I’ve always been a fan of granola. As a kid, I loved it in yogurt, mixed with fruit, or even just by the handful as a snack. But it wasn’t until I came across Jamie Oliver’s granola recipe that I discovered how easy and fun it could be to make my own at home. Before that, I would buy pre-packaged granola from the store, assuming it was easier and healthier. But making my own granola turned out to be a game-changer.
When I first tried Jamie’s version, I was blown away by how much flavor and texture packed into each bite. His approach to granola is simple but packed with personality. It’s not just a breakfast food-it’s an adventure in your kitchen, with endless variations and creative possibilities.
Jamie Oliver’s Granola Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s granola recipe is one of those perfect, everyday recipes that feels special without requiring special ingredients. It’s crunchy, sweet, and nutty with a nice balance of oats and fruit. The recipe is easy to adapt to your own taste, so whether you like it spicy or prefer something a bit more mellow, this recipe has room for all kinds of tweaks.
Here’s a look at the core of it:
- Oats: The base ingredient that makes granola, well, granola. They soak up all the flavors and become crunchy when baked.
- Nuts & Seeds: These add texture, protein, and a slight nuttiness.
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup give the granola that golden sweetness.
- Coconut: Flaked or shredded coconut adds chewiness and enhances the flavor with its tropical taste.
- Dried Fruit: Raisins, cranberries, or apricots give a fruity kick that balances out the savory elements.
The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. Jamie offers flexibility without sacrificing flavor, allowing you to cater it to your own tastebuds.
Ingredients Needed
If you’re new to making granola, you’ll need a few essentials before you begin:
- Oats (rolled oats work best)
- Nuts & Seeds (try almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds)
- Sweetener (maple syrup or honey)
- Coconut (shredded or flaked, depending on your preference)
- Olive oil (for richness and a light crispiness)
- Spices (such as cinnamon or vanilla extract)
- Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots, or dates)
Some optional additions:
- Chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber
- Dark chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent
- Coconut oil instead of olive oil for a deeper coconut flavor
Once you have these ingredients, you’re ready to dive into the making process.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Granola
Making this granola is easy once you get the hang of it. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment. Just a bowl, a baking sheet, and your oven.
Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 170°C (340°F). This is the sweet spot for getting that perfect crispy texture without burning.
- Mix your dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut. Add any spices or flavorings you like at this point.
- Add wet ingredients: Drizzle your sweetener (maple syrup or honey) and olive oil over the dry mix. Stir everything together until it’s well-coated. You want each oat to be lightly coated with oil and syrup for that crunchy texture.
- Spread it on a baking sheet: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread your granola mixture evenly across it. The more spread out it is, the crunchier it will get.
- Bake and stir: Bake the granola for about 25-30 minutes, stirring it halfway through. This ensures it bakes evenly. Keep an eye on it-granola can go from golden to burnt in just a few minutes.
- Let it cool: Once golden and crispy, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely. This allows the granola to firm up and gives it that perfect crunch.
- Add dried fruit: Once cooled, toss in your dried fruit and give it one last stir. Now you have a delicious, homemade batch of granola ready to go.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
The magic behind this granola comes from the way the ingredients interact during baking.
- Oats: They are rich in fiber, especially beta-glucans, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve gut health. When baked, oats get crispy, adding a satisfying crunch.
- Nuts & Seeds: Full of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, these give granola its energy-boosting power. They also toast nicely in the oven, adding flavor and crunch.
- Sweeteners (Maple Syrup, Honey): These sugars caramelize in the oven, creating the granola’s signature golden color and rich sweetness. Maple syrup also has antioxidants, while honey adds a subtle floral note.
- Coconut: Coconut oil and flakes are high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can be quickly used for energy. It adds a tropical flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla not only add aroma but also contribute to granola’s antioxidant properties. Cinnamon, for example, has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Understanding these elements helps you appreciate why Jamie’s recipe is both delicious and healthy.
Expert Tips
- Get creative with your sweetener: While maple syrup is the classic choice, you can experiment with agave or brown rice syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Mix up your nuts: Almonds and hazelnuts are great, but try mixing in some pistachios or cashews for variety. Cashews, in particular, add a buttery texture.
- Make it extra crunchy: If you like your granola super crunchy, add an egg white to the mix. The egg white helps bind the oats together and gives them an extra crispiness.
- Make it in bulk: Granola stores well, so if you’re baking a large batch, keep it in an airtight container. It can last for weeks.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of granola is how flexible it is. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Spiced Granola: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the mix for a warm, aromatic touch.
- Chocolate Granola: Stir in dark chocolate chips after baking or melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the granola once it’s cooled.
- Tropical Granola: Replace the dried fruit with dried mango or pineapple and add a handful of cashews for a tropical feel.
- Vegan Granola: Simply swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, and make sure to use coconut oil for the fat.
- Protein-Packed Granola: Toss in some protein powder or hemp seeds for an extra protein boost, making it a perfect post-workout snack.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s granola recipe is more than just a breakfast-it’s a canvas for creativity. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or make it your own, you’ll end up with something that tastes homemade, fresh, and customizable to your personal preferences.
Granola isn’t just about oats and nuts; it’s about experimenting and enjoying the process of making something from scratch. It’s satisfying to see the ingredients come together and turn into something that’s both delicious and healthy. The best part? You’re in control of the sweetness, the crunch, and the flavors.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are In Jamie Oliver’s Granola Recipe?
The recipe uses oats, nuts, seeds, honey, and coconut oil. You can also add dried fruits or spices for extra flavor.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Granola?
It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, so around 40 minutes total.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Granola Vegan?
Yes! Just swap the honey for maple syrup or agave syrup and make sure the rest of the ingredients are plant-based.