Looking for a healthy and delicious breakfast option? Look no further than granola! Not only is granola a far healthier option than sugary cereal, it is also highly versatile! Plus, with endless variations, there's a granola recipe out there for everyone. Here are some tips and four healthy breakfast recipes to get you started.
Granola Ingredients and Tips:
Before we dive into the recipes that you can use granola with, let's talk about some granola ingredients and tips to keep in mind:
- Oats: Rolled oats are the traditional choice for granola, but you can also use steel-cut or quick oats. Just be sure to check the cooking time as it may vary depending on the type of oats.
- Sweeteners: Natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar are great options. You can also use coconut sugar or brown sugar, but keep in mind that they are more processed.
- Fats: Healthy fats like coconut oil or olive oil are great options. Avoid using hydrogenated oils or trans fats.
- Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds add healthy fats, protein, and texture to your granola. Some great options include almonds, pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.
- Dried Fruit: Dried fruit adds natural sweetness and chewiness to your granola. Some great options include raisins, cranberries, apricots, and dates.
Granola Recipe Variations:
The great thing about granola is that you can customize it to your liking. Here are some variations to consider:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and make sure to double-check that all your ingredients are gluten-free.
- Vegan: Use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener and skip the honey. Use coconut oil or olive oil as your fat.
- Nut-Free: Use seeds like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds instead of nuts.
- Low-Sugar: Use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, and skip the dried fruit.
Now, let's dive into the recipes!
Must Try Granola Recipes:
Recipe #1: Granola Yogurt Parfait
This popular breakfast dish features layers of creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, and sweet fruit, coming together for a delightful and satisfying culinary experience. The creamy texture of the yogurt pairs perfectly with the crunchy granola, while the fruit adds a natural sweetness and a pop of color.
The best part? Granola yogurt parfaits are completely customizable to your tastes! Choose your favorite yogurt flavors, fruits, and granola mix-ins for a personalized treat that's tailored just for you. So why not indulge in a tasty and healthy treat that's perfect for any time of day?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup Blueberry Goji Coconut Granola
- 1 cup mixed fresh fruit (e.g. berries, chopped peaches, bananas)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and honey (if using).
- Layer the yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit in a jar or parfait glass.
- Repeat the layering until all ingredients are used up.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Recipe #2: Baked Apple Granola Crisp
This delightful dish is a perfect blend of natural sweetness from juicy apples, the crunch of apple crumble granola, and warm spices that make it the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy night during winter.
And the best part? It's super easy to make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Whether you're craving a sweet pick-me-up after dinner or want to impress your loved ones with a delicious dessert, this delight is what you need.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup Apple Crumble Granola
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g. walnuts, pecans)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, toss together the sliced apples, coconut oil, and maple syrup until the apples are coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the granola and chopped nuts.
- Sprinkle the granola and nut mixture over the top of the apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the apples are tender and the granola is golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe #3: Granola Energy Bites
Are you ready to experience the deliciousness and goodness of a popular snack that will leave you feeling happy and energized? Look no further than these amazing granola energy bites!
Bursting with flavor and packed with nutrition, these bite-sized treats are a delightful combination of granola, nut butter, honey, and other yummy mix-ins such as chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Perfect for your busy lifestyle, you can take them on-the-go and enjoy a quick and tasty snack that will give you the energy boost you need to conquer your day with a big smile!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Australian Rolled Oats
- 1/2 cup Smooth Almond Nut Butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Hazelnut Blackforest Granola
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, nut butter, and honey until well combined.
- Add the granola and chocolate chips to the bowl and stir until evenly distributed.
- Form the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the energy bites for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Enjoy as a healthy snack on the go!
Recipe #4: Breakfast Pastries
Packed with rolled oats, granola, almond and coconut flour, and just the right amount of sweetness from honey and applesauce, these muffins are sure to be a hit with your taste buds. Plus, they're super easy to make - just mix the wet and dry ingredients, scoop into muffin cups, and bake to perfection! So why wait? Whip up a batch of these amazing granola breakfast pastries today and enjoy a tasty and nutritious start to your day!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup granola
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line with muffin cups.
- In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, granola, almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the honey, unsweetened applesauce, and egg.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Scoop the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a pastry comes out clean
- Allow the pastries to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your healthy and delicious granola breakfast pastries!