Healthy Granola

This healthy granola recipe uses wholesome ingredients to make the perfect nutty, crunchy granola. Perfect for a midday snack or addition to your breakfast table!

As someone who requires breakfast yet rarely has the time to break out a skillet in the morning, I’m always in need of a healthy breakfast recipe. Lately, my family and I have been loving breakfast muffins, overnight oats, and this healthy homemade granola recipe. 

For better or worse, store-bought granola has a bad wrap for being loaded with all kinds of sneaky ingredients, like corn syrup, oil, and refined sugar. Luckily, it’s both easy and cost-effective to make at home. Plus, there’s no arguing the taste is far superior. 

Table of Contents

1. Recipe highlights
2. Ingredients needed
3. How to make healthy granola
4. Recipe tips and variations
5. Storage instructions
6. More healthy breakfast recipes to try
7. Healthy Granola (4 Ingredients!) (Recipe Card)

Recipe highlights

• Easy to customize. Add whatever mix-ins you want and switch up almost every ingredient to suit your taste buds or your diet. 
• Cheaper than store-bought. I’m always amazed at how expensive store-bought granola is. This recipe is half the cost but ten times more flavorful.
• Diet-friendly. Like our protein granola, this recipe is full of fiber-packed oats, and the peanuts add protein and healthy fats. Plus, this recipe is naturally dairy-free, vegan, and can easily be made gluten-free. 

Ingredients needed

Just 4 key ingredients, plus your mix-ins, are needed to make this granola recipe. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

• Rolled oats. I prefer using rolled oats (or “old-fashioned oats”) over instant or steel cut because they have the best texture. Use certified gluten-free oats to make gluten-free granola. 
• Peanuts. Make sure to use raw and unsalted peanuts since they’re getting baked in the oven. You can also use other types of nuts, like walnuts or pecans if you prefer. 
• Peanut butter. Smooth with no added sugar. Feel free to use any type of nut butter, like almond butter or cashew butter, if you prefer. Making this for someone with a nut allergy? Use sunflower seeds and sunflower seed butter instead!
• Maple syrup. My favorite natural sweetener, though you could also use agave or, if not strictly vegan, honey.  
• Mix-ins. Use your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, coconut flakes, dried fruit, or seeds. Just make sure they don’t exceed 1 cup of the total recipe. 

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How to make healthy granola

Step 1- Prep. Preheat the oven to 350F/180C and line a large baking pan with parchment paper. 

Step 2- Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, add the oats and nuts.

Step 3- Mix the wet ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, combine the peanut butter and maple syrup and heat until warm. Whisk to combine.

Step 4- Combine. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and mix until incorporated. 

Step 5- Bake. Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 25 minutes, stopping halfway through to stir it up.

Step 6- Add mix-ins. Remove the granola from the oven and mix to break up the large pieces. Allow it to cool completely, then fold in your mix-ins of choice. 

Recipe tips and variations

• Check periodically. I’ve noticed the exact baking time varies depending on the oven, so make sure to keep an eye on the granola and check it after 15 minutes. Also, don’t skip the stirring midway through since the edges are prone to browning. 
• Wait to add your mix-ins. If you add the mix-ins before the granola has cooled, you may be left with a melted chocolate mess. Ask me how I know!
• Make granola clusters. I like my granola really broken up, but if you prefer clusters, don’t stir the granola after you’ve removed it from the oven. Let it cool completely, then break it into bite-sized clusters. 
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. It’s important to get the granola in a thin, even layer so all the pieces have a chance to brown. Otherwise, that’s how you end up with soggy granola. 
• Change up the flavors. Add chocolate, dried fruits, candy pieces, or even your favorite nuts.

Storage instructions

To store: Granola should be stored in an airtight container and kept at room temperature for up to one month. 

To freeze: To keep granola fresher for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Let it thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying. 

More healthy breakfast recipes to try

• Strawberry cookies– Soft, chewy cookies loaded with oats and vibrant strawberry flavor.
• Protein overnight oats– My favorite make-ahead breakfast recipe, made with over 30 grams of protein per serving!
• Brownie baked oatmeal– A decadent, heart-healthy alternative to brownies. 
• Crustless quiche– Deceptively low-carb and made in under 35 minutes.