Spiced Nuts Recipe

Irresistibly Crunchy Spiced Nuts Recipe for Snack Lovers

Mixing spiced nuts takes your snacking game to unexpected heights.

Crunchy, fragrant almonds and cashews become irresistible with a custom blend of seasonings.

Each handful promises a zesty adventure that awakens taste buds.

Home kitchens can easily craft these addictive treats with minimal effort.

The secret lies in balanced spices that dance between warmth and complexity.

Roasting transforms ordinary nuts into extraordinary nibbles you cannot resist.

Grab a skillet and get ready to create something deliciously memorable.

Why Spiced Nuts Make The Best Snack

  • Whip Up a Quick Crowd-Pleaser: These spiced nuts are surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.
  • Transform Snack Time with Gourmet Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, maple syrup, and warming spices creates an irresistible sweet and savory treat that elevates ordinary nuts into a sophisticated snack.
  • Versatile Entertaining Companion: Great for holiday gatherings, movie nights, or as a homemade gift, these spiced nuts add a touch of culinary magic to any occasion and can be prepared in under 45 minutes.
  • Batch and Store with Ease: The recipe yields a generous amount that stays fresh for up to two weeks in an airtight container, making it a convenient make-ahead option for spontaneous snacking or unexpected guests.

What You’ll Need For Spiced Nuts

Nuts:
  • Mixed Nuts: Hearty base for the spicy coating, offers a variety of textures and flavors. Best to use raw, unsalted nuts for optimal seasoning absorption.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Egg White: Creates a sticky base for spices to adhere to the nuts. Fresh eggs work best for optimal frothiness.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweet caramelization and helps create a crunchy exterior. Dark brown sugar provides deeper flavor.
  • Maple Syrup: Optional sweetener that enhances overall depth and richness. Pure maple syrup recommended for best results.
Spice Blend:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cayenne Pepper: Provide warm, complex flavor profile with a subtle heat. Freshly ground spices offer more intense taste. Adjust cayenne for desired spice level.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.

Steps To Make Spiced Nuts At Home

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Warm your oven to a cozy 300°F (150°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, creating a perfect non-stick surface for your spicy nutty adventure.

Step 2: Whip Up The Magical Coating

In a spacious mixing bowl, transform the egg white into a fluffy cloud by whisking vigorously. Then add:
  • Brown sugar
  • Maple syrup
  • Warm spices like cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Cayenne pepper (optional for extra kick)

Blend everything until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Dress The Nuts

Toss your mixed nuts into the spicy coating. Gently fold and stir until each nut is completely embraced by the delicious mixture. Make sure every single nut gets a flavorful hug.

Step 4: Spread And Roast

Arrange the coated nuts in a single, even layer on your prepared baking sheet. No crowding allowed! Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic happen.

Step 5: Watch And Stir

Roast the nuts for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, use a spatula to gently turn and shuffle the nuts. This ensures they toast evenly and develop a gorgeous golden color.

Step 6: Cool And Crisp

Once out of the oven, let the nuts rest on the baking sheet. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool down. Patience is key for that perfect crunch.

Step 7: Store And Enjoy

Once completely cooled, transfer your spiced nuts to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks – if they last that long!

Tips To Get Crunchy Spiced Nuts

  • Whip Egg White Perfectly: Ensure the egg white reaches a light, frothy texture by whisking vigorously for 1-2 minutes, creating the ideal sticky base for spices to cling to nuts.
  • Balance Spice Blend: Experiment with different spice combinations like cinnamon, cayenne, or nutmeg to customize flavor profiles while maintaining a harmonious taste.
  • Prevent Burning Technique: Stir nuts midway through baking to ensure even toasting and prevent any sections from becoming overly dark or burnt.
  • Maximize Crunch Factor: Allow nuts to cool completely on the baking sheet, letting residual heat continue crisping them for maximum texture and crunchiness.
  • Smart Storage Strategy: Use an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and preserve the nuts' delicate spice coating for up to two weeks.

How To Store Spiced Nuts

  • Seal these delectable spiced nuts in an airtight glass or ceramic container to maintain their crisp texture and rich flavor.
  • Keep the container in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause nuts to become rancid quickly.
  • Refrigeration works wonderfully if you want to extend their shelf life up to one month, preventing any potential spoilage and preserving their delightful crunch.
  • Always use clean, dry utensils when handling the nuts to prevent moisture introduction, which could compromise their perfect roasted quality and potentially lead to unwanted mold growth.

Great Matches For Spiced Nuts

  • Pair with Warming Beverages: Complement these spiced nuts with a rich, aromatic mulled wine or a smooth bourbon that echoes the warm spices in the recipe. The deep, complex flavors will dance beautifully with the nutty, sweet coating.
  • Match with Cheese Plate: Serve alongside a selection of aged cheddar, creamy brie, and blue cheese. The nuts' sweet and spicy profile creates a delightful contrast with the rich, tangy cheese textures.
  • Create Cocktail Companion: Mix these nuts with a classic old fashioned or a spiced rum cocktail. The similar warm spice notes will enhance both the drink and the snack, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
  • Breakfast Boost: Sprinkle over Greek yogurt or add to morning oatmeal for a crunchy, flavorful start to the day. The nuts' sweet-spicy blend adds excitement to a simple breakfast routine.

Tasty Variations Of Spiced Nuts

  • Nutty Trail Mix Upgrade: Transform the spiced nuts into a hearty trail mix by adding dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips, and pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and flavor variety.
  • Mediterranean Herb Blend: Replace traditional spices with rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a savory Mediterranean-inspired nut recipe that pairs perfectly with cheese and wine.
  • Sweet Cinnamon Coconut Version: Incorporate shredded coconut and increase cinnamon quantity, creating a tropical-inspired coating that adds sweetness and texture to the original recipe.
  • Smoky Chipotle Kick: Introduce ground chipotle pepper and smoked paprika for a spicy, smoky version that delivers a bold flavor profile for heat-loving nut enthusiasts.

Spiced Nuts Questions Answered

  • What makes these spiced nuts special?

These nuts are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with a crispy coating that makes them irresistibly delicious. The combination of brown sugar, maple syrup, and warm spices creates a unique flavor that elevates simple mixed nuts.

  • Can I use different types of nuts?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with mixed nuts, you can customize it with your favorite nuts like almonds, pecans, walnuts, or cashews. Just ensure they’re raw or unsalted for the best results.

  • How do I prevent the nuts from burning?

Stir the nuts halfway through baking and keep an eye on them. Baking at a low temperature (300F) helps prevent burning and ensures even toasting. Watch for a golden color, which indicates they’re perfectly done.

  • Are these nuts healthy?

Nuts are packed with healthy proteins, good fats, and nutrients. While the added sugar makes them a treat, they’re still more nutritious than many processed snacks. Enjoy them in moderation as a delightful, somewhat wholesome snack.

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Spiced Nuts Recipe

Spiced Nuts Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Spiced nuts deliver a tantalizing explosion of warmth and crunch, perfect for snacking or entertaining. Packed with aromatic spices and roasted to golden perfection, you’ll savor these irresistible morsels that elevate any gathering with their rich, complex flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Nuts:

  • 3 cups mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts)

Binding & Sweeteners:

  • 1 egg white
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Spices & Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a gentle 300°F (150°C), creating a low-heat environment perfect for slowly roasting nuts. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring easy cleanup and preventing the spiced nuts from sticking.
  2. Create a fragrant coating by whisking the egg white until it transforms into a light, airy foam. Incorporate the rich brown sugar, optional maple syrup, and a blend of warming spices, stirring until the mixture becomes a harmonious, glossy blend.
  3. Gently tumble the mixed nuts into the spice-infused mixture, carefully coating each nut with the aromatic glaze. Use a spatula or your hands to ensure every morsel is thoroughly embraced by the sweet and spicy mixture.
  4. Arrange the coated nuts in a single, even layer across the prepared baking sheet, allowing maximum exposure to the oven’s heat. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, pausing midway to stir and promote even browning.
  5. Remove the nuts from the oven when they reach a golden, toasted perfection. Allow them to rest on the baking sheet, where they’ll continue to crisp and develop a satisfying crunch as they cool completely.
  6. Once cooled, transfer the spiced nuts to an airtight container, preserving their crisp texture and bold flavors for up to two weeks of delightful snacking.

Notes

  • Adjust spice levels by experimenting with different combinations like cinnamon, cayenne, or smoked paprika to create a personalized flavor profile.
  • Swap maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for alternative sweetening options that work perfectly with the nuts.
  • Use a variety of nuts like almonds, pecans, cashews, and walnuts to add texture and diverse nutritional benefits to the mix.
  • Ensure even coating by gently folding nuts into the egg white mixture, preventing clumping and guaranteeing each nut gets a delicious spice layer.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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