This healthy granola recipe, made with popped sorghum, is toasty, nutty, and packed with all sorts of textures. Naturally sweetened, this homemade granola recipe is made with 100% whole-grains, low in fat, low in sugar, high in fiber, and even gluten-free. It’s exactly what granola should be—both delicious and great for you. 

G always comments on how I’m a snacker, not a meal-eater. And he’s right, I think I like the variety. But when summer rolls around, my snacking takes on a whole new meaning. I’m not sure if it’s the heat or the longer days, but all I really need are small snacks scattered throughout the day. However, the thing about being a rampant snacker is you’ve got to find snacks that are healthy, satisfying, and obviously delicious.

Homemade granola recipe set on a dark baking sheet

That’s where this homemade healthy granola recipe comes in. And the best part about the recipe, aside from being super easy, is that you can customize it however you like. Mix and match the ingredients so it’s something you like. If you aren’t a fan of pepitas (pumpkin seeds), use chopped raw almonds. Don’t have flax seeds? Use chia seeds or sunflower seeds. You see what I’m getting at. This healthy granola recipe is forgiving, which makes it that much more fun.

Homemade granola in a white bowl with milk pouring into bowl.

The cowbell of this recipe is that it features fiber- and protein-rich popped sorghum as one of the whole-grains. And don’t be steered away by the sound of popping your own sorghum. Just like cooking popcorn on the stove, it’s easy, I promise. Plus, I walk you through the process of popping sorghum in the recipe, or you can get a base recipe and tutorial in this article.

Homemade healthy granola with popped sorghum in a metal tin

For this recipe, whole-grain sorghum is necessary for it’s popping qualities. But don’t worry, if there are a few grains that don’t pop up, they’re still edible. Unlike popcorn kernels, you can eat unpopped sorghum grain. Plus, when toasted, the tiny grains add an additional crunchy component.

Homemade healthy granola recipe in a white bowl and in a metal tin

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Homemade granola recipe set on a dark baking sheet

Healthy Granola with Popped Sorghum

  • Author: Lauren Grant of Zestful Kitchen
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 cups 1x

Description

This healthy granola recipe is toasty, nutty, and packed with all sorts of textures. Naturally sweetened, this homemade granola recipe is made with 100% whole-grains, low in fat, low in sugar, high in fiber, and gluten free. And it’s exactly what granola should be—both delicious and great for you.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil
  • ¼ cup whole-grain sorghum, such as NuLife Market
  • ¾ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • ½ cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • 2 tablespoons flax seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ ground cardamom (optional)
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Heat oven to 375°F.

Toast oats in a single layer on a baking in oven until lightly golden and fragrant, about 6 minutes; transfer to a large bowl.

Heat a pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for at least 5 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon coconut oil and swirl around.

Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons sorghum and cook, stirring continuously, and partially covering with lid if needed, until most of the grains have popped, 8–10 minutes, being careful not to burn unpopped grains; transfer to bowl with oats.

Return pot to heat, add remaining teaspoon coconut oil and 2 tablespoons sorghum and repeat popping process; transfer to bowl with oats and popped sorghum.

Add coconut, pepitas, flax seeds, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cardamom (if using) to oat mixture and stir to combine.

Whisk together maple syrup, honey, oil, and vanilla; add to oat mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.

Transfer granola mixture to baking sheet and press into an even layer. Bake until granola is golden brown and fragrant, 10 minutes, stirring and pressing back down halfway through.

Let granola cool completely on baking sheet, then gently use a spatula to remove from pan, trying to keep clusters intact.

Transfer granola to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 1 month.


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Homemade healthy granola in a white bowl with milk pouring into it.

 

This post was sponsored by NuLife Market, as always the thoughts, opinions, recipe, photos, and content are all my own. 

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About The Author

Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.

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Comments

  1. This granola is so delicious! I couldn’t stop eating it. The coconut gives it great texture, pepitas are so beautiful, and the sorghum is yummy!!! I love this on strawberries with yogurt and honey. Highly recommend!

  2. Took me awhile to get the popped sorghum down…took a few tries until I stopped burning it! Lol But this granola is amazing! I had to stop eating it plain just so I had enough for my breakfast the next morning!

    1. It can be a bit challenging since they’re so small! I’m glad you got it though. Thanks for trying it! 🙂