Quick and Easy Skillet Granola

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious breakfast or snack, this skillet granola is the answer! It’s so simple to make, coming together in under 10 minutes, and perfect for those busy mornings or snack-time cravings.

I love making granola for my family. It’s one of those easy recipes that’s packed with goodness—healthy, satisfying, and customizable. Unlike store-bought granola, which is often expensive and full of unnecessary additives, this homemade version allows you to control exactly what goes in it.

I used to rely on store-bought granola when time was tight, but everything changed once I discovered how quickly I could make granola in my trusty cast-iron skillet. Seriously, I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner—I’m all about simple, no-fuss recipes, and a skillet granola fits that perfectly.

This recipe isn’t fancy, and that’s what makes it so great. I don’t always measure every single ingredient precisely, but the key is to make sure there’s enough oil and maple syrup to coat the dry ingredients evenly. The result? Crispy, clustery granola (yes, I just made up that word!) that’s perfect as a cereal or for topping your yogurt, adding to smoothies, or just munching on straight from the jar.

QUICK SKILLET GRANOLA ADD-IN IDEAS

For this recipe, you can mix and match ingredients and use really whatever combination you love most.

• OIL – You can use whatever oil you want. I prefer to use avocado oil, but you can also use coconut oil which adds even more flavor.
• MAPLE SYRUP – could also replace with honey or date syrup or mix it up with a little of each
• OATS – rolled oats (also known as old fashioned oats) are best in this recipe
• ALMOND BUTTER – could replace with your favorite nut butter or skip altogether
• NUTS – Add in your favorite nuts. We love chopped pecans or almonds. You can also add seeds like chia seeds.
• DRIED FRUIT – chopped dates, raisins, cranberries, cherries, apricot, coconut flakes, etc.
• SEA SALT – Don’t skip the salt! Adjust the amount to your liking, but it definitely brings the flavor up to a new level!
• CINNAMON – you can’t go wrong with cinnamon! For a fall edition, you could use pumpkin spice instead!
• CHOCOLATE – to me granola is incomplete without a hint of chocolate. Once cooled, add a handful of chocolate chips or chunks. Add extra antioxidant power with dark chocolate!

WHAT CAN YOU EAT GRANOLA WITH?

• A great snack alone!
• Add milk and have a healthy and hearty bowl of homemade cereal (my boys’ favorite!)
• Greek Yogurt Topping
• Topping for Chia Seed Pudding
• Add to baked goods like muffins or pancakes for a little crunch
• Topping for smoothie

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

• Iron skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Mason Jar for storing

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Tbs Avocado Oil
• 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
• 2 Tbs Almond Butter
• 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Old Fashioned Oats
• 1 cup Chopped Pecans
• 1/2 tsp Redmond’s Real Sea Salt
• 1 Tbs Ground Flaxseed
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• Dried Fruit (raisins, cranberries, dates)
• Chocolate Chips or Chunks (added once cooled)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR QUICK SKILLET GRANOLA

1. Pre-heat iron skillet on medium-high
2. Add Avocado oil
3. Once the oil has melted add maple syrup, stir, and let it heat up until it is all bubbly for 30 seconds to a minute.
4. Add remaining ingredients and keep stirring (if it seems to be toasting too quickly you can turn it down to medium-low heat) for around 5-10 minutes. You want the granola and nuts lightly browned and toasted.
5. If you want the granola to stick together in clusters, remove skillet from heat, press down with the back of a wood spoon, and let it cool before breaking up.

TIPS FOR QUICK SKILLET GRANOLA

• For crispier and crunchier granola keep the temp lower and cook a little bit longer.
• Add chocolate when it is still warm if you want slightly melty chocolate and then let it cool completely so that it will create chocolate clusters. Yum!

The next time you’re craving something wholesome but short on time, grab your skillet and give this quick granola a try. It’s a simple way to nourish your family with ingredients you feel good about. Plus, it’s just plain delicious. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out—leave a comment below or tag me @thehonestapron on Instagram. Happy granola-making and don’t be afraid to get a little flour on your apron!