Easy Homemade Granola for a Healthy Breakfast

Granola is a nutritious and delicious breakfast option that’s full of fiber, healthy fats, and protein. Making your own granola at home is easy and allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring it’s as healthy as possible. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a crunchy, satisfying granola perfect for starting your day. Here’s an easy recipe to make homemade granola that’s not only tasty but also good for you.
Ingredients:
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3 cups rolled oats
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1/2 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), roughly chopped
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1/4 cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, or chia)
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
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1/4 cup coconut oil (or olive oil)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots), optional
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly distributed.
Add the Wet Ingredients:
In a small saucepan, warm the coconut oil (or olive oil) and honey (or maple syrup) over low heat until the oil is melted and the mixture is combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine:
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well to coat all the oats and nuts evenly with the syrup and oil mixture.
Bake:
Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even baking. The granola should turn golden brown and become fragrant.
Cool and Add Dried Fruit:
Once the granola is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. After cooling, add dried fruit if desired, and stir to combine.
Serve and Store:
Serve your homemade granola with yogurt, milk, or fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast or snack. Store the granola in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Customization:
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Sweeteners: You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar in place of honey for a different flavor.
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Nuts and Seeds: Customize the granola with your favorite nuts and seeds like cashews, pecans, or flax seeds.
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Spices: Add extra spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for added flavor complexity.
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Vegan Option: Use maple syrup and coconut oil for a completely vegan granola recipe.
Why It’s Great:
Homemade granola is a fantastic source of fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making it an ideal breakfast choice to keep you full and energized throughout the morning. Unlike store-bought granola, which can be loaded with added sugars and preservatives, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to suit your preferences.