This Is How I Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About Abbe Odenwalder
    • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index from A-Z
    • Breakfast
      • Casseroles
      • Coffee Cake
      • Waffles
    • Starters/Appetizers
    • Main Course
      • Meat
      • Pasta
      • Poultry
      • Sandwiches
      • Seafood and Fish
    • Soup
    • Sauce
    • Side Dishes
      • Potatoes
      • Vegetables
    • Salads
    • Drinks
    • Breads
      • Muffins and Quick Breads
      • Sweet Rolls
    • Snacks
    • Pickles and Preserves
    • Dessert
      • Cake
      • Candy
      • Pie
    • Cookies and Bars
    • Chocolate
    • Asian Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Jewish Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Family Favorites
    • Roundup Recipes
  • Denver & Beyond
    • Denver
    • And Beyond
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About Abbe Odenwalder
    • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index from A-Z
    • Breakfast
      • Casseroles
      • Coffee Cake
      • Waffles
    • Starters/Appetizers
    • Main Course
      • Meat
      • Pasta
      • Poultry
      • Sandwiches
      • Seafood and Fish
    • Soup
    • Sauce
    • Side Dishes
      • Potatoes
      • Vegetables
    • Salads
    • Drinks
    • Breads
      • Muffins and Quick Breads
      • Sweet Rolls
    • Snacks
    • Pickles and Preserves
    • Dessert
      • Cake
      • Candy
      • Pie
    • Cookies and Bars
    • Chocolate
    • Asian Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Jewish Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Family Favorites
    • Roundup Recipes
  • Denver & Beyond
    • Denver
    • And Beyond
×
Home » Breakfast

Published: Mar 28, 2019 · Updated: Oct 20, 2019 · May contain affiliate links

Almost Crack Granola

Jump to Recipe·5 from 1 review
Share this recipe!

This amazing sweet and salty, almost crack granola comes from the best restaurant in the world. I may never be able to afford to go there, but I can afford to make this amazing granola! 

Sweet and Salty Crack Granola

At home Manservant does not allow this amazing, sweet and salty, crack granola on the counter.  Why crack granola? Because it truly is addicting. One handful after another, with or without milk, it's hard to stop eating this stuff.  Made with maple syrup, brown sugar and olive oil, this incredible oat granola, filled with fruits of your choice is hard to stay away from. You may think it odd that it contains salt. Think again. The combination of salty and sweet is what puts this sweet and salty granola so over the top. I kid you not. You could decrease the salt, but then it tastes like all the other granolas. Ordinary. Just granola. At least in my humble opinion, which is very humble indeed.

Throw in your favorite combo of dried fruit (of which mine are apricots and cherries) and you have granola that is fit for a king and queen. In my humble opinion... as the queen of this space, this granola with the sweet and salt thing going for it, is hard to resist. I never thought I'd be sharing a recipe for granola; but I guess one can't have a blog without a recipe for granola. At least from what I've seen. It seems everyone who's anyone has a recipe for granola and many have more than one.

Sweet and Salty Crack Granola

So what finally made me cross the bridge into granola land? I have no idea. But I'm glad I did. And anyone that has tasted this, is glad I did, too! A few weeks ago, which seems like forever, I brought this up to the mountains to eat for breakfast. We had been invited to spend a weekend with friends and I offered to bring breakfast. I did bring some awesome scones, which I'll supply you with later, and some great homemade jams. Plus this granola. Which we ate for breakfast. And which we ate by the handful while walking out the door, with another handful when walking in the door. It's good granola and I'm not one to wax eloquently about oats, but these are worth it.

I remember when making granola and homemade yogurt used to be part of everyone's repertoire- at least the repertoire of college campuses in the 70's. I never got into it back then and always partook of the few ready made varieties. Of course I could have gone into the few health food stores and dipped the scoop into a bin and probably met a few granola heads on the way. But I didn't. I liked pizza and beer too much; which meant I didn't eat breakfast too early. But I did make a pretty good gorp with lots of M and M's for our weekend hikes; probably using Quaker Oats granola out of the box.

Sweet and Salty Crack Granola

It's been a busy month; I mean the one that is over-though this one shows no sign of letting up. August found me helping my folks get ready for the big move and then the in laws arrived pulling the 5th wheel. At the age of 82 they are still enjoying the ride-so to speak. Well, they pulled out today and now I feel like I'm 82. I apologize for not keeping up with all my buds in cyberspace and plan on relaxing and reading about some good food in the next few days.

Of course, there's nothing like relaxing without a big bowl of this amazing sweet and salty granola by my side. Add a huge glass of milk and truly, I way prefer these over granola bars!

Sweet and Salty Crack Granola

More ways to get some oats:

Banana Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

Oatmeal Crunch (Perfect as an Ice Cream or Yogurt Topping!)

Coconut Oil Granola with Pineapple and Cashews

Pineapple and Cashew Coconut Oil Granola

The Best Oatmeal Cookies

oatmeal cookies

Please Pin and Share!

Sweet and Salty Granola this …

If you haven't had enough of me, I'd love it if you follow me!

instagram.com/this_is_how_i_cook
facebook.com/ThisICook
pinterest.com/thisishowicook
bloglovin.com/blogs/this-is-how-i-cook
twitter.com/aodenwalder

Thanks so much. You are appreciated!

(This is an updated post from 2014)

Print

Recipe

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sweet and Salty Granola

Almost Crack Granola

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Abbe Odenwalder
  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 Minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 5-6 Cups 1x
  • Category: Breakfast/Snack
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

This amazing sweet and salty, almost crack granola comes from the best restaurant in the world. Sweet and salty makes this incredibly addicting!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ c oats
  • 1 c nuts (I use sliced almonds)
  • ⅓ c pepitas or green pumpkin seeds
  • ¼ c chia seeds
  • 2-3 t coarse kosher salt (I use Morton's) Do not use table salt. It will be way too salty!
  • ⅓ c brown sugar
  • ⅓ c maple syrup
  • ⅓ c olive oil
  • ½ c sliced dried apricots
  • ½ c dried cherries
  • ½ c golden or dark raisins

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300.
  • Stir oats, nuts, pepitas, chia seeds and salt in a large bowl.
  • Heat brown sugar, maple syrup, and olive oil in a large measuring cup in microwave for about 1 minute or until the sugar dissolves. Pour over oat mixture in mixing bowl and stir well.
  • Place on a parchment lined 15 x 10 jelly roll pan and pat into one layer. Bake at 300 for about 30-40 minutes, stirring as necessary until light to dark gold, (your choice) however the less you stir the more clusters this will make. When baked to your liking, remove from oven.
Sprinkle and lightly press dried fruit on top of granola but do not stir it in. Wait until this cools and then break into pieces while mixing in fruit.
Feel free to mix up your fruit/nut combo. The original recipe also contains coconut flakes. Imagine that with macadamias and dried pineapple. Hmm. Time for a new batch!

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @this_is_how_i_cook on Instagram and hashtag it #thisishowicook


Share this recipe!

More Breakfast

  • baked french toast casseerole with blueberries and condensed milk in white ceramic dish
    Condensed Milk Baked French Toast Casserole
  • cornbread breakfast casserole
    Amazing Cornbread Breakfast Casserole
  • slice of mushroom quiche on white plate
    Best Substitute for Gruyere Cheese in Quiche
  • baked eggs en cocotte in ramekin
    Easy Baked Eggs En Cocotte Recipe

Comments

    I Love Comments! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. ellen says

    June 06, 2024 at 6:45 am

    Wondering if I can leave out the chia seeds? if so, what could I replace it with or just leave it out?

    Reply
    • Abbe says

      June 06, 2024 at 10:39 am

      Just leave them out! Or just increase the nuts by 1/4 cup. I love this recipe and hope you do also!

      Reply
  2. Susan says

    April 03, 2019 at 12:26 pm

    I love making homemade granola. Mine is pretty much throw in every seed and nut possible and I love all of the dried fruit in yours, Abbe!

    Reply
  3. sippitysup says

    April 01, 2019 at 11:20 am

    My blog doesn't have a recipe for granola and now it looks like it doesn't need to! The bar has been set too high! GREG

    Reply
  4. Easyfoodsmith says

    March 31, 2019 at 11:31 am

    We love granola and I am in love with this sweet and salty version

    Reply
  5. Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says

    March 29, 2019 at 2:36 pm

    I need more granola in my life. I have a recipe I've been wanting to make from a famous restaurant in Sedona. It will be fun to compare the two.

    Reply
  6. Juliana says

    March 29, 2019 at 2:17 pm

    Oh Abbe...I love the salty and sweet version of this granola...looks great with all the dry fruits...something that I would munch all day long. Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  7. Holly says

    March 29, 2019 at 7:28 am

    Looks good! I think handfuls of granola are addicting too. Load mine up with those dried cherries!

    Reply
  8. angiesrecipes says

    March 28, 2019 at 11:51 pm

    I could snack on those crunchy granola all day long!

    Reply
  9. Gin says

    November 20, 2015 at 5:00 pm

    This looks yummy!! I love all the fruit, definitely addictive! This would make a nice gift too.

    Reply
  10. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says

    September 10, 2014 at 9:37 am

    Apricots in mine for sure! I wish I didn't have to work today and go straight into the kitchen to make this! Sounds sensational, can't wait to try it Abbe.

    Reply
  11. Cheri Savory Spoon says

    September 06, 2014 at 2:40 pm

    Hi Abbe, I take granola with me when we hike, love this recipe.

    Reply
  12. kumars kitchen says

    September 06, 2014 at 5:03 am

    what a delicious granola recipe...and we loved those beautiful,artistic bowl and spoon,thanks 🙂

    Reply
  13. Bam's Kitchen says

    September 06, 2014 at 4:41 am

    I think I would love this as a snack mid-day. I find granola addictive, don't you? Great little recipe and I hope life slows down a little bit for you. Take care, BAM

    Reply
  14. sprinklesandsauce says

    September 06, 2014 at 2:11 am

    this granola looks super healthy and filling!

    Reply
  15. SavoringTime in the Kitchen says

    September 05, 2014 at 11:12 pm

    This reminds me - I need a fix! Granola fix, of course 🙂 I love granola and this sounds like a great recipe. Seems I eat more of it in the cooler months for whatever reason!

    Reply
  16. Biz says

    September 05, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    I make my copycat Nature valley granola bars every week - and I call them crack too - but for no other reason than my husband will actually eat it with yogurt and fruit, which I am thrilled - he will actually let me know when he's getting low!

    http://www.mybizzykitchen.com/2014/03/27/copycat-nature-valley-crunchy-granola-bars/

    Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  17. bellini says

    September 05, 2014 at 10:35 am

    Granola has to have copious amounts of dried fruit. I have granola often on top of yogurt which is usually from a box. This must change.

    Reply
  18. Daniela Grimburg says

    September 05, 2014 at 2:30 am

    This granola looks absolutely addictive.
    Your bowls and the spoon are so pretty, Abbe.

    Reply
  19. Amy (Savory Moments) says

    September 04, 2014 at 11:39 pm

    I love homemade granola and yours looks terrific!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      September 05, 2014 at 2:27 am

      Thanks, Amy. give it a try and let me know what you think!

      Reply
  20. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says

    September 04, 2014 at 11:18 pm

    This is so aptly named. Maybe remove almost. 🙂

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      September 05, 2014 at 2:26 am

      It wasn't to tough, Maureen! But you can remove almost if you want!

      Reply
  21. Guru Uru says

    September 04, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    I need this granola - if it is addictive, I want it 😀

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      September 05, 2014 at 2:25 am

      Be careful! Addictions can be dangerous!

      Reply
  22. chefmimiblog.com says

    September 04, 2014 at 12:58 pm

    I love the name of your granola! Darn, now I have to do a granola post! Great recipe!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      September 05, 2014 at 2:25 am

      Thanks Mimi! It is really good, but you can vary it is so many ways. Can't wait to see your version!

      Reply
  23. Sharon D says

    September 04, 2014 at 9:23 am

    This looks so good - I could munch on it all day, I think! I really love the bowl and the spoon. It's beautiful. Thanks for taking time out to write this post, Abbe. You must be tired! xo

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      September 05, 2014 at 2:24 am

      Aw Sharon, you are so sweet. The little spoon was from my mom's house. She is trying to give a lot to us kids. And I believe this may have been part of my grandmother's spoon collection. I love it, too!

      Reply
  24. Angie Schneider says

    September 04, 2014 at 4:12 am

    o granola...so addictive! My husband loves it a lot, esp. if I made them into energy bars. Your muesli bowls are so pretty.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      September 05, 2014 at 2:23 am

      Thanks, Angie! Moroccan bowls from a friend in Israel. I love them-and her!

      Reply
  25. Ansh says

    September 04, 2014 at 3:44 am

    I might just make this because you say this is crack granola. This looks like something I would be addicted to.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      September 05, 2014 at 2:22 am

      Well, I've never had crack so I guess this will have to do! And it is addicting for people like me with no willpower!

      Reply
    • Ansh Dhar says

      April 17, 2015 at 9:10 pm

      Making this today, Abbe. Will keep you posted 😀

      Reply
  26. Kitchen Riffs says

    September 04, 2014 at 1:48 am

    I think granola is the new bacon. 😉 Well, OK, nothing will ever replace bacon, but it sure is popular. Although maybe a granola bacon? Is that even possible? I guess not, so we'll have to settle for plain old crack granola, and yours sure qualifies. This looks terrific -- thanks.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      September 05, 2014 at 2:21 am

      Sure makes you wonder, John! Maybe not bacon granola, but perhaps bacon maple granola bars. now that's a thought!

      Reply
  27. Karen Harris says

    September 03, 2014 at 11:46 pm

    Oh my gosh, so funny! And after spending a week in Texas with my mother, I am laughing with you not at you. She wore me out! I guess I need to get my granola recipe up on my blog because you made me realize that is one recipe I haven't covered. Yours looks wonderful. Love the dried fruit.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      September 05, 2014 at 2:20 am

      Let's get together again soon, Karen. I bet we have a lot of tales to share. And I bet your granola is great!

      Reply
  28. Liz Berg says

    September 03, 2014 at 11:08 pm

    Yup, it will be apricots and cherries for me, too! Can't help but make some crack granola here, too!
    PS...we would have been fast friends in college...pizza and beer was a given!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      September 05, 2014 at 2:19 am

      i have no doubt we would have been fast friends. Com back to Denver soon, Liz!

      Reply
Abbe Odenwalder - The Great American Recipe Season 2

Welcome!

You may have spotted me on Season 2 of the PBS series “The Great American Recipe.” Being part of a group labeled “the best home cooks in America” is a lot to live up to, but I’m up for the challenge! I'm glad you are here and hope I can set a place for you at my table!

More about me

Popular Posts

  • Lots of Cheese QuesadillasCrispy Mini Cheese Quesadillas - Easy Party Recipe January 22, 2020
  • New Mexican Green ChileEasy Green Chile New Mexican Style October 23, 2019
  • Pepperidge Farm stuffingDelicious and Easy Pepperidge Farm Stuffing November 19, 2019
  • Cornbread Blueberry Bread PuddingEasy Cornbread Bread Pudding with Blueberries February 13, 2020
  • Peruvian Green SauceAmazing Peruvian Green Sauce Recipe January 7, 2021

Footer

↑ back to top

Notices

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

© 2011-2025 This is How I Cook. All Rights Reserved.