Granola is a a favorite in our house, so I like to make different varieties to keep it interesting. This recipe is the BASIC. You can add just about anything you like to make it your own, and you can adjust the quantities to your taste.
The keys to the best granola are the oil, honey/maple syrup, and the salt (brings out the flavors), so don’t mess too much with those. Everything else is completely flexible! Just remember to add anything raw like nuts before it bakes. Add roasted nuts, chocolate, dried fruits, pretzels, or anything already cooked at the end after it’s cooled. You can even make it gluten free by using gluten free oats. You really can’t go wrong with this Basic Homemade Granola.
I like to eat a handful over Greek yogurt and fruit for breakfast or a snack, like in this picture. The kids like it with milk for breakfast and John just grabs handfuls. I’ve even made it for teacher gifts and everybody loves it.
Basic Homemade Granola
4 cups oats (not quick cooking)
1/3 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
OPTIONAL:
milled flax seed*
wheat germ*
cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, pumpkin pie spice
raw almonds, raw walnuts, or other nuts
golden raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, other dried fruits
chocolate chips or m&ms
roasted peanuts, roasted pistachos, macadamia nuts
pretzels
sweetened coconut
Combine oats, nuts, flax seed (if using), wheat germ (if using), salt (don’t leave out the salt), and cinnamon (or other spices). Mix canola oil, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup) and vanilla, and pour over dry ingredients. Mix well and spread on cookie sheet. Bake at 300 degrees for 20-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes until brown. Let cool then add dried fruits, roasted nuts, chocolate chips, etc.
*The flax and wheat germ are tasteless, but they bump up the vitamins, protein, and fiber. I use about 1/2 cup of each per batch of granola.
