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
Scale
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
