Easy Granola Recipe (DIY Mix-and-Match Formula)

This easy granola recipe is a simple mix-and-match formula made with rolled oats, your choice of nuts and seeds, and natural sweeteners. Learn how to make granola at home that's perfectly crunchy, customizable, and full of flavor.

There's something so satisfying about making your own granola from scratch. Not only does it fill your kitchen with the most incredible toasty, sweet aroma, but it also gives you complete control over the ingredients and flavors.

This easy granola recipe is built around a simple DIY formula - once you know the basic ratios, you can mix and match to create your perfect blend every time. Whether you prefer a classic honey and nut granola or something a little more indulgent with chocolate and coconut, this recipe makes it easy.

Scroll down for step-by-step photos, helpful tips, and fun flavor variations!

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Granola Recipe
• The Basic Granola Ratio (Your Mix-and-Match Formula)
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How to Make Granola (Step-by-Step)
• Flavor Combination Ideas and Inspiration
• What to Serve With Granola
• Storage Instructions
• Health Benefits of Rolled Oats
• FAQ's
• More Breakfast Recipes to Try
• Easy Granola Recipe (DIY Mix-and-Match Formula)

Why You'll Love This Granola Recipe

• Easy to make - Simple ingredients and a no-fuss method make this perfect for beginners
• Completely customizable - Mix and match your favorite nuts, seeds, and flavors
• Perfectly crunchy - A low, slow bake gives you golden, crisp clusters every time
• Great for meal prep - Make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week
• Better than store-bought - No unnecessary additives or refined sugar, just wholesome ingredients

The Basic Granola Ratio (Your Mix-and-Match Formula)

This easy granola recipe is built around a simple formula. Once you know this basic ratio, you can make your own granola using whatever ingredients you have on hand.

The formula:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 2 cups nuts and seeds
• ½ cup sweetener (honey or maple syrup)
• ⅓ cup fat (oil, melted butter, or nut/seed butter)
• Pinch of salt

👉 That's it - this is your base.

How to use the formula

Think of this as a flexible guide rather than a strict recipe. You can swap ingredients depending on what you have or the flavors you're craving

• Use any combination of nuts and seeds (almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
• Choose your sweetener (honey for a classic flavor or maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like taste)
• Pick your fat (olive oil, coconut oil, melted butter, or nut butter for extra richness)

Once baked, you can stir in extras like dried fruit or chocolate chips to create your own flavor combinations.

Chef's Tip : For chunkier granola, press the mixture down lightly on the baking tray before baking and avoid stirring too often. Let it cool completely before breaking it up - this is what helps create those delicious crunchy clusters.

Ingredients You'll Need

This easy granola recipe uses simple pantry ingredients that come together to create a perfectly crunchy, customizable breakfast or snack.

• Rolled oats - The base of the granola. Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for texture and structure
• Nuts and seeds - Add crunch, flavor, and richness. Use any combination you like (almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
• Honey or maple syrup - Adds natural sweetness and helps bind the granola together
• Oil, melted butter, or nut/seed butter - Adds richness and helps the granola crisp up as it bakes
• Salt - A small pinch enhances all the flavors

Optional Add-Ins

• Vanilla extract - Adds warmth and depth (mix into the wet ingredients)
• Cinnamon or dessert spices - For a cozy, spiced flavor (mix into the dry ingredients)
• Dried fruit - Adds sweetness and chewiness (stir in after baking)
• Mini chocolate chips - For a more indulgent version (add once the granola has cooled)

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Granola (Step-by-Step)

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the wet ingredients

In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey (or maple syrup) with your chosen fat until smooth and combined. If using vanilla extract, stir it in at this stage.

Combine the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts and seeds, salt, and any spices you're using.

Mix everything together

Pour the warm honey mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well until everything is evenly coated.

Bake

Spread the granola mixture evenly onto your prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden brown.

Chef's Tip: Depending on the size of your oven and baking sheet, you may need to use two trays or bake in batches. Spreading the granola in a thin, even layer helps it crisp up nicely.

Cool and add mix-ins

Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the tray - this is when it becomes crisp. Once cooled, stir in dried fruit and chocolate chips if using.

Serve and enjoy

Enjoy your homemade granola with yogurt, milk, or fresh fruit, or simply as a snack.

Flavor Combination Ideas and Inspiration

This easy granola recipe works like a simple formula, so you can mix and match flavors depending on what you have on hand or what you're craving.

• Classic Honey Nut - Honey, almonds, sunflower seeds, and vanilla
• Maple Pecan - Maple syrup, pecans, and cinnamon
• Coconut Almond - Honey or maple, coconut flakes, and almonds
• Chocolate Chip Granola - Add chocolate chips after baking with a touch of vanilla
• Berry Breakfast Granola - Dried cranberries or blueberries with sliced almonds
• Spiced Granola - Cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, mixed nuts, and maple syrup

What to Serve With Granola

This homemade granola is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways

• With yogurt and fresh fruit for a quick and balanced breakfast
• As a yogurt parfait layered with fruit and honey
• Sprinkled over smoothie bowls try our strawberry banana smoothie bowl for added crunch
• Served with milk for a simple, classic breakfast
• Over baked fruit like roasted apples or peaches for a cozy option
• As a crunchy snack on its own straight from the jar
• With cottage cheese and a drizzle of honey for a protein-rich snack

Storage Instructions

Granola stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep and easy breakfasts throughout the week

• Pantry - Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2-3 weeks
• Make ahead - Prepare a batch at the beginning of the week for quick breakfasts and snacks
• Freezer - Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and bring to room temperature before serving

Health Benefits of Rolled Oats

Rolled oats are the foundation of this easy granola recipe and bring both nutrition and texture to every batch.

• High in fiber - Oats are rich in beta-glucan, which can help support heart health and keep you feeling full longer
• Whole grain goodness - A simple, minimally processed ingredient
• Sustained energy - Provides complex carbohydrates for steady energy throughout the day.

For a deeper look at the nutritional benefits of oats, you can read this helpful article from Healthline.

FAQ's

More Breakfast Recipes to Try

If you loved this easy granola recipe, here are a few more of our favorite breakfast and brunch recipes to try:

• Easy Smoked Salmon Brunch Board - A beautiful, shareable spread with smoked salmon, fresh toppings, and plenty of options for a relaxed weekend brunch.
• Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Figs and Honey - A light and creamy make-ahead breakfast or dessert with delicate sweetness and fresh fruit.
• Peppadew and Feta Frittata - A simple, savory egg dish with bold Mediterranean flavors, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
• Banana and Walnut Overnight Oats - A wholesome, make-ahead breakfast that's creamy, naturally sweet, and perfect for busy mornings.
• Strawberry Banana Smoothie - A quick and refreshing blend that's naturally sweet, creamy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

This easy granola recipe is everything we love about from-scratch cooking - simple ingredients, a flexible formula, and endless ways to make it your own.

Once you learn the basic ratio, you can mix and match your favorite nuts, seeds, and flavors to create a different version every time. It's perfect for meal prep, quick breakfasts, or a wholesome snack throughout the day.

Give it a try and let us know how you customized your granola! Don't forget to Pin this recipe for later or share it with someone who loves cooking from scratch.

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.