As the holiday season approaches, savory snacks become the life of the party. Crunchy spiced nuts are not just delicious—they’re easy to make and full of flavor! Perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire, these 12 recipes will keep your guests munching happily. Let’s dive into these nutty delights!
1. Sweet and Spicy Maple Pecans
These pecans are a delightful balance of sweetness and heat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss pecans with maple syrup, cayenne, and salt; spread on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Make it Unique:
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth.
2. Herbed Mixed Nuts
Savory and aromatic, perfect for a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, hazelnuts)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Sea salt to taste
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix nuts with oil, herbs, garlic powder, and salt; spread evenly.
- Roast for 10-12 minutes, stirring once.
Make it Unique:
Substitute rosemary with thyme for a different twist.
3. Spicy Chili-Lime Cashews
Crisp and zesty, these nuts are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Sea salt to taste
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss cashews with oil, zest, chili powder, and salt.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
4. Honey Roasted Almonds
Sweet and crunchy, these almonds are a classic holiday treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almonds
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix almonds with honey, cinnamon, and salt.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway.
Make it Unique:
Drizzle with a bit of vanilla extract before baking.
5. Garlic Parmesan Walnuts
Decadent and savory, these walnuts are a gourmet snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups walnuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Black pepper to taste
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine walnuts with cheese, garlic, oil, and pepper.
- Roast for 10-15 minutes, stirring.
Make it Unique:
Add fresh parsley for color and fresh flavor.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
Sweet and indulgent, these pecans capture holiday spirit.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil sugar, cinnamon, and water; mix in pecans.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Mix in a touch of nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
7. Spiced Coconut Almonds
These nutty bites bring tropical warmth to your snacks.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almonds
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 cup honey
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss almonds with coconut, cardamom, and honey.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add a hint of vanilla to enhance sweetness.
8. Zesty Lemon Pistachios
Bright and tangy, these pistachios are a delightful surprise.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pistachios
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix pistachios with oil, lemon zest, and salt.
- Roast for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Infuse with extra lime zest for added flavor.
9. Rosemary Garlic Macadamia Nuts
These creamy nuts bring a gourmet touch to your festivities.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups macadamia nuts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Roast for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Mix in some crushed red pepper for heat.
10. Smoky Paprika Peanuts
Bold and smoky, these peanuts pack a punch of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups raw peanuts
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss peanuts with oil, paprika, and salt.
- Roast for 10-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Substitute paprika for cayenne for a hotter version.
11. Maple Bourbon Walnuts
These luxurious walnuts are indulgently sweet with a hint of whiskey.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups walnuts
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix walnuts with syrup, bourbon, and cinnamon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway.
Make it Unique:
Omit bourbon for a kid-friendly version.
12. Sweet Curry Cashews
Exotic and flavorful, these cashews bring a world of taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cashews
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- Sea salt to taste
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss cashews with oil, curry powder, and salt.
- Roast for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add toasted coconut flakes for crunch and flavor.
Snacking on these crunchy spiced nuts will definitely bring festive cheer to your gatherings. Each recipe offers a unique flavor and zest, perfect for sharing or savoring alone! Try one or all of these recipes to elevate your holiday snacking game. Happy munching!