Olive Oil and Maple Granola

• 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned, not instant; certified gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup, roughly chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/3 cup olive oil (a mild, fruity extra-virgin)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss together the oats, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Whisk the olive oil, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl, pour it over the oat mixture, and stir until every flake is glossy.
4. Spread the mixture on the baking sheet and press it down firmly into one even layer with the back of a spatula.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, then stir once, press it flat again, and scatter the coconut flakes over the top.
6. Bake 15 to 20 minutes more, until deep golden and fragrant, rotating the pan halfway through.
7. Let the granola cool completely on the pan without touching it, so it sets into clusters, then break it into chunks.

Tips

• Stir as little as possible. Pressing the granola flat and leaving it alone while it cools is what builds big clusters.
• Add dried fruit, such as chopped dates or unsweetened cranberries, only after baking, since fruit scorches in the oven.
• Store it in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks. It is lovely over yogurt, with milk, or by the handful.
• Swap the walnuts for pecans, almonds or hazelnuts. A peppery, very bitter olive oil can dominate, so choose a gentle one.

More breakfast recipes

Overnight Oats, Three Ways

The ultimate no-cook meal-prep breakfast — one base, three flavors, ready in the fridge all week.

Breakfast · Easy · 10 min · 4 servings

Make-Ahead Veggie Egg Muffins

Portable baked eggs loaded with vegetables — make a dozen Sunday, eat breakfast all week.

Breakfast · Easy · 37 min · 6 servings

Savory Sweet Potato Hash

A one-pan skillet of crispy sweet potato, greens, and eggs — a weekend breakfast worth slowing down for.

Breakfast · Medium · 40 min · 3 servings

Vanilla Chia Pudding Parfait

Set overnight, layered with fruit and nuts in the morning — a make-ahead breakfast that feels like dessert.

Breakfast · Easy · 10 min · 4 servings