Best Basic Granola

Fact: Homemade granola beats anything you can buy in the store. And thankfully, it's also the simplest baking project out there. Toss everything together, bake, and boom — you'll have the most delicious granola your morning yogurt has ever seen. Another great advantage of our best basic granola recipe (granola made any way you like) is that it is fully customizable. Don't have any pumpkin seeds? Don't worry, you don't have to cook them. Or, by the way, add some chopped coconut. Mix the spices according to what you have / like, or don't add them at all. For extra flavor, use melted coconut oil. Powdered milk listed in the list of ingredients does contribute to the formation of “lumps”, but if you don't have it in the pantry yet, there's no need to run to the grocery store. (Your granola should still have some delicious bits in it.) However, one of the ingredients you won't want to give up is egg white — it helps create a perfectly crunchy, husk-covered glaze for your granola. For more tips on making our best base granola and recommendations for substitutions, be sure to check out this guide.
Preheat the oven to 275°F.Combine the oats, nuts, pumpkin seeds, powdered milk (if using), chia seeds, sesame seeds, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and egg white until smooth. Pour the oatmeal mixture over the honey mixture and stir to coat evenly. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet with sides.Bake at 275 °F, stirring (and spreading evenly) every 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and browned-about 1 hour, just 15-20 minutes. Allow the granola to cool completely and form a crisp crust on the baking sheet. Store in an airtight container.