My New Favorite Granola Recipe

I tried using olive oil in a granola recipe for the first time, and I am completely sold. It creates the most incredible crisp texture, rich flavor, and perfectly golden clusters that are just impossible to resist.

This simple homemade granola recipe is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and one you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

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 also eaten!

Once you try this homemade granola, you’ll never resort to store-bought granola ever again! I also love knowing every 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:

• Old-Fashioned Oats: The best base for granola. They hold their shape, give structure, and are naturally heart-healthy. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Add great texture along with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Almonds: Provide crunch plus healthy fats and extra protein.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds rich flavor. Honey works well too.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the granola crisp up and creates those perfect crunchy clusters.
• Brown Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and deep flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.

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

How to Make This Homemade Granola Recipe

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

1. Preheat: Set the oven and prep a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Stir: Combine all the ingredients together in a large bowl and spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
3. Bake: Cook, stir, and cook some more.
4. Cool: 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.

Granola Recipe Mix-Ins

The mix-ins and substitutions for this recipe are almost endless, which makes it easy to customize based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.

Crunch: add nuts like pecans, slivered almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, or macadamia nuts, or sprinkle in seeds such as sunflower seeds, pepitas, chia seeds, or flax seeds.

Sweetness: mix in chocolate chips, sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes, or even mini M&Ms.

Flavor: add dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, cherries, apricots, or any diced dried fruit, and a little citrus zest brightens everything up.

Depth: mix in warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg, a splash of vanilla extract, or even a spoonful of peanut butter for richness.

Storing This Granola Recipe

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 it 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!

More Granola Recipes:

• Strawberry Almond Granola
• Chocolate Lovers Granola
• Pecan Quinoa Granola
• Pistachio Pomegranate Granola
• Green Smoothie Granola Parfait