Steel cut oatmeal granola offers a delightful twist on traditional granola by using hearty, chewy steel cut oats that add a satisfying texture and nutty flavor. This recipe combines wholesome ingredients to create a crunchy, nutrient-packed snack or breakfast option that keeps us energized throughout the day.
We love how versatile this granola is—perfect for topping yogurt, enjoying with milk, or simply munching on its own. Plus, making it at home means we control the sweetness and add our favorite nuts and seeds for a personalized touch. Whether you’re new to steel cut oats or a granola enthusiast, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To make our Steel Cut Oatmeal Granola truly stand out, we carefully select robust ingredients that build flavor, texture, and nutrition. Below, you will find the categorized essentials for creating a perfectly balanced granola batch.
Dry Ingredients
These ingredients form the crunchy backbone of our granola, providing the signature nuttiness and hearty texture unique to steel cut oats.
- 1 ½ cups steel cut oats (uncooked)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- ½ cup raw pecans, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
Our wet ingredients bind the dry components while infusing natural sweetness and rich flavor.
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
Feel free to customize your granola with these nutrient-packed extras. Add them after baking to maintain their crunch and flavor integrity.
| Ingredient | Suggested Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried cranberries | ½ cup | Adds a tart burst of sweetness |
| Dark chocolate chips | ¼ cup | For a decadent twist |
| Toasted coconut flakes | ⅓ cup | Adds tropical aroma and crunch |
| Flaxseeds | 2 tablespoons | Boosts omega-3 fatty acids |
By balancing these dry, wet, and optional ingredients, we ensure every bite of our Steel Cut Oatmeal Granola is rich, crunchy, and bursting with wholesome flavor.
Equipment Needed
To make our Steel Cut Oatmeal Granola recipe turn out perfectly crunchy and flavorful, having the right equipment is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the tools we recommend using:
- Mixing Bowls: Use large, sturdy mixing bowls to combine all dry and wet ingredients thoroughly. A glass or stainless steel bowl works best for even mixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters for consistency. Measure ingredients like steel cut oats, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners accurately using standard measuring cups and spoons.
- Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Opt for a standard 9×13 inch sheet for an even bake.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing and stirring the granola, use a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon. This helps evenly coat oats with the wet mixture without breaking up clusters.
- Oven Thermometer (Optional): To ensure our granola bakes at the right temperature, an oven thermometer comes handy. Maintaining 325°F is key to toasting steel cut oats without burning.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, transfer the granola to a cooling rack for rapid, even cooling. This step preserves crispness and prevents steaming which can soften the granola.
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Combine ingredients | Glass or stainless steel |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement | Essential for sweetener ratios |
| Baking Sheet | Bake granola evenly and prevent sticking | Use parchment or silicone mat |
| Spatula/Wooden Spoon | Mix and stir ingredients during preparation | Heat-resistant recommended |
| Oven Thermometer | Monitor baking temperature | Optional for precision |
| Cooling Rack | Cool granola rapidly | Maintains desired crunch |
Using these tools guarantees our steel cut oatmeal granola bakes perfectly golden and develops that irresistible crunchy texture we love. Let’s gather our gear before moving on to mixing the ingredients.
Prep Work
Getting the Prep Work right sets the foundation for perfect steel cut oatmeal granola. Let’s ensure every step is precise to unlock the granola’s full flavor and texture potential.
Preparing Steel Cut Oats
Start by measuring the steel cut oats carefully. Unlike rolled oats, steel cut oats have a firmer texture and require extra attention.
- Use 1 cup of steel cut oats for this recipe.
- Toast them dry in a large skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Toasting releases the oats’ nutty aroma and enhances their crunch.
- Remove from heat once they turn golden brown. Avoid burning.
This step boosts the granola’s depth of flavor and ensures the oats stay pleasantly chewy after baking.
Preheating and Lining the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to a precise 325°F (163°C). This temperature allows the granola to bake evenly without burning.
| Oven Temperature | Recommended Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 325°F (163°C) | 25–30 minutes | Even baking and golden color |
Next, prepare your baking sheet:
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- This prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- Use the heat-resistant spatula to spread the granola evenly on the sheet, ensuring consistent baking.
By preheating and preparing the baking sheet meticulously, we guarantee our steel cut oatmeal granola reaches the ideal golden crispiness every time.
Instructions
Follow these precise steps to create our Steel Cut Oatmeal Granola with a perfect balance of crunch and flavor. Each phase builds on the last ensuring an evenly toasted, flavorful result.
Mixing the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl combine:
- 1 cup toasted steel cut oats (toasted until golden)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, flaxseeds)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- In a separate bowl whisk together wet ingredients:
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the wet mix over dry ingredients and stir thoroughly with a heat-resistant spatula until all oats and nuts are well coated.
Mixing evenly is crucial for consistent baking and toasting of every bit of granola.
Spreading the Mixture on the Baking Sheet
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly across the sheet in a single layer about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press gently, creating an even surface.
| Tip | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Single-layer spreading | Ensures each oat cluster bakes uniformly |
| Parchment paper lining | Easy transfer and cleanup, prevents sticking |
Baking the Granola
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) — this moderate temperature helps the granola toast slowly without burning.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir the granola halfway through baking to promote even browning.
- Watch closely in the last 5 minutes to avoid over-browning; the granola should be deep golden and fragrant.
“The aroma of toasted oats and nuts signals that your granola is nearing perfect doneness.”
Cooling and Adding Final Mix-Ins
- Remove the baking sheet and transfer it onto a cooling rack.
- Let the granola cool completely for at least 30 minutes; it will crisp up as it cools.
- Once cooled, add any optional mix-ins such as:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
- Gently fold these in to maintain clump integrity and balance flavor.
Cooling fully before adding delicate ingredients prevents melting and preserves texture.
This careful attention to each step results in a richly textured, golden Steel Cut Oatmeal Granola perfect for breakfast bowls, snacks, or toppings.
Storage Tips
Proper storage of our Steel Cut Oatmeal Granola is crucial to maintaining its crisp texture and fresh nutty flavor. Follow these steps to keep our granola crunchy and delicious for longer:
Cool Completely Before Storing
After baking, allow the granola to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is essential because warm granola can produce moisture inside the container, leading to sogginess.
Use Airtight Containers
Store the granola in an airtight container such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic container. This prevents exposure to air and humidity, both of which cause the granola to lose its crunch.
Optimal Storage Locations
- Room Temperature: Keep the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, especially in warm climates, refrigerate the granola. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to regain crispiness.
- Freezing: We can freeze the granola in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before use.
Shelf Life Table
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 weeks | Keep in airtight container |
| Refrigeration | Up to 1 month | Prevents moisture in humid areas |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Thaw before serving |
Avoid Moisture and Heat
Remember moisture and heat are the enemies of crunchy granola. Do not store granola near the stove, dishwasher, or any humid environment.
“Keeping our steel cut oatmeal granola fresh starts with airtight storage and ends with a cool, dry environment.”
By following these Storage Tips our Steel Cut Oatmeal Granola remains a perfect addition to breakfast, snacks, or toppings whenever we want.
Serving Suggestions
Our Steel Cut Oatmeal Granola shines in versatility, making it an ideal addition to many meals and snacks. Here are some tasty ways to serve our crunchy, nutty granola to maximize flavor and enjoyment:
Classic Breakfast Bowls
- Top your favorite yogurt with a generous handful of our steel cut oatmeal granola to add a satisfying crunch and boost of fiber.
- Pour warm or cold milk over a bowl of granola for a hearty and nourishing cereal alternative.
- Combine with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a colorful and nutritious start to your day.
“This granola elevates a simple bowl of yogurt or milk into a satisfying breakfast packed with texture and flavor.”
Snack-Time Energy Boost
- Enjoy the granola straight from the jar as a wholesome, crunchy snack anytime you need an energy lift.
- Pack it in small portions for on-the-go snacking during hikes, road trips, or work breaks.
Dessert and Baking Enhancements
- Sprinkle granola over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an added layer of crunch and a subtle nuttiness.
- Use as a topping on baked fruit crisps or parfaits for a pleasing textural contrast and added depth of flavor.
- Incorporate into muffin or cookie batter for an unexpected crunchy surprise.
Creative Serving Ideas
| Serving Style | Description | Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Granola & Smoothie Bowls | Use granola as a topping over smoothie blends | Chia seeds, coconut flakes, fresh fruit |
| Granola Trail Mix | Mix with dried fruits, nuts, and chocolate chips | Cranberries, almonds, dark chocolate |
| Salad Crunch Topping | Add granola instead of croutons for a nutritious crunch | Spinach, arugula, goat cheese |
By exploring these serving suggestions, we tap into the full potential of our steel cut oatmeal granola. Whether as a breakfast staple, a portable snack, or a creative dessert addition, it fits seamlessly into our daily eating habits while delivering a satisfying crunch and rich flavor.
Conclusion
Making steel cut oatmeal granola at home gives us full control over the ingredients and flavors, letting us tailor each batch to our tastes. Its satisfying crunch and rich nuttiness make it a standout choice for any meal or snack.
With the right prep and storage, we can enjoy this wholesome granola fresh and crispy for weeks. Whether we sprinkle it on yogurt, mix it into smoothies, or grab a handful on the go, it’s a versatile pantry staple that supports a healthy lifestyle effortlessly.
Let’s keep experimenting with add-ins and serving ideas to keep our granola experience exciting and delicious every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes steel cut oatmeal granola different from regular granola?
Steel cut oatmeal granola has a unique texture and nutty flavor due to the use of steel cut oats, which are less processed than rolled oats. This results in a crunchier, heartier granola compared to traditional versions.
What are the health benefits of steel cut oatmeal granola?
It provides sustained energy thanks to high fiber and protein content, helps improve digestion, and is rich in nutrients like vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy snack or meal addition.
Can I customize the sweetness and ingredients?
Yes. You can adjust sweetness by using maple syrup or honey and add your preferred nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to tailor the granola to your taste and dietary needs.
What ingredients are essential for making steel cut oatmeal granola?
Key dry ingredients include steel cut oats, rolled oats, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Wet ingredients are typically maple syrup or honey, coconut oil, and vanilla extract for binding and flavor.
What kitchen tools do I need to make this granola?
You’ll need large mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a spatula or wooden spoon, and optionally, an oven thermometer and cooling rack.
How do I properly prepare the steel cut oats?
Toast the measured steel cut oats in a dry skillet before mixing to enhance their flavor and crunch. This step is important for the granola’s characteristic texture.
What is the baking temperature and time for steel cut oatmeal granola?
Bake the granola at 325°F for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning and crunch.
How should I store homemade steel cut oatmeal granola?
Store the cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for short-term use, refrigerate for longer freshness, or freeze up to three months to maintain crunchiness.
What are some popular ways to enjoy this granola?
You can eat it with yogurt or milk, as a snack on its own, sprinkled over ice cream or baked goods, in smoothie bowls, trail mixes, or even as a salad topping for added texture.