What Types Of Oats Can You Use For Granola?

I love a good bowl of granola with yogurt and fresh fruit in the morning.

If I feel like it, I may also top off some freshly baked waffles or pancakes with it to add a bit of crunch!

Granola can be made with a variety of ingredients, including oats.

But what types of oats can you best use for granola?

There are different types of oats you can use for granola, but the best type of oats to use are rolled oats. Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, are a type of whole grain oat that has been steamed and then rolled into flakes. They have a chewy texture that is perfect for granola.

So, rolled oats are perfect for making granola, but what if you happen to have only quick oats or steel-cut oats on hand? Can you use these for granola as well?

And how do you know when your granola is done?

Let’s dive in and find out right away!

Can You Use Quick Oats For Granola?

Quick oats can technically be used for granola, but they will not provide the same texture as rolled oats.

Quick oats, or instant oats, are made from whole groats that have been cut into smaller pieces and then steamed.

This process makes them cook faster than rolled oats, but it also gives them a softer texture.

Because of their softer texture, quick oats may not hold up as well in granola. They can also make granola less crunchy.

If you do decide to use quick oats, it is best to add less liquid to your recipe to maintain a bit of crunch.

Can You Use Steel-Cut Oats For Granola?

Like quick oats, steel-cut oats can also be used for granola.

Steel-cut oats are made from whole groats that have been cut into smaller pieces.

However, they are not steamed like quick oats.

Steel-cut oats are also a bit higher in fiber than other types of processed oats, so they’re an excellent choice to integrate in recipes that call for oats!

Can You Use Porridge Oats For Granola?

Porridge oats are similar to rolled oats, but they are usually thinner and smaller.

Porridge oats can be used in granola, but as with other types of quick oats, they will not provide the same texture as rolled oats would.

As advised for the other types of oats mentioned above, adding less liquid ingredients to your granola recipe can help when it comes to maintaining a bit of a crunchy texture (instead of the granola becoming soggy as a result of not being able to absorb the amount of liquid).

Does All Granola Have Oats?

No, not all granola has oats. There are many recipes for grain-free granola that use ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.

These types of granola can be just as tasty and nutritious as oat-based granolas.

An example of some great granola that doesn’t contain oats is this grain-free maple cinnamon granola.

Other Questions You May Have:

How Do You Know When Homemade Granola Is Done?

The best way to know when granola is done is to look at the color.

Granola should be golden brown and slightly crisp.

You can also try tasting a few pieces to see if they are crunchy.

If the granola is not yet crunchy, you can cook it for a longer amount of time.

Once the granola is done, you can remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.

Why Is My Homemade Granola Not Crunchy?

There are a few reasons why your granola might not be as crunchy as you would like.

If you are using quick oats or steel-cut oats, they do not provide the same crunchy texture as rolled oats would.

Another reason why your granola might not be crunchy is because you are using too much oil.

If you find that your granola is not as crunchy as you would like, you can try adding more oats, using less liquid ingredients or cooking it for a longer amount of time.

Why Is My Homemade Granola Chewy?

If your granola is chewy, it may be because you are using rolled oats.

Rolled oats have a chewier texture than quick oats or steel-cut oats.

Another reason why your granola might be chewy is because you are using too much honey or syrup.

How Do You Store Homemade Granola?

Once your granola is cooled, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

You can also store granola in the freezer for up to six months.

If you are planning on storing granola in the freezer, make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Why Does My Granola (Bar) Fall Apart?

If your granola is falling apart, it can be due to several reasons.

You may either not have used enough maple syrup or honey (which helps the granola to stick together) or haven’t cooked the granola for long enough.

Using too much oil can also be the culprit.

If you find that your granola is falling apart, you can also try storing the granola (or granola bars) in the fridge or freezer to see if that helps it stay together.

What Can I Add To My Homemade Granola?

There are many things you can add to granola, such as nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.

You can also add spices like cinnamon, ginger or even pumpkin spice to give it a unique twist!

Maple syrup or honey are great to help make the granola stick together.

In Conclusion

So, when it comes to making the perfect granola, using rolled oats is the way to go.

They have a chewy texture that is perfect for holding together all of the delicious ingredients in granola.

If you don’t have rolled oats on hand however, it is also possible to use quick oats, steel-cut oats or porridge oats but they will not provide the same texture and bite.

Whether you choose to make oat-based or grain-free granola, the possibilities are endless!

Get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your breakfast!