Breakfast Recipes / December 21, 2024

Granola with Honey Recipe – Crunchy & Sweet Breakfast

Granola With Honey Recipe – Crunchy & Sweet Breakfast

Imagine starting your morning with a bowl of homemade granola that’s perfectly crunchy and sweet, a satisfying alternative to the usual breakfast options. When you make this granola with honey, you’re not just enjoying a flavorful meal; you’re also embracing a healthier lifestyle. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—you’re free to mix in your favorite nuts or dried fruits. What if you could uncover the secret to achieving that ideal texture and flavor that makes your mornings feel special? Keep exploring the steps that turn simple ingredients into a delightful breakfast staple.

Key Takeaways

Combine 3 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup of honey, and choice of nuts for a delicious base.
Bake at 300°F to 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway for even crispiness.
Optional add-ins like dried fruits, seeds, or spices enhance the granola’s flavor and nutrition.
Allow the granola to cool completely before storing in an airtight container for freshness.
Enjoy as a crunchy and sweet breakfast with yogurt, milk, or fresh fruit toppings.

History

Granola has a rich history that dates back to the 1860s when Dr. James Caleb Jackson first developed “granula,” a cereal made from graham flour. This original product was thick and crunchy, resembling Grape-Nuts. It was initially marketed as a health food and sold by the Our Home Granula Company.

In the late 19th century, granola gained popularity as a nutritious breakfast option and an energy-boosting snack. You’ll find that many people associated it with vegetarianism and healthy eating during this period. The Natural Food Company played a pivotal role by beginning commercial production in 1898. Granola’s commercialization helped establish it as a staple in many households.

Granola saw a revival in the 1960s as health foods gained traction. Layton Gentry is credited with reinventing the recipe using oats, which led to the introduction of Heartland Natural Cereal in 1972, the first major granola brand.

Following this were other brands like Quaker’s 100% Natural Granola and General Mills’ Nature Valley Granola, making granola widely accessible in supermarkets.

Today, granola has evolved into a versatile staple, known for incorporating a variety of ingredients, and remains a popular choice for a healthy breakfast or snack.

Recipe

Granola with honey isn’t only a delicious and nutritious option for breakfast or a snack, but it also allows for plenty of customization to suit your taste preferences. This recipe combines the wholesome goodness of old-fashioned rolled oats with a delightful crunch from nuts, all sweetened with the natural richness of honey. You can easily transform this basic recipe by incorporating various add-ins, ensuring that each batch is unique approximately 8 to 9 cups of granola can be made from this recipe.

To start, gather your ingredients and preheat your oven. The process is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for a busy morning or a weekend meal prep. With a few simple steps, you can create homemade granola that’s far superior to store-bought options, providing you with fresh, wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about.

Ingredients:
– Old-fashioned rolled oats
– Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
– Honey
– Coconut oil
– Vanilla extract
– Sea salt
– Cinnamon
– Ginger
– Optional add-ins (dried apricots, cranberries, raisins, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
– Alternative ingredients (olive oil, unsweetened shredded coconut)

In a large bowl, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a half-sheet pan with parchment paper.

Combining the rolled oats, chopped nuts, sea salt, cinnamon, and ginger, mix these dry ingredients thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract, then pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared pan, and bake for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it turns golden brown. Be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

For best results, allow your granola to cool completely in the pan, as this will help create those coveted clusters. If you’d like to add dried fruits or seeds, do so after the granola has cooled to avoid burning them during the baking process.

Store your finished granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks, or freeze for longer preservation. Keep in mind that experimenting with different nuts, seeds, and sweeteners can help you find your perfect blend of flavors and textures. Enjoy your healthy, homemade snack!

Final Thoughts

When you whip up a batch of homemade granola with honey, you’re not just treating yourself to a delicious snack; you’re also investing in your health. This delightful mix boasts numerous benefits that boost it beyond standard breakfast fare.

Health Benefits:

Promotes heart health, thanks to oats and honey’s antioxidants.
Supports weight management by keeping you full and satisfied.
Improves digestion with both insoluble and soluble fiber.
Provides sustained energy through complex carbohydrates and natural sugars. Plus, this granola contains nutrient-dense ingredients that contribute to overall health.

Key Nutrients:

High in protein, fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals.
Contains healthy fats for energy and liveliness.
Rich in antioxidants that combat inflammation.
Offers beta-glucans, which help regulate cholesterol levels.

This granola can easily fit into various diets, making it versatile and accessible.

You can customize it with dried fruits, nuts, or seeds to reflect your taste preferences.

Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast or a yummy snack, granola with honey is a superb choice for promoting overall health and well-being.

FAQ

If you have questions about making granola with honey, you’re not alone. Here are some common inquiries and helpful answers.

What ingredients do I need?
– 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
– 1/2 cup honey
– Oil (like coconut or vegetable)
– Nuts (almonds, pecans)
– Optional mix-ins (dried fruits, seeds)

What temperature should I bake the granola?
– Preheat your oven to 300°F to 350°F.

How long should I bake it?
– Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through for even toasting.

What if I want to customize my granola?
– Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or ginger, and use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. Additionally, you can experiment with different spices or additional ingredients to create unique flavor combinations.