Homemade Honey Nut Granola Recipe with Steel Cut Oats

I personally love a really good steel cut oatmeal granola recipe and this Homemade Honey Nut Granola Recipe with Steel Cut Oats is one you MUST try. 

The internet is not want for granola recipes. Google "granola recipe" and you'll find a number of granola varieties to choose from. I'm always looking for one that's got the right amount of crunch and is not too sweet.

This granola recipe is my offering. It reminds me of a granola sample I had at our local farmer's market once and I have been wanting to create a recipe that was close enough to it. I think this variation is it and I cannot wait for you to try it. Scroll down to see how we make it and don't forget to pin or print the recipe card to make this today! 

What's to Love About This Homemade Steel Cut Oatmeal Granola Recipe

You're going to love the crunchy granola texture afforded to us from the mix of steel-cut oats and old fashioned rolled oats. Brown butter mixed with golden brown sugar and honey makes an utterly delicious sauce for our oat mixture that's undeniable in flavor. Add in a mix of healthy nuts and finish with some flaky sea salt for a salty and sweet granola that checks all the boxes for a delicious breakfast accompaniment. 

Once you crack the code in making your own granola, your customization options are endless. For good quality oats, I love Bob's Red Mill Organic Old Fashioned Oats for this recipe, which are also gluten-free. Given it's made from 100% whole grain, this is a great option for a fiber-packed granola you'll reach for time and again.

Ingredients for Our Honey Nut Granola Recipe

Scroll down for the full recipe to see how we make this delicious granola. For this steel-cut oat granola recipe, we'll need the following ingredients:

• Unsalted Butter. We're going to brown the butter to craft a nutty and delicious base for our wet ingredients in this granola recipe. 
• Raw Honey + Brown Sugar. The brown sugar caramelizes with the melted brown butter and the honey adds another layer of sweetness that cannot be missed. If you're wanting to keep this vegan, you can also refer to Maple Cinnamon Granola Recipe here using maple syrup. 
• Ground Cinnamon + Kosher Salt. Salt balances the sweetness and cinnamon adds depth in flavor. 
• Vanilla Extract. I love the flavor and scent of vanilla in this granola. 
• Rolled Oats and Steel Cut Oats. I've been playing with a couple of variations for this granola and this mix is a favorite. The steel cut oats help to craft the very crunchy oat clusters we know and love in a good granola batch. If you don't happen to have steel cut oats, you can make this all old fashioned rolled oats too. 
• Mix of Nuts and Seeds. We're using a mix of cashews, walnut halves, whole almonds, sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. 
• Optional: 2 to 3 tablespoons dried currants or golden raisins can be added post bake if you like the addition of chewy dried fruit. I usually will add dried currants, too.

How to Make the Honey Nut Granola Recipe with Steel Cut Oats

​This Honey Nut Granola Recipe with Steel Cut Oats is ready in about an hour. Here's what we need to do from start to finish: 

• Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set to the side.
• Melt butter over medium-low heat in a large saucepan. Lower heat and, stirring occasionally, allow butter to foam a little before it subsides creating lightly browned flecks that form at the bottom of skillet; the butter should have a nutty aroma.
• Remove from heat. Whisk in 3 packed tablespoons brown sugar, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Whisk until well combined and glossy smooth.
• Next, we'll prep the oat and nut mixture. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cashews, walnuts, both almond varieties, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, rolled oats, and steel cut oats.
• Pour brown butter mixture into the large bowl with dry ingredients and stir to combine and coat the oats and nuts in the brown butter and honey mixture.
• Pour granola mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Spread granola into an even, single layer.
• Bake granola in 250 degree oven for one hour, stirring granola every 20 minutes. Granola should be golden and smell sweet and nutty.
• Remove from oven and cool completely to room temperature. Clusters should form as a result. Break granola into small clusters before storing in an airtight container for up to a month.

Storing Granola and My Favorite Yogurt Bowl Toppings

Once you've baked and cooled your granola, store it in an airtight container (these Ball jars are great for storing your granola) for up to a month. A serving per person is about ¼ cup. Add it to your yogurt bowl, chia pudding, or even as a garnish to a smoothie bowl. I love topping it with fresh rhubarb curd in spring or passionfruit curd. I also love topping our yogurt with this granola and seasonal compotes like Blueberry & Thyme or Cherry Compote.

You can also opt to freeze your granola to stretch it past a month. Allow to come to room temperature before using in your breakfast dish. Ready to make your own batch of homemade granola? See the recipe below and give this one a try. Let me know what you think in the comments and share your favorite mix-ins for your granola variation.