If you've never made homemade granola before, you're in for a treat! This recipe is super easy to throw together and is so easy to customize, so you can make it using whatever ingredients you have on hand. Oh, and did we mention it's super cheap to make?!
We're a little bit obsessed with granola! There's so much you can do with it–use it as a topping, make granola bars, eat it by the spoonful — kidding(ish)! #WeDontJudge The list could go on and on!
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As much as we love granola, we don't love spending an arm and a leg on it at the store, so we set out to find the perfect homemade granola recipe. Well, mission accomplished, and today we're sharing it with you! Who's excited?!
HOW TO CUSTOMIZE HOMEMADE GRANOLA
The greatest thing about this recipe is that you can bring it to life using just about anything you have available! It's so, SO easy to customize homemade granola, and we'll show you how. Try one of these recipe modifications:
- Almond Substitute – If you don't have almonds at home, sub in another nut instead.
- Brown Sugar Substitute – Out of the brown stuff? Well, we've got a whole post devoted to brown sugar substitutes!
- Canola Oil – If you don't have canola oil or would prefer a healthier option, coconut oil works just as well.
- Honey Substitute – No honey? Try syrup in its place. If you don't keep maple syrup in stock, there are some maple alternatives to try.
- Add-In Ingredients – Banana chips, raisins, pecans, orange zest, and cranberries are all fantastic mix-ins, but any dried fruit or garnish will do! Let the kids get in on this action. They can take turns picking which add-ins to try. You can even toss in some candies or chocolate chips, too.
Pro Tip: If you decide to add dried fruit to your granola, wait and add it after the granola has cooled!
WAYS TO USE GRANOLA
Granola is the key ingredient you never knew you needed. Yes, granola bars are awesome, but here are five more ways to use homemade granola:
- Serve In Milk – With a splash of milk, you can easily transform your homemade granola into a breakfast cereal. Try topping it with fresh berries or bananas for an extra boost!
- Top Yogurt – Make your own yogurt parfaits in just minutes! Layer your favorite yogurt with granola and fruit, and enjoy!
- On Muffins – The next time you make muffins, or even a batch of our delicious lemon blueberry bread, try topping them with a handful of granola for a nice crunch.
- In Trail Mix – Trail mix is just begging for some good granola. So, round up some dried fruit, nuts, pretzels, and leftover chips, and go to town!
- On Salads – Sweet + savory salads are all the rage. Top your favorite greens with some dried cranberries, goat cheese, and granola. You won't believe how delicious it is!
For the record, this granola makes a great snack on its own, too! There are pretty much hundreds of ways you can use it, so experiment to your heart's content!
By now, you're probably starving, but before we share that recipe, we have one more super important thing to cover. Let's talk granola storage!
HOW TO STORE YOUR GRANOLA
Granola is one of those make-ahead foods that you should whip up in batches on meal prep day, so we're 99.9% sure you'll have some leftovers. When you do, here's how you should store it:
- At Room Temp/In the Fridge – When stored in an airtight container, you can keep your granola at room temp or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks!
- Freezer – Drop your granola in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it for up to 3 months. Just place it in the refrigerator for a few hours before you plan to use it!
Now that you're up to speed on recipe modifications, ways to use your granola, and how to store it, are you ready to get to that recipe? We promise not to keep you waiting any longer!
OUR FAVORITE HOMEMADE GRANOLA RECIPE
Drumroll, please! Prepare to be amazed by easy it is to make your own batch of homemade granola. Oh, and it's delicious, too. Trust us; you'll want to save this recipe and make it again and again.
Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 cups old fashioned oats
- 1½ cups sliced almonds
- ½ cup canola oil
- 2 tsp vanilla
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat mats.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except dried fruit. Spread evenly among the two baking sheets. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden, stirring halfway through and rotating the baking sheets.
- Allow to cool completely on warm baking sheet; this is the key to getting a nice crunch!
Notes
Doesn't that look and sound fantastic?! Add this granola recipe to your weekly meal prep, and watch those savings roll in. Storebought granola is so expensive, and we think this version tastes better, so why not give it a try?
What's your favorite way to eat granola? Leave a comment below to let us know!
Looking for a few more healthy recipes to try?
- These frozen smoothie packs make for a great healthy breakfast!
- Learn how to make overnight oats + get dozens of flavor combinations.
- On a low-carb diet? Try these buffalo cauliflower bites! You won't even miss the wings.
It's crunch time now!
I love homemade granola! So much more bang for your buck making it yourself as opposed to buying it.
So true!
Thanks for the homemade granola recipe.