Easy First Watch Copycat Granola Recipe

This Easy First Watch Copycat Granola Recipe gives you that same crunchy, toasty, lightly sweet magic you get at the restaurant—without paying café prices. It’s simple, fast, and perfect for topping yogurt, smoothie bowls, or just grabbing by the handful straight off the tray

If you’re obsessed with the granola at First Watch, buckle up—you’re about to make a batch that tastes just as good (maybe better) right in your own kitchen.

This homemade version is crunchy, lightly sweet, and packed with those toasty oat-and-nut clusters everyone fights over.

It’s the kind of granola you sprinkle on yogurt, eat by the handful, or stash for busy mornings when you need something that doesn’t taste like cardboard.

Simple ingredients, big flavor, and absolutely zero mystery ingredients—just the way it should be.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Big, crunchy clusters — the kind you actually want to dig for in the bag.
• Simple pantry ingredients — nothing weird, nothing fancy, just real food that tastes great.
• Perfect sweetness — lightly sweetened so it feels like a treat without being dessert-level sugary.
• Ridiculously versatile — sprinkle it on yogurt, parfaits, smoothies, oatmeal, or just grab a handful and call it a snack.
• Way cheaper than buying it — make a big batch at home and enjoy café-quality granola without the café price tag.

First Watch Granola Ingredients

• Rolled Oats: hearty whole grains that bake into crisp clusters
• Almonds: lightly crunchy nuts boosting texture and protein
• Sunflower seeds: tiny seeds giving extra crunch and balance
• Wheat Germ: Adding bold, toasty flavor
• Agave Syrup: natural sweetness that caramelizes into golden clusters
• Maple syrup: warm maple sweetness for deeper flavor notes
• Coconut oil: helps bind ingredients and create crisp texture
• Brown Sugar and Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth to every bite
• Vanilla extract: smooth, aromatic flavor enhancing overall sweetness
• Salt: a small pinch that sharpens and balances flavors

Recipe Variations, Add Ins:

• Dried Fruit: Add raisins, cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots for natural sweetness.
• Nuts & Seeds: Mix in almonds, pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
• Spices: Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice for warm, cozy flavors.
• Chocolate: Fold in mini chocolate chips or cocoa nibs after baking for a sweet twist.
• Coconut: Add unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
• Nut Butter: Stir in peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for richness and extra protein.
• Yogurt Topping: Serve granola over Greek yogurt with fresh fruit for a quick breakfast parfait.

How To Make First Watch Granola

Step One: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step Two: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir to evenly distribute.

Step Three: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt coconut oil with agave syrup, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly warm. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly, ensuring every oat and nut is coated.

Step Four: Spread the granola in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through for even browning.

Expert Tips

• Even Coating Matters: Make sure the wet ingredients (coconut oil, maple syrup, agave, and vanilla) fully coat all oats and nuts for consistent crunch.
• Stir Halfway: Stir granola halfway through baking to prevent burning and ensure even browning.
• Don’t Skip Cooling: Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet—it will crisp up as it cools.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer shelf life.
• Customize Sweetness: Adjust maple or agave syrup to taste if you prefer it sweeter or less sweet.
• Add Mix-Ins After Baking: Dried fruits, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes should be added after baking to avoid burning.

Storing Instructions

Allow the granola to cool completely before storing to maintain its crispiness. Transfer it to an airtight container or glass jar, and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

First Watch Copycat Granola Recipe Faqs

Can I make this granola gluten-free? Yes! Use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all add-ins, like wheat germ or other ingredients, are gluten-free.

How long does this granola stay fresh? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the fridge for up to a month.

Can I use other nuts or seeds? Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds all work well. Just adjust quantities to maintain the desired texture.

Can I make this granola less sweet? Yes, reduce the agave syrup, maple syrup, or brown sugar to your preferred sweetness level.

How do I get large, chunky clusters? Press the granola gently onto the baking sheet before baking and avoid over-stirring during the first 10–15 minutes in the oven.

Can I add dried fruit? Yes! Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots after baking to prevent them from drying out in the oven.

Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Use a larger baking sheet or split into two pans to ensure even baking and browning.

More Copycat First Watch Recipes

Easy First Watch Iced Coffee Recipe

Easy Million Dollar Bacon (First Watch Copycat)

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