Granola, where do I even begin??? First I should just mention that when it comes to granola, I am a cluster lover. Big ole chunks are my jam. I will literally stand in the kitchen, leaning over a bag of granola, and just pick out the clusters one by one. At this point, everyone in my family knows that once I get ahold of the granola, they need to say goodbye to any chunky oat clusters in there because I will find and eat every last one.
So when I started looking into making my own granola I knew I needed it to be all clusters all the time. If it were possible to make an all-cluster granola I would find a way.
The beauty of this recipe, besides being super delicious AND full of clustery goodness, is that it can be whatever you want it to be. It is the perfect base granola – you can add tons of stuff and make it into a trail mix or you can keep it simple and eat it plain. I prefer my granola plain, but Will has been known to eat his with yogurt, there is really no wrong way to eat it. Pretty much anything goes here.
Never know what to get your “healthy” friend who doesn’t eat sweets? Or maybe you are staying at someone’s house and can’t bring a bottle of wine? Or just want something small and homemade to give as a thank you to a friend? This granola is the answer, I swear it is the perfect gift for so many different occasions. Just put some in a jar, maybe wrap cute string around it, add a note, super easy and sweet!
The Best Homemade Granola
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper, tin foil, or silpat mat
Ingredients
- 4 cups Old-Fashioned Oats
- ⅓ cup Light Brown Sugar
- ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Kosher Salt
- ¼ cup Unsalted Butter
- ⅓ cup Honey
- 1 Egg White
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with either a silicone mat (like this one), parchment paper, or foil.
- Preheat the oven to 300F degrees.
- In a large bowl toss together the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. If adding mix-ins that need/can be baked, like nuts, seeds, or shredded coconut, add them in here.
- Either in the microwave (in a microwave-safe bowl) or on the stovetop (double boilers are the best things ever) melt the butter.
- Combine the melted butter, honey, and egg white together.
- Pour wet ingredients over oats, stirring until completely combined.
- Transfer mixture to your prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly so that it is only 1 layer.
- Bake for about 30 minutes. You will be able to tell when it is done when it looks just a little bit brown and toasty.
- Cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. During the transfer is when it will naturally break into huge clumps, feel free to break it up even more if you prefer your granola on the small cluster side.
- If you somehow don't eat all of it in a day, it should keep for about 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temp.
Notes
- Nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios
- Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower
- Dried fruit like cranberries, cherries, or even cut up apricots or apples
- Shredded coconut
- Chocolate! Chocolate chips (mini would work great) or mini m&ms – these would need to be added after the granola has baked and cooled to ensure no melting happens.
