A delightful homemade granola recipe with a nutty twist, perfect for breakfast or snacking.
Preheat your oven to 325°F and lightly grease a large baking pan.
Using parchment paper can make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
Combine the oats and sliced almonds in a large mixing bowl.
Ensure the almonds are evenly distributed for a consistent crunch.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, then stir in the honey until well combined.
Heating the mixture gently helps blend the ingredients without burning.
Pour the honey mixture over the oat and almond mixture, stirring until evenly coated.
Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated for even baking.
Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking pan and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar.
Spreading the mixture evenly ensures uniform baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stirring prevents burning and promotes even browning.
Remove from the oven, stir in the raisins and dried cranberries, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
Adding the dried fruits later prevents them from becoming too hard.
Allow the granola to cool completely on the pan, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
Cooling on the pan helps the granola crisp up nicely.
Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container for storage.
Store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.