The Best Granola Ever Recipes

HEALTHY GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir to blend.
• Pour in the oil, maple syrup and/or honey and vanilla. Mix well, until every oat and nut is lightly coated. Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer.
• Bake until lightly golden, about 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway (for extra-clumpy granola, press the stirred granola down with your spatula to create a more even layer). The granola will further crisp up as it cools.
• Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed (at least 45 minutes). Top with the dried fruit (and optional chocolate chips, if using). Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you don't want extra-clumpy granola.
• Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. The dried fruit can freeze solid, so let it warm to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

THE BEST GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
• Combine the oats, almonds, coconut chips and salt in a large bowl and stir to combine.
• Combine the brown sugar, syrup and oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and cook, stirring often, until the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Pour the sugar mixture over the oats and stir until well combined, then spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally (see Cook's Note) until toasted and golden brown, 60 to 70 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.