My New Favorite Granola Recipe

a photo of a bowl full of vanilla yogut topped with golden homemade granola and fresh blueberries.

I tried olive oil in my granola for the first time and I’m sold for life! This simple homemade granola recipe is going to be your new favorite too! And you can totally add your favorite mix-ins!

I am OBSESSED with granola, but as I only buy coconut oil for granola and otherwise it sits stagnant in my pantry, I started testing out other options. With time I fell in love with olive oil and upon a quick google search discovered I wasn’t the only one. I eventually adapted my original strawberry almond granola with fOOD 52’s recipe and it has been the best granola I’ve not only made, but eaten!

Once you try this homemade granola, you’ll never resort to store-bought granola ever again! I also love knowing ever single ingredient going into my granola.

Ingredients for the Best Granola

A good granola only needs a few ingredients and it’s so customizable! Here is the list of ingredients:

Oats: old fashioned oats work best, they give the granola structure and are also heart-healthy
- If you want gluten-free granola, be sure the oats are gluten free.
Pumpkin Seeds: add a great texture to the granola and are a rich source of protein, vitamins and minerals
Almonds: adds protein and healthy fat
Maple Syrup: natural sweetener, honey works great too
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: the fat that holds the granola together and gives it that awesome crunch
Brown Sugar: adds the perfect about of sweetness and flavor
Kosher Salt: don’t skip this, it enhances all the flavors

The measurements for each ingredients are listed in the recipe card below. See the section below on options for other mix-ins.

How to Make Homemade Granola

Another spectacular thing about homemade granola, aside from it being delicious, is that it’s super easy to make:

Preheat the oven and prep a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Stir all the ingredients together in a large bowl and spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
Bake, stir and bake some more.
Let it cool completely before breaking it up and storing.

These instructions can also be found in full detail at the end of this post.

More Optional Mix-Ins

The mix-ins or possible substitutions in this recipe are almost endless. Here are a few ideas:

Nuts: pecans, slivered almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts
Seeds: sunflower seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds
Sweets: chocolate chips, coconut flakes, mini M&Ms
Dried Fruit: citrus zest, craisins, raisins, cherries, apricots, any diced dried fruit
Flavor: ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, peanut butter

PRO TIP: If you add any chocolate or dried fruits, add it after after baking.

Tips for the Best Granola

Here are a few tips for making the best homemade granola recipe:

Use old fashioned oats. They hold up better than quick oats and make the perfect base.
Press into a flat even layer before baking.
Let the granola cool before breaking it up.
Stir the granola part way through baking. This helps all the granola to get crunchy so you don’t have any soft spots.

How to Eat Granola

You can of course eat it with milk just like you would eat a bowl of cold cereal. Mmmmmm it’s so good!

I love granola tossed on top of some homemade yogurt with some fresh berries in a yogurt parfait.

You can also just snack on plain granola by the handful!

Is Granola Healthy?

Yes, in moderation of course. Too much of anything isn’t healthy, but all the ingredients are natural and full of nutrients. This healthy granola recipe is a great source of fiber, protein and healthy fat.

How to Store Granola

This recipe is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Homemade granola will keep if stored properly for 2-4 weeks.

Granola can also be stored in the freezer. Frozen granola will keep for up to 3-6 months. Be sure it has cooled completely and then place in a freezer bag or freezer safe container. This is a great way to keep enjoying granola for months!

Whether you need a healthy and filling snack for your kids after school or some granola for parfaits at your next brunch, this granola recipe is the one for you! And you’re going to love the flavor of the olive oil!

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