Granola isn’t just for breakfast — it’s an ingredient that can elevate a number of dishes, make snacks heartier and, as we show below, be more than just a chewy bar. There are also easy granola breakfast ideas, snack ideas and recipes — so many ways to enjoy this delicious, healthful treat. From smoothie bowls to baked goods, here’s how to make the most of granola recipes and pairings.
Best Ways to Eat Granola
If you’re thinking about how to add granola to your diet, here are some common and creative ideas:
- Granola Smoothie Bowl Recipes: Top a blended smoothie with granola for an extra crunch and fiber.
- Granola Garnish: Sprinkle or bake granola onto muffins, bread, or cookies for added texture and flavor.
- Granola for Kids’ Snacks: Make mini granola bites with nut butter and honey for a healthy, easy-to-eat snack.
- Granola snacks meal prep (portion dry ingredients): Pack pre-measured granola with dried fruits + nuts for easy snacking during the week.
Easy Homemade Granola Recipes
When you make granola yourself, there's also the added benefit of controlling what goes into the recipe, creating a healthier version of granola with no added sugars or preservatives. Here are two simple recipes:
Classic Homemade Granola
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2cup almonds or walnuts (chopped)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
Instructions:
- Combine egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine oats, nuts, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Melt the honey (or maple syrup) with coconut oil and vanilla extract, then drizzle over the oat mixture. Stir well.
- Evenly spread on the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 min, stirring halfway through.
- Cool it down before adding dried fruits. Store in an air-tight container.
How to Make Granola Bars
Here’s the list of ingredients for making granola bars:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/3 cup honey or agave syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine oats, salt and chocolate chips.
- Combine peanut butter and honey over heat until smooth, then stir into dry ingredients.
- Firmly press the mixture into a parchment-line baking dish and refrigerate for 60-120 minutes.
- Cut into bars and store for an anytime snack.
Granola Pairings Based on Diet Type
Granola is expanding and providing several options that can be paired in a number of ways, depending on your dietary needs:
- For Weight Management: Go with homemade granola recipes for minimal sweeteners and stack with high-protein Greek yogurt.
- For a Protein Boost: Use nuts, chia seeds or hemp seeds in your granola mix.
- Vegan Diet: Replace dairy-based ingredients with plant-based milk and nut butters.
- For Gluten-Free Options: There is a variety of certified gluten-free granola options and match it with some fresh fruit and some coconut yogurt.
Conclusion
You can find the full recipe of these wholesome baked granola bars in the link provided below. For granola, there had always been classic pairings, like a yogurt + granola combinations, but many people like to mix things up or have it any time of day so granola is a nutritious and flavorful option all day long. These ideas and recipes can help make granola a regular part of your meals.
Sources:
Trade Organization: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
News Outlet: Food Network, Bon Appétit
Company: Whole Foods Market
