There are lots of ways to make party perfect nuts, and here’s our version! This spiced nuts recipe is coated in a crunchy sugar and spice coating, which helps pack in the flavor. It uses an egg white to help the spices adhere to the nuts and adds a glossy, firm exterior. We used a mix of pecans, walnuts, peanuts and almonds, which was perfect: but you can use any nuts you have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe: Why we love this recipe: The spices make the nuts irresistible: cinnamon, chili powder, and bit of cayenne make an intriguing mix of sweet, savory and spicy. Every time we take a handful, we want another! These were a big hit in our house, and they’re perfect for parties, holiday and Christmas appetizers, and more. They save well in the pantry and freezer, so make a big batch! You’ll be glad you did.
Ingredients for this spiced nuts recipe
Mixed nuts: a mix of pecans, walnuts, peanuts, almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, etc Granulated sugar Light brown sugar Cinnamon Chili powder Cayenne Vanilla Egg white Salt
How to make spiced nuts
This spiced nuts recipe is based on our method for candied pecans and candied walnuts. In our research for those classic treats, we found a no-fail method: bake the nuts with spices, sugar, and an egg white in a 325 degree Fahrenheit oven. This process locks in the flavor and you don’t have to worry about candying nuts on the stovetop and checking the temperature with a food thermometer. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe below):
Mix: Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then toss them with the nuts. Spread onto a baking sheet: Spread the nuts in a single layer on a parchment lined sheet. Bake 30 minutes at 325°F, stirring once. When you stir the first time, the nuts will look very foamy: that’s ok! Give them a thorough stir and then continue to cook until they are light brown and hardened.
Storage info
Spiced nuts store well and stay crunchy over the entire storage time! This makes them great for making a big batch in advance. Here are a few tips for storage:
Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks in a sealed plastic bag or jar. Or, store frozen for up to 2 months. If so, remove all extra air from the bag using a straw. Make sure to fully cool them before storing. The nuts cool in about 10 minutes and are ready to eat. But before you store them, allow them to cool for at least 45 minutes so they don’t have an residual moisture. For holiday gifts, store in lidded jars. This spiced nuts recipe makes for great DIY holiday gifts, too! Make sure to indicate on the jar to store for up to 2 weeks.
Ways to serve these spiced nuts
You can use spiced nuts for many other things, outside of a big bowl on an appetizer table! Here are some ideas:
Use for salads like a crunchy apple salad, strawberry salad, or spinach salad Crumble over ice cream for a quick and easy dessert Add to pancakes or waffles as a fun breakfast topping Crumble over oatmeal for a crunchy way to start the day Add to an appetizer spread like an antipasto platter or cheese board
More party appetizers
Love entertaining and snacking trays? Here are a few more ideas for easy appetizers:
Try an Ultimate Antipasto Platter or Ultimate Cheese Board Go for Olive Tapenade or Marinated Mushrooms Make Easy Fruit Dip or Quick Veggie Dip Whip up this Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer or Bruschetta Go classic with Spinach Artichoke Dip
This spiced nuts recipe is…
Vegetarian and gluten-free. No reviews
