How to Make Granola: Healthy Granola Recipe

There's a lot to love about this homemade healthy granola recipe. This post will show you how to make your own granola with ingredients that'll make your kitchen smell amazing, too! 

Funny thing is, I had a complete writer's block (blogger's block?) when writing this recipe.

This is insane because I know granola. I used to spend hours in the granola aisle trying to find a reasonable amount of sugar, calories, fat content, fillers, add-ons, etc...and I could never find a number I was happy with.

Before remembering, "Wait, I'm a chef.  Aren't I?"

Long story short: I made the healthiest (and tastiest) homemade granola recipe ever. It beats store-bought granola hands down!

Batches of this healthy granola last like no seconds in our pantry because of just how darn good it is. The kids want it for their cereal. Dustin and I want it on our yogurt. And we all enjoy it as a quick snack.

So without further ado, here's how you can create your very own healthy granola at home.

Is Granola Healthy Or Bad For You?

Depending on the ingredients, granola can be healthy or bad for you. Some brands are lower in fat and calories...but are loaded with more carbs and sugar. Other versions have higher fat content and calories but also have more protein and fiber.

Generally, granola is not bad, and healthy if you choose the right one. My rule of thumb when shopping for granola is to choose those with low levels of added sugar (also labeled as honey or syrups).  Make sure to also check salt content, as some brands add this to enhance flavor.

Healthy Homemade Granola Ingredients

• Oats: I love how oats are so versatile, so of course they're at the top of my list. Whole oats (never quick-cooking oats in granola) are packed with good-for-you fiber and are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.  Adding this to your mixture will give your granola an excellent base.
• Coconut Oil: Adding oil is a must if you want to have crispy granola. I specifically like coconut oil as y'all know, because it adds a nice light flavor and gives you the perfect texture.  Other oils you can stir in are extra virgin olive oil and macadamia nut oil. IMPORTANT: Avoid using oils that are high in omega-3 (such as flaxseed oil) because they'll go rancid when heated.
• Nuts, Seeds, and Dried Fruit: My favorite part! Choosing the nuts and/or seeds you want to add to your granola is super fun because there are no rules! You are free as a bird to sprinkle in any nuts (pecans, cashews and walnuts are wonderful choices), seeds, or dried fruit in equal amounts. Dried cranberries and cherries give tartness and color, while raisins add extra texture. Bonus tip! If you want sweet granola, make sure your nuts are unsalted!
• Natural Sweetener: To add some sweetness to my healthy homemade granola, I usually go for honey or coconut sugar (although this time around I used both). Honey is also great because it acts as a binder, which is especially useful if you want to shape your granola into bars. Maple syrup is another tasty option.
• Spice: Adding spice to your food is always a good idea! For added flavor, include a dash of cinnamon for some subtle spice. Maybe some pumpkin spice, ground ginger or a bit of nutmeg? Don't be afraid to get creative with your spices.
• Salt: Please do not skip out on the salt! There's a reason why people add salt to brownies, cookies, and cake. The same applies when baking granola.

Can I Make Granola Without Nuts?

Yes, you can make granola without nuts! Did you know that over 50 million Americans have allergies and nut allergies are the most common? If you're planning to make an allergy-friendly granola, try replacing nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds and dried fruit. There's so much room for creativity when making your own granola. Add anything that sounds healthy and appetizing to you!

Can Granola Help You Lose Weight?

Yes, granola can help you lose weight! The concept behind weight loss is calories in and calories out. A half-cup of granola has around 200 to 300 calories, 12 to 16 grams of sugar, 3 to 15 grams of fat (depending on low-fat options), and nearly 40 grams of carbs, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.  So if you're still eating less than you are burning, granola can definitely be part of your diet.

Additionally, granola is high in protein and fiber (it keeps you full for longer periods).  However, eating more than the recommended portion may lead to unwanted weight gain, increasing your risk of obesity and metabolic disease. So make sure you don't overdo your daily granola intake.

You'll see in the nutrition information provided with the recipe that this healthy homemade granola recipe has vitamins, calcium, iron and protein. It's definitely a snack that'll cure your craving for something sweet, crisp and crunchy! It's the perfect alternative to over-processed store-bought snacks that don't have any nutritional value at all.

How To Store Granola

Some days, when I'm not too busy whipping up new recipes for y'all, I make multiple batches of granola. This means I have a month's worth of granola that I can't possibly consume in a week (or can I? Haha). If you want to maximize its shelf-life, you can either store it in the pantry or in the freezer.

Being that granola is generally dry, you can keep it at room temperature. If you're thinking of storing your granola straight out of the oven, DON'T. Make sure you completely cool the granola on the baking sheet before you transfer it to an airtight container like a mason jar. Once sealed, put it in a dark and dry cupboard away from - your husband and kids! - any heat sources. Doing so will help it last 2-3 months.

Another way to store your granola is by freezing it. Don't refrigerate it (which will cause it to get soggy, moldy, and definitely inedible). It's basically the same process as before with the airtight container, but instead of keeping it in your pantry...you put it in your freezer. Frozen granola will last about 6 months.

*Remember that anything kept too long in the freezer might have a different taste and texture.

Instead of popping by the store and shopping for boxed granolas (with so many hidden calories) try out this homemade recipe instead. You can straight up use the exact same recipe or tweak it by adding your favorite fruits, nuts, or seeds. It will taste just as good!

More Healthy Snack Recipes:

Now you're ready to use this healthy homemade granola in a smoothie bowl or as a yogurt parfait topping. If you're craving more healthy snacks, check out these blog posts!

• High-protein snacks for weight loss
• Healthy after school snacks 
• Easy homemade baked pita chips