Granola is a favorite snack of many. Its on-the-go nature and versatility make it easy to add to almost any dish. Additionally, because granola is often loaded with nutrients, it can be enjoyed on its own as a healthy and filling snack. Though granola is usually eaten by the handful, there are several ways that you can enjoy this wonderful treat. Use granola to top your yogurt, enjoy it as a cereal, or bake it into a bar. No matter how you choose to enjoy granola, it's sure to be great. That being said, here at Bob's Red Mill, we do have a favorite way of enjoying granolagranola balls! Rolling granola into a ball shape to enjoy as you're heading out the door is a simple way to ensure that you always have a healthy snack on hand. Plus, when made with mouthwatering flavors like peanut butter, it's highly satisfying. Eager to learn more about how you can create peanut butter granola balls? Continue reading as we walk you through the basics.

What Is Granola?

Before you begin enjoying mouthfuls of granola, let's discuss the ingredients used to make it. While granola has been around for many years, not everyone knows where it comes from. Granola is a highly customizable treat, and because of that, there is no wrong way to make it. Granola is a crunchy topping created from dried oats, oil and a sweetener in its most basic form. That being said, most granolas contain add-ins like dried fruit, seeds, nuts, coconut flakes and spices. Because granola is such a popular food item, there are hundreds of different recipes, each with a unique taste and texture. Determining which recipe you'd like to make largely depends on your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

What Is a Granola Ball?

Now, we'd guess that you've tried granola a time a two. And while you may be used to using granola as a delicious topping, not everyone has enjoyed it rolled up into an energy ball. So, what are granola balls, and how do you make them? Chewy granola balls as the perfect mid-day snackespecially when you're craving something healthy and filling. So scrumptious that both children and adults enjoy them, most granola balls are made with whole grains, protein, fruits, nuts and seeds, making them an excellent way to ensure that your children receive their nutrients. Enjoy them as an on-the-go snack, pack them as the perfect after-practice treat, or devour them as a healthy dessert. Keeping a batch of granola balls on hand is an excellent way to keep your family from reaching for the candy jar.

How to Make Granola Balls

Now that you know just how great of a treat granola balls can be, you're likely wondering how to make them. Luckily, making granola balls is easy and doesn't require advanced baking skills. With just a bit of peanut butter, granola can be shaped into tasty bite-sized pieces that offer a great chewy texture. Ready to whip up a batch of your own? Continue reading for step-by-step instructions.  

Loaded Peanut Butter Protein Balls

When making granola balls, you must use nut butter like peanut butter to help bind the ingredients together and create a ball shape. Though peanut butter is our personal favorite, almost any nut-butter can be used to make these granola bars fit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Ingredients:

• 2 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats (192 g)
• cup Shredded Coconut (40 g)
• cup Hulled Hemp Seed (38 g)
• cup Golden Flaxseed Meal (26 g)
• cup Organic Chia Seeds (52 g)
• cup Almond Protein Powder (44 g)
• tsp Salt
• cup Creamy Peanut Butter or Almond Butter (132 g)
• cup Honey (120 mL)
• 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil

Instructions:

1. Starting with a medium bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and stir until thoroughly mixed.
2. Next, combine the peanut butter, honey and coconut oil in a microwave-safe container. Once the wet ingredients are combined, microwave them for 45 seconds or until all ingredients are melted and mixed.
3. Add the wet peanut butter mixture to the dry ingredients and stir everything together evenly.
4. Scoop about a tablespoon of the combined mixture out onto a baking sheet and roll it, shaping it into a ball.
5. Repeat as many times as necessary until all of the batter has been used. This recipe typically makes 42-48 protein balls.
6. Refrigerate the protein balls for 1-2 hours to achieve desired consistency and enjoy!
7. Unless you're serving a large crowd, it's unlikely that all of the protein balls will be enjoyed in one sitting. Leftover protein balls can be placed in an airtight container and stored for 3-5 days.

Note:Eating raw oats is generally safe, but may cause digestive issues or increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Additional Granola Recipes

Peanut butter granola isn't the only kind that you can turn into a delicious protein ball. Several homemade granola recipes can easily be turned into this delicious snack with the help of a bit of nut butter. To discover homemade granola recipes that you're family will enjoy, review this guide to Healthy Granola Recipes, or take a glance at the ones we've listed below.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola

Adding chocolate to your favorite granola recipe is an excellent way to turn a savory and salty treat into a bite-sized dessert. If you're a fan of chocolate and peanut butter together, then this Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola is bound to become one of your favorites. Like most dishes, homemade granola is not only fun and easy to make, but it also tastes better than many store-bought varieties. Whether that's due to the slight customizations you may make, or the bit of love poured into each batter, it's sure to be a treat everyone will enjoy. Additionally, because homemade granola can be made with just a few simple ingredients, you may have everything you need in your pantry to get started. To make this Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola, our Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats are combined with unsweetened cocoa powder, creamy peanut butter and a bit of maple syrup. Each ingredient offers unique sweet and salty flavors, making it a treat that will satisfy all cravings. Cooked in about 30 minutes, to turn this granola into protein bites, combine it with a bit of extra nut butter after baking, and roll it into bite-sized pieces.

Vanilla Seed High Protein Granola

Not only does granola make for a great breakfast, but it can also serve as a tasty snack throughout the day. While granola on its own is loaded with protein, when combined with a protein powder like Bob's Red Mill Almond Protein Powder, the nutritional benefits are only amplified. So whether you're searching for a snack to offer your children after soccer practice or need a pick-me-up after your gym session, granola is an excellent option. For protein-packed granola that you can quickly turn into granola balls, try out this Vanilla Seed High Protein Granola. Made with Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Premium Shelled Sunflower Seeds, Almond Protein Powder and Flaxseed, it's a granola overflowing with protein and omega-3s. Its delicious vanilla flavor will combine perfectly with the nut butter of your choice, making it easy to turn this snack into bite-sized balls. Simple, flavorful and easy to make, it's the ideal choice for on-the-go snacking.

Store-Bought Granola

While we're big fans of making granola at home, several store-bought varieties are just as great when made with wholesome ingredients. If you need a quick treat and don't have time to make homemade granola, you can still make these granola balls. All you'll have to do is purchase pre-made granola and combine it with peanut butter! Not sure which kind of granola to purchase? While there are several different types of granola to choose from, we recommend paying close attention to the ingredients used. First, search for granola that uses wholesome ingredients, like this Peanut Butter Homestyle Granola. Granolas made with fresh and simple ingredients will look and taste similar to homemade granola. Then, once you've chosen your granola, pair it with nut butter like peanut butter and form it into bite-sized balls. Now that you know how easy it is to make peanut butter granola balls, it's time to whip up a batch of your own. Choose from one of the granola recipes above, or create one from scratch. We're confident that no matter what you bake up, it's bound to be delicious. From the Bob's Red Mill Family to yours, have a happy and healthy day! Do you enjoy making granola bars? We'd love to hear about the many different granolas you use to create this treat. Share your favorites with us in the comments below.