If you love snacks that hit that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory, then you absolutely need to try this Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts Recipe. I discovered this recipe when I was looking for something crunchy and flavorful to toss out at parties, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The combination of fresh rosemary, maple syrup, and just a hint of salt creates nuts that are addictive in the best way. Stick around—I’m going to share all my tips so you can nail this recipe the very first time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these on hand, making it super easy to whip up anytime cravings hit.
- Perfect Flavor Combo: The rosemary adds an herbal punch that pairs beautifully with the sweetness and saltiness.
- Customizable: You can swap out nuts or add a spicy kick to suit your taste — I’ll show you how!
- Great for Every Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack, a gift, or party nibble, these nuts always impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right nuts and fresh rosemary really makes a huge difference. My favorite thing about this Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts Recipe is how flexible it is—you can pick your own mix of nuts and still get amazing flavor every time. Here’s what I use that works beautifully together.
- Mixed raw unsalted nuts: I usually go for cashews, walnuts, almonds, and pecans for a nice variety of textures and flavors.
- Oil or butter: Coconut oil is my personal favorite because it adds a subtle richness, but butter or olive oil works great too.
- Real maple syrup: This gives just the right natural sweetness without being overpowering or too sticky.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and a little caramelized flavor when roasted.
- Fresh rosemary: Finely minced is key here so the herbaceous aroma really shines.
- Sea salt: Coarsely-ground salt adds a satisfying crunch and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Optional chili or chipotle powder: For a spicy kick if you want to shake things up.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch (updated 2024!) — it deepens the overall flavor beautifully.
Variations
I love how flexible this Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts Recipe is because it lets you experiment based on what you love or happen to have in your pantry. Over time, I’ve tried a few tweaks that changed the flavor in fun ways—with each one worth a try.
- Spicy Version: Adding a pinch of chipotle or chili powder gave my nuts a smoky heat that my friends raved about at our last get-together.
- Nut Mix: Sometimes I swap out walnuts for pistachios or pecans for macadamia nuts depending on what’s fresh and in season.
- Oil choice: Using vegan butter instead of coconut oil gives a buttery depth that’s incredible for holiday gifting.
- Sweetener Swap: Occasionally I substitute honey for maple syrup when I want a slightly different floral note.
How to Make Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F. This temperature is key—it’s hot enough to roast the nuts evenly without burning them. While the oven warms up, get your nuts ready in a large mixing bowl. I usually give them a quick inspection to make sure there’s nothing out of the ordinary (sometimes I find tiny shells leftover).
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Glaze
Melt your oil or butter gently, either on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir in the real maple syrup and the finely minced fresh rosemary. Pour this glossy mixture over the nuts, then gently toss, making sure every nut gets a bit of that delicious glaze. Trust me, this step seals in the flavor like nothing else.
Step 3: Sugar, Salt, and Spice It Up
Next, sprinkle brown sugar, coarse sea salt, and any optional spices like chili powder over the glazed nuts. Toss again until all of the nuts have an even coat. This layering is where the sweet-salty magic starts to happen—a flavor combo that’s such a crowd-pleaser.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Spread the nuts out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Roast them for about 17 to 20 minutes, giving them a good stir halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep a close eye—nut roasting can go from golden to burnt surprisingly fast. You’ll know they’re done when they look toasty and smell incredible.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once roasted, set the nuts on the counter to cool, tossing them every so often to keep them from clumping. This is a great time to sneak a taste and adjust the salt if you want a bit more punch. I usually enjoy them warm, but let them cool completely for that satisfying crunch. Store any leftovers in an airtight container once cooled to keep them fresh.
Pro Tips for Making Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts Recipe
- Fresh Rosemary Matters: Using fresh minced rosemary instead of dried creates a fresher, brighter herb flavor that really stands out.
- Stirring is Key: Toss your nuts halfway through baking to avoid uneven roasting—this tip saved my first batch from being half-burnt!
- Don’t Skip Cooling Tosses: Keeping the nuts moving while cooling stops them from sticking together and helps maintain that perfect texture.
- Watch the Oven Time: Baking times vary depending on your oven and nut size—start checking around 15 minutes to prevent burning.
How to Serve Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
I sometimes toss the finished nuts with a little extra flaky sea salt or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right before serving. It amps up the savory notes and they look extra fancy for guests. A few fresh rosemary sprigs on the side also add a lovely fresh aroma and make for a pretty presentation.
Side Dishes
This Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts recipe pairs wonderfully with charcuterie boards, cheese plates, or alongside a crisp white wine. They also make a fantastic crunchy salad topper or a snack to keep at your desk for afternoon munching.
Creative Ways to Present
I like to package these nuts in small glass jars tied with twine and a handwritten label—great for gifting during holidays or as a thoughtful housewarming treat. Laying them on festive platters with fresh herbs and little bowls for dipping sauces can elevate even casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the nuts have cooled completely, I always transfer them to an airtight container. Stored this way, they keep perfectly fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature—if they last that long! I usually stash mine in a jar with a tight lid and it preserves their crunch and flavor nicely.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these nuts once or twice when I made extra batches for holiday gifts. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temp for about 30 minutes. I found freezing doesn’t affect their crunch or flavor much.
Reheating
If your roasted nuts lose some crispness after storage, just warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to freshen up that toasty crunch. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn—simple and effective for reviving that just-roasted feeling!
FAQs
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Can I use pre-roasted or salted nuts for this recipe?
It’s best to start with raw, unsalted nuts so you can control the seasoning and texture. Pre-roasted or salted nuts might affect how the glaze sticks and could result in overly salty or unevenly coated nuts.
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How long do these rosemary roasted mixed nuts stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and crunchy for about two weeks. Beyond that, they can start to lose their crispness but can be refreshed by a quick reheat in the oven.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative instead of butter, and most maple syrups are vegan-friendly. This recipe is naturally very adaptable to a vegan diet!
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What can I do if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
While fresh rosemary really makes a big difference, dried rosemary can be used in a pinch—just use about half the amount because it’s more concentrated and may be a bit tougher in texture.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts Recipe turns out every time—whether I’m making a quick snack or prepping for guests. It’s become such a cozy, go-to treat that I’m always excited to share it. If you try it, I bet you’ll find it as addictive as I do. Seriously, once you experience those warm, herb-infused bites with the perfect sweet and salty balance, you’ll want to make them again and again. So go ahead, give it a whirl—I promise it’s totally worth it!
Print
Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 pints (approximately)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sweet and Salty Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts offer a perfect balance of savory, mildly sweet, and salty flavors, enhanced by fresh rosemary and a touch of maple syrup. Easy to prepare and customizable with your choice of nuts, this recipe yields a highly addictive snack that’s great for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Mixed Nuts
- 1.5 pounds raw unsalted mixed nuts of choice (e.g., cashews, walnuts, almonds, pecans)
Coating
- 2 Tbsp oil or butter (coconut oil suggested; alternatives: butter, vegan butter, olive oil)
- 3 Tbsp real maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp fresh rosemary, finely minced
- 2 tsp sea salt, coarsely-ground preferred
- Optional: pinch of chili powder or chipotle powder
- Optional (2024 update): 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for roasting the nuts evenly and developing a toasty golden color.
- Combine Nuts. In a large mixing bowl, place your choice of raw mixed nuts, ensuring they’re unsalted for better control of seasoning.
- Prepare Coating. In a smaller bowl, melt your chosen oil or butter. Stir in real maple syrup and finely minced fresh rosemary to create a fragrant, flavorful glaze. If using, add the vanilla extract here for added depth.
- Coat Nuts. Pour the glaze mixture over the nuts while stirring to evenly coat all pieces thoroughly, ensuring each nut is enveloped in the flavorful mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients. Sprinkle brown sugar, sea salt, and the optional chili powder or chipotle powder over the glazed nuts. Stir and toss again to distribute these seasonings evenly among the nuts.
- Prepare Baking Sheet. Spread the nuts out evenly on a greased or parchment paper-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote even roasting.
- Roast Nuts. Bake in the preheated oven for 17 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even toasting. Watch closely to prevent burning—the nuts will become golden brown and emit a toasty aroma.
- Cool and Toss. Remove nuts from oven and set at room temperature. Periodically stir the nuts as they cool to prevent clumping and sticking, helping them crisp up properly.
- Taste and Adjust. During cooling, taste a few nuts and add more salt if desired to balance the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
- Serve and Store. Enjoy the nuts warm or cooled. Once fully cooled, store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile—you can use any combination of raw, unsalted nuts you prefer.
- Adding a pinch of chili or chipotle powder gives a nice spicy kick if you like a little heat.
- The nuts will not be very crunchy straight from the oven—they crisp up as they cool, so let them rest.
- For best results, stir and toss periodically during cooling to prevent sticking and clumping.
- Store cooled nuts in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to two weeks.
- This snack makes a great gift or party appetizer and can be customized with different herbs or spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (approx. 35g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
