One of the very first recipes I posted when I started my blog was homemade granola recipe, but since then, my recipe has evolved, and so has my recipe printable feature. 
Easy, yet healthy, homemade granola provides an incredibly frugal and delicious alternative to the store bought variety. One of my favorite healthy snacks of all times is a cup of yogurt and granola. Too often, I go to the cabinet and we are out of granola, so now I’m developing a habit of mixing up large batches of this homemade granola for the family. Another wonderful option is that it’s so easy, even the kids can learn to make it with one training time.
This homemade granola recipe is incredibly forgiving and flexible. Translation? As long as you stick to the wet/dry ingredient ratio, you can mix and match any ingredients that you have in your pantry. For instance, I have three cups of nuts listed. That’s a lot of nuts, and can make the recipe more expensive. The last time I made it, I only had one total cup of nuts. That was no problem, I just add shredded coconut, raisins and some dried fruit. There have been times when I made it very basic with only oats, wheat germ and a small amount of nuts.
As I always recommend, make it once and then you will easily be able to adjust it to your preference. Lately, I’ve gone into the health food bulk section and looked at their 20 varieties of granola for inspiration.
Start your family on the road to a great, healthy day with this yummy granola.
While I posted this recipe long ago, I recently did a live Periscope video on the topic of making Lazy homemade granola (with a special tip so you don’t have to babysit the granola awhile it bakes) and Homemade Granola bars, so if you want to join me chit chatting live in the kitchen (oh yes, very live, complete with phone ringing repeatedly) then watch below.
Recipe: Healthy Homemade Granola
Summary: This easy homemade granola recipe provides a delicious breakfast and snack treat that’s good for you and affordable.
Ingredients
6 cups old fashioned oats (not quick cooking)
1 cup chopped walnuts * (Amount varies based on preference. You may increase or decrease amount and substitute with dried fruit)
1 cup sliced almonds *
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup of additional dry ingredients. Mix and match your choice. * (Options include flax seeds – which I always add, since they are so healthy, cracked wheat, sunflower seeds, bran cereal, vanilla flavored protein powder and more)
1/2 cup brown sugar * (You may omit for a less sweet, all natural version)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp vanilla or almond extract
1/2 cup canola oil (substitute coconut oil for added health benefit)
2/3 cup honey
*Dried fruit, optional (1/2 cup shredded coconut, 1/2 cup raisins, berries. I added the berries at the end.)
* As long as you stick to the wet / dry ingredients, feel free to mix and match ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. (Originally, I did 350, but I would always let it burn. ;))
In a large bowl, mix together oats, nuts, wheat germ, sugar, additional dry ingredients and cinnamon.
On stove, heat 1/2 cup oil and 2/3 cup honey until liquid.
Add 1 Tbsp vanilla (or almond extract) to honey & oil mixture.
Pour honey, oil, and vanilla mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Initially, it will seem like there’s not enough liquid to cover the batch, but it will.
Spread granola onto cookie sheets 1/2″ thick. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown, then mix and turn the granola. . Bake 5 more minutes, and check again. If you like it crispy, bake 5 more minutes but watch it closely! Do not over bake/forget about it or it will burn quickly. (Ask me how I know. It continues to crisp up AFTER it’s been removed from the oven, so heed this warning.) Add additional dried fruit after done baking.
Spread the granola out onto the counter to cool before storing it in glass jars or plastic bags.
Preparation time: 10 minute(s)
Cooking time: 15 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 8