Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

I learned how to make homemade granola from Ellie Krieger. I loved watching her on The Food Network when I was in college and had access to cable television for the first time in my life. While I learned how to cook from my mom, what I knew was limited to Hawaii recipes and we often just bought granola or granola bars from the store. So, it was exciting to be able to make my own homemade granola from scratch.

Fast forward to becoming a parent and cooking, let alone making granola, was on the back burner. It wasn’t until my uncle gifted me some raw macadamia nuts from his farm recently that I returned to making granola. Thanks to Costco for carrying Big Island Bees honey so I can get honey in bulk at an affordable price! Supporting local sure does feel good.

Health Benefits: Nuts and Seeds

If you are not a fan of salmon, getting the right nuts and seeds into your diet can help your brain health. Walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds are a good plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. This fatty acid can also help to reduce inflammation and lower your risk of heart disease. On top of that, they also have fiber to help with digestion and to keep you from too much extra snacking.

This homemade granola tastes great in milk, on yogurt, as a snack on its own, or mixed with your favorite dried fruit. It keeps well when you’re on the go or stuck at a lengthy baseball game and have the munchies. For a special treat, have it as a healthy ice cream topping instead of sprinkles and whipped cream. Try it and let me know how you like it!

photo of granola made at home in the oven

Easy Homemade Toasty Granola

Katherine Park

Satisfy that crunch craving with this homemade granola that takes 25 minutes to make. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Cooling Time 30

Total Time 55

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Equipment

1 knife
1 Cutting board
1 Large mixing bowl
1 Large baking sheet
parchment paper

Ingredients

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup of your favorite unsalted nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, peanuts, macadamia nuts) chopped
½ cup of your favorite unsalted seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower)
¼ cup flax and/or chia seeds
½ cup honey
¼ tsp salt (only if using unsalted nuts and seeds)
½ tsp cinnamon
½ cup dried fruit (raisins, apricots, cranberries) (optional) chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment paper, spray the baking sheet with cooking spray.
Add the oats, nuts, seeds, honey, salt (if using), and cinnamon in the large bowl and stir well to combine.
Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and put in the oven. Bake until golden brown for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring once or twice for even toasting. Watch the granola closely from the 15-minute mark so your nuts and seeds don’t get burnt.
Put the baking sheet on a cooling rack and let the granola cool completely, for at least 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Video

Notes

Tips and Tricks

Do I have to add the nuts and seeds?

This recipe is easily adaptable to your tastes, so feel free to leave out whatever nuts or seeds you don’t have access to or that are not your preference. You can use just one or two one week, then the next week use a different one or two so that the granola tastes a little different each time. This helps you feed any particular (picky) eaters in your house.

Can I use another sweetener?

Yes. Maple syrup works well in place of honey. Try to avoid honey or maple syrup that has added sugars or sweeteners if you can. I have not tried agave syrup myself, but that might be another option to try.

Of course, sometimes you can’t afford certain ingredients if they aren’t available at warehouse stores or you have unexpected household expenses. Do what you need to do to feed yourself and your family and don’t feel guilty about your ingredient choices! You got this.

How long can I store the granola?

This keeps for about 7 to 10 days. I love to keep it in a glass jar on the counter so I can see it and encourage my family to eat it. It’s great for late night snacking when I don’t know what I feel like eating. This satisfies any crunchy, sweet craving so I’m not reaching for the cookies or the chips. Just a couple of handfuls of granola and I’m good!

Keyword 30 minutes or less recipe, easy recipe, oats