This granola is crunchy and nutty, with loads of flavor. If you use the right oats, it's 100% gluten-free and it tastes just as good as any with gluten!
Inspired by https://cookieandkate.com/healthy-granola-recipe/
4 cups old-fashioned gluten-free rolled oats (if it doesn't say "Gluten Free" on the package, it likely contains traces of gluten...we typically use Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Organic Rolled Oats, but even though we don't like them for oatmeal, One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Rolled Oats is available at Costco and works well)
1.5 cups raw nuts and/or seeds (we typically use mostly walnuts, occasionally almonds; Costco has good deals on both, and they're organic)
1 tsp kosher or pink salt (or 3/4 tsp ordinary table salt)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup maple syrup (this recipe isn't sponsored by Costco 😂 but we use their organic syrup)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: 2/3 cups dried fruit
Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips (we tend to use Guittard)
Optional: 1/4 tsp of extra spices (Épices Rœllinger has this intoxicating blend called Poudre Equinoxiale that we sometimes use)
Preheat oven to 350° F
Combine dry ingredients (oats, nuts, salt, spices) in a large bowl
Pour in wet ingredients (oil, syrup, extract) and mix until everythign is lightly coated
Pour into a large, rimmed baking sheet (~half sheet pan) lined with parchment paper
Bake >30 min until extra toasty, stirring and pressing down gently with a spatula halfway through
Cool completely, at least 45 minutes, then break with hands into large clumps
Optionally add fruit/chips
Store in an aritight container