Jamie Oliver’s granola is a simple yet delicious homemade breakfast or snack that you can easily make at home. It’s not your regular boxed granola. it’s full of natural, wholesome ingredients that come together in a sweet and savory mix. The beauty of it? It’s completely customizable, so you can tweak it based on your favorite flavors or what you have on hand. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet and pairs perfectly with yogurt, milk or even on its own as a quick snack. What makes it even better is that you can make a big batch and keep it on hand for a week of tasty mornings.
Jamie Oliver Granola Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need to whip up this granola:
- Oats – Rolled oats are the base of this granola. They give it that chewy, hearty texture once baked.
- Nuts – You’ll need a mix of your favorite nuts. Typically, Jamie uses almonds and hazelnuts but feel free to get creative. Walnuts, cashews and pecans work wonders too.
- Seeds – Sunflower or pumpkin seeds are common choices. They add an extra crunch and some great nutritional value.
- Dried Fruit – Usually, cranberries or raisins are added for that chewy, sweet contrast against the crunchy oats.
- Honey or Maple Syrup – A natural sweetener to help the granola stick together and get that perfect golden-brown color.
- Coconut Oil – For richness and to help everything crisp up nicely. You can swap this for another oil but coconut gives a lovely, light coconutty flavor.
- Cinnamon and Salt – For seasoning! The cinnamon adds warmth and spice and a pinch of salt brings everything together.
- Vanilla Extract – Just a splash to add some depth and a subtle sweetness.
The best part? You don’t need anything too fancy. just basic pantry staples that come together beautifully.
Equipment Needed
Luckily, you don’t need much in terms of equipment:
- Baking Tray – This is where all the magic happens! A large tray helps spread everything evenly, ensuring that your granola bakes up nice and crunchy.
- Mixing Bowl – To toss all the ingredients together. A big enough bowl is key because you’ll be stirring everything around.
- Spatula or Spoon – To give it a good mix and also to scrape off any leftover granola from the baking tray when it’s done.
- Oven – A simple home oven is all you need. Just make sure it’s preheated!
That’s all you need. No need for fancy tools.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Granola
Now for the fun part-making it! Here’s how you do it:
- Preheat Your Oven – Get it nice and warm, around 160°C (320°F). This ensures the granola bakes evenly and doesn’t burn.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine your oats, nuts, seeds and any spices (like cinnamon or a pinch of salt). Toss them together so everything’s well-distributed.
- Add the Wet Ingredients. Drizzle in the honey or maple syrup, coconut oil (melted) and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s well-coated.
- Spread it Out on a Baking Tray. Transfer your granola mix onto a baking tray, making sure it’s evenly spread out. You want it in a thin layer so it bakes evenly.
- Bake – Pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Every 10 minutes, give it a stir to make sure it’s toasting evenly. It’s done when it’s golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Add Dried Fruit. Once it’s baked, take it out and let it cool completely. When it’s cool, mix in your dried fruit. this keeps them from getting too crispy.
- Store and Enjoy – Store your granola in an airtight container and it’ll last for a week or more. Just remember, it might not last that long because it’s so delicious!
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s granola was a fun experience. I quickly realized that this recipe is super adaptable. You can swap out ingredients based on what you like or what you have lying around. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup works just fine. If you’re out of nuts, throw in some seeds or coconut flakes. It’s forgiving and that’s the beauty of it.
One important thing I learned is that stirring the granola every 10 minutes during baking is essential. It helps the oats brown evenly and avoids burnt bits which can easily happen if you leave it to bake untouched.
Also, cooling the granola is crucial. While it’s hot, it’s soft and crumbly. But once it cools down, it firms up into that lovely crunchy texture you’re after.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Granola
Jamie Oliver’s granola recipe is pretty solid as it is but there’s always room to make it your own. You can switch up the ingredients to match your tastes or dietary preferences. For instance, if you’re into more protein, you could add some hemp seeds or even chia seeds for a nutritional boost. The original recipe uses maple syrup for sweetness but if you want a twist, try using honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
If you love a crunchier granola, add in a bit more oil (like coconut or olive) to really get that crisp texture. Also, feel free to play around with the nuts and dried fruits. Almonds, pecans or walnuts are awesome options for extra richness. For dried fruit, instead of the usual raisins or cranberries, you could toss in some dried cherries, apricots or even go tropical with dried mango and pineapple.
Spices are another area to get creative. If you want a bit more depth, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can really elevate the flavor. Want to make it more decadent? Try a sprinkle of cocoa powder or even a dash of vanilla extract. You can adjust the sweetness, too, by adding a little stevia if you’re cutting down on sugar.
The beauty of granola is that it’s so customizable. You can tweak it to be as sweet or savory as you like and it’s hard to mess up, so go ahead and experiment.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Once you’ve made your perfect batch of granola, you’re going to want to store it properly to keep it fresh and crunchy. The key is to avoid moisture. so make sure your granola is fully cooled down before you store it. Otherwise, it could turn soggy.
The best option is an airtight container, preferably glass or a thick plastic jar. It will keep the granola crunchy for weeks. If you’re planning to store it for an extended period, you can even put it in the fridge or freezer. Granola can last a few weeks at room temperature but if you freeze it, it’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just make sure you separate it into smaller portions for easy access!
If you notice that your granola has softened, a quick way to refresh it is by popping it in the oven for about 5-10 minutes at a low temperature (around 300°F). This will help it regain that crisp texture without burning it.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Granola?
Granola’s super versatile, so you can pair it with a wide range of things depending on your mood. A classic choice is to sprinkle it over yogurt. You could go with Greek yogurt for extra creaminess or even a non-dairy version if you’re dairy-free. Add fresh fruits like berries, bananas or pomegranate seeds and you’ve got yourself a breakfast that’s delicious and packed with nutrients.
If you’re more into smoothies, granola is a great topping. Blend up some frozen fruit, spinach, almond milk and maybe a scoop of protein powder, then top it off with your homemade granola. It adds a satisfying crunch to a smooth, creamy texture.
Granola can also make a nice addition to your baking. Try adding it to muffin or pancake batter for a bit of extra texture and flavor. Or sprinkle it on top of oatmeal for added crunch and sweetness. You could even use it in a parfait layered with fruit and cream. The possibilities are endless!
For a savory take, you can use granola as a topping for salads, especially if it’s on the sweeter side. It can provide a great contrast to a rich, tangy dressing. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or even as a garnish for soups, adding a touch of crunch and unexpected flavor.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Granola Recipe Different From Others?
His recipe uses a mix of oats, nuts, and seeds, along with honey or maple syrup for sweetness, giving it a rich, crunchy texture.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Granola Recipe Vegan?
Yes, just swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it vegan-friendly.
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Granola Last?
If stored in an airtight container, it can last up to 2 weeks.
