder
- 1⁄2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Combine oats, mashed banana, coconut oil, honey, and cocoa powder.
- Spread onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway.
- After cooling, mix in chocolate chips.
Savory Herb Granola
For those who enjoy savory flavors, this herbaceous granola is a unique option.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Spread on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring to ensure even toasting.
- Cool before storing.
💡 Note: You can adjust the flavors by changing the herbs or adding spices like smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Wrapping Up
These five granola recipes offer something for everyone, from traditional flavors to exotic or even savory variations. Each recipe provides a way to enjoy this versatile food with different nutritional profiles and flavors. Making your own granola not only lets you control what goes into your food but also turns a simple snack into a delightful culinary project. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes, tweaking them to fit your taste or dietary preferences, and revel in the fresh, homemade goodness of your granola.
Can I use other nuts in these granola recipes?
+Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add other nuts like pecans, cashews, or even sunflower seeds to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
How should I store homemade granola?
+Store your granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can last up to a month at room temperature or longer if kept in the fridge.
Are these granola recipes vegan?
+Yes, all the recipes listed can be made vegan by ensuring that ingredients like chocolate chips are dairy-free, and substitutes like agave or maple syrup are used instead of honey if necessary.
Can I add dried fruits to these recipes?
+Yes, you can add dried fruits after the granola has cooled down to prevent them from becoming too hard or burnt during baking.
What if I want to make the granola less sweet?
+You can reduce the amount of honey, maple syrup, or sugar in the recipe, or you can replace some with apple sauce or bananas for a less intense sweetness.
