Granola with Chia Seeds and Nuts is a crunchy and gut healthy breakfast or snack option, featuring a blend of gluten-free rolled oats, chia seeds, and nuts. They’re baked to golden perfection and offer a touch of sweetness from maple syrup.
What Makes Granola with Chia Seeds and Nuts Healthy?
Granola with Chia Seeds and Nuts offers a delicious and nutritious way to support your overall health, and specifically your gut health, by providing a combination of fiber, healthy fats, and whole-food ingredients.
Chia seeds are rich in fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This promotes a healthy digestive system and may reduce the risk of digestive issues like constipation.
Nuts are a good source of fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to gut health. The fiber in nuts promotes regularity and feeds beneficial gut bacteria, while healthy fats support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins essential for gut health.
Rolled Oats are another excellent source of fiber, including beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber known for its prebiotic effects. Beta-glucan helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria, supports immune function, and may reduce inflammation in the gut.
This recipe features whole ingredients. By avoiding refined sugars and artificial additives typically found in boxed cereals, you can maintain a balanced gut microbiome and reduce the risk of inflammation and digestive discomfort.
Ingredients for Granola with Chia Seeds and Nuts
You’ll need the following ingredients for your granola. Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities:
- old fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free)
- chia seeds (black or white)
- chopped pecans or sliced almonds
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
- kosher salt
- coconut oil, avocado, or olive oil
- maple syrup
- creamy almond butter
- vanilla
How to Make Granola with Chia Seeds and Nuts
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
In a large bowl, mix your dry ingredients: Rolled oats, chia seeds, nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt.
In a small bowl, mix your wet ingredients: Oil, maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla.
Pour your wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl and mix well, making sure that all pieces are coated.
Spread the mixture onto a sheet pan in a continuous layer to encourage clumps.
Bake until lightly golden, for about 21 to 25 minutes, rotating the pan and gently breaking the granola apart about halfway through. (Note: Cooking time will vary based on thickness of the granola layer. If you use a smaller sheet pan like the one pictured, you may need 5 – 7 extra minutes.)
Let it cool. As it cools, the granola will crisp up! Break apart any remaining large clumps.
Recipe FAQs
How can I store homemade granola?
Store homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life. This helps maintain its freshness and crispness.
Can I customize the nuts and seeds in the granola?
Feel free to customize the nuts and seeds in the granola based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. You can use a variety of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, and experiment with different seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Is granola with chia seeds and nuts gluten-free?
If made with certified gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats, this granola with chia seeds and nuts recipe is gluten-free!
How can I make granola clusters instead of loose granola?
To make granola clusters, press and condense the granola mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before baking and avoid stirring it during baking. Once cooled, break the baked granola into clusters of desired size.
What are alternative sweeteners for this granola?
You can try other natural sweeteners like honey or mashed banana, but keep in mind that baking time and temperature might need to be adjusted.
How can I prevent my granola from burning during baking?
To prevent granola from burning, stir it occasionally while baking and keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time. Additionally, since oven temps and baking sheets can vary, lower the oven temperature if necessary. Also, use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to line the baking sheet.
Granola with Chia Seeds and Nuts
Ingredients
- 3 cups gluten-free old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/3 cup coconut, avocado, or olive oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp creamy almond butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a large bowl, mix your dry ingredients: Rolled oats, chia seeds, nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt.
- In a small bowl, mix your wet ingredients: Oil, maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla.
- Pour your wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl and mix well, making sure that all pieces are coated.
- Spread the mixture onto a cookie sheet in a continuous layer to encourage clumps.
- Bake until lightly golden, for about 21 to 25 minutes, rotating the pan and gently breaking the granola apart about halfway through. (Note: Cooking time will vary based on thickness of the granola layer. If you use a smaller sheet pan, you may need 5 - 7 extra minutes.)
- Let it cool. As it cools, the granola will crisp up! Break apart any remaining large clumps.
2 Comments
Great on top of yogurt w fruit
I’ve made this twice and put it in a container in the cupboard for me and kids to snack on. So good!