When my kids were younger, I used to make granola religiously in the oven and then I fell off. I bought cereal. I made eggs, pancakes, waffles, grits, bacon, omelets, potatoes, and biscuits. Basically, I made all the good breakfast food and forgot about granola for awhile. But then, I got a taste for granola again.
It was at that point several years ago that I discovered that you could make a super quick no-bake granola right on the stove top. I starting making it in the morning and then we’d eat it right away, when it was still warm, which is an added bonus on a cold morning. No forty minutes of baking. No stirring every ten minutes. No prep. I love it!
This version has sesame seeds and sunflower seeds, but you can feel free to substitute other types of nuts or seeds that you have on hand for this. It can be customized to whatever you have on hand. Walnut pieces, crushed almonds, and pecans are all great in granola in my opinion, and I am sure any other nuts you like would work well too.
Nuts butters are also good in this, and if you are going to use one, add it with the honey and stir until warm and melted. You can use chunky or creamy, whichever you prefer, or just go with this simple 5-ingredient granola like I do.
Other additions like ground ginger and cinnamon are also favorites of mine in other granola recipes; if you have them and want to bother, add a sprinkle or two of each to the granola after cooking. Again, none of these additions are necessary, but they just make it a little more customized. To make this vegan, use coconut oil or olive oil instead of butter and substitute maple syrup for the honey.
How To Serve Granola
So once you make the granola, now what? These are my favorite ways to enjoy this quick, easy granola:
- Top with plain yogurt and berries or other cut fruits to make a parfait.
- Eat as a snack when on the road, at work, or at home.
- Use it to add healthy whole-grain bulk to smoothies.
- Add to ice cream as a crunchy topping.
5-Ingredient Skillet Granola
A large skillet is the best for making granola on the stovetop. Be sure to keep stirring throughout the cooking process so that the granola doesn't get too dark. Serve with yogurt or milk and berries.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
Directions
- Step 1 In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the honey and stir to combine.
- Step 2 Add the sesame seeds and cook for 1 minute, until lightly browned. Add the oats and sunflower seeds. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, continuously stirring, until the oats begin to brown.
- Step 3 Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the granola to a bowl to cool, giving it a couple of quick stirs as it dries to prevent it from hardening in one lump. Store it in a covered container after it cools. Serve with yogurt and fresh fruit.
