Apple Cheddar Granola Bars

Looking for a tasty and satisfying snack that combines the sweet crunch of apples with the savory goodness of cheddar cheese? These Apple Cheddar Granola Bars are the perfect solution for a delicious and nutritious treat you can enjoy on the go or as a midday pick-me-up. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, these homemade granola bars are easy to make and a great alternative to store-bought options filled with preservatives and additives.

**Apple Cheddar Granola Bars**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups old-fashioned oats
– 1 cup chopped dried apples
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/3 cup honey
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Oven and Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped dried apples, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Pour the melted butter and honey over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir everything together until the mixture is well coated and starts to clump together slightly.

4. **Press into Pan:** Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spoon or your hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, making sure to compact it well.

5. **Bake:** Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set.

6. **Cool and Slice:** Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the granola slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into bars of your desired size.

7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Your homemade Apple Cheddar Granola Bars are now ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

These Apple Cheddar Granola Bars are not only a delicious snack but also a versatile option that can be customized to suit your tastes. Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to create your unique flavor combinations. Whether you pack them in lunchboxes, enjoy them as an afternoon treat, or grab one for a quick breakfast on busy mornings, these granola bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start baking up a batch of these wholesome and flavorful bars today!