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Delicately seasoned with an irresistible crunch, this recipe for warm nuts is effortless to make and yields the perfect guilt-free snack. Stovetop, oven, and slow cooker instructions included!
Whenever I have guests over, it’s a safe bet I’ll have a bowl of nuts on the table. As much as I love candied nuts or trail mix, something about warmly seasoned nuts tends to feel more sophisticated.
These warm nuts are perfectly seasoned with fresh rosemary, warm cumin, and a touch of heat from the cayenne. A dash of salt and sugar adds an unbeatable savory yet sweet flavor, making for a unique snack sure to impress, especially on Christmas!
Table of Contents
Why this recipe works
- Endlessly customizable. You can use whatever nuts you like and switch up the spices to suit your preferences. We’ll be sure to give you tons of flavor combinations later on.
- 3 cooking methods. Depending on how much time you have or how hands-on you want to be, there are 3 equally great cooking methods to choose from.
- A healthy snack. Skip the sugar, and you still have a healthy treat packed with protein and good-for-you fats.
If you have a few half-empty bags of nuts in your pantry, this is the perfect recipe for you to try. For more easy nut recipes, try our candied almonds and pecans!
Ingredients needed
This recipe calls for a handful of basic kitchen staples, most of which you probably have on hand right now. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- Raw almonds and cashews. I prefer to use raw nuts instead of roasted nuts since they crisp up nicely without running the risk of burning.
- Olive oil. For the spices to stick to the nuts. Use unsalted melted butter for a more decadent recipe.
- Spices. Of all the spice blends I tried, I really like the combination of fresh rosemary, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Sea salt. To amplify the rest of the ingredients and add that unmistakable savory element.
- Coconut palm sugar. Optional but good if you like the sweet and savory flavor combo. You can also use dark brown sugar or maple syrup.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to make warm nuts on the stovetop
Step 1- Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together the nuts, spices, salt, and sugar (if using).
Step 2- Cook the nuts. Heat a pan on low heat with olive oil. Once hot, add the spiced nut mixture and cover. Cook, while stirring occasionally, until the nuts are golden brown, warm, and aromatic.
How to make oven-baked nuts
Step 1- Prep work. Preheat the oven to 350F/180C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2- Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together the nuts, spices, salt, sugar, and olive oil. Spread the nut mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3- Bake. Bake the nuts for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
How to make slow-cooked nuts
Step 1- Combine spices and oil. In a small bowl, mix the spices, sugar, salt, and oil.
Step 2- Combine ingredients. Add the nuts to the slow cooker and pour over the oil mixture. Stir to fully coat the nuts.
Step 3- Slow cook. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and let sit for an additional 30 minutes.
Recipe tips and variations
- Let the nuts cool completely before storing.
- Enjoy them fresh, and try to avoid reheating previously reheated nuts since they will eventually turn soggy.
- Switch up the spices. Smoked paprika, mustard powder, chili powder, garlic salt, and curry powder are great options.
- Add fresh ingredients. Toss the nuts in minced garlic or thinly sliced shallots. They’ll dry out and become milder, infusing the nuts with more flavor.
- Swap the salt. Try a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for a similar savory element.
- Use different nuts. I’ve tried this recipe with walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, and pumpkin seeds, so feel free to use whatever combination of nuts you have on hand.
Storage instructions
To store: Allow the nuts to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.
To reheat: Microwave for 1 minute or until warm, and cover with a cloth until you’re ready to serve. Or reheat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until reheated.
To freeze: Store cooled leftover nuts in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Frequently asked questions
Warming or toasting nuts initiates a browning reaction that makes them more flavorful and gives them the ideal crisp texture.
Yes, if you’re in a pinch, you can microwave nuts to warm them, though I prefer the low and slow cooking method since that tends to bring out more flavor in the nuts.
I’m using raw nuts since they’ll get properly toasted during the cooking process. Plus, using raw nuts helps ensure they don’t become burnt or too crispy.
More savory snacks you’ll enjoy
- Zucchini fries– Crispy, crunchy zucchini fries made with no added oil in the oven or air fryer.
- Chicharrones– The ultimate salty snack made from fried (or baked) pork skin.
- Shrimp chips– Don’t knock it till you try it. These shrimp chips are delicately flavored and make the perfect crunchy snack.
- Veggie chips– Use whatever root veggies you have on hand to make these guilt-free, effortless chips.
- Peanut butter crackers– A tasty, healthy snack recipe you can feel good about sharing with your family.
- Roasted chickpeas– 7 flavors to choose from and ZERO oil.
Warm Nuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoon rosemary
- 2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar optional
Instructions
Stovetop directions
- In a small bowl, mix together the nuts, spices, salt and optional sugar and set aside.
- Heat a pan on low heat with olive oil until hot. Add the spiced nut mixture and on low heat and covered, cook until golden and warm.
Oven Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and and line a large baking tray with baking paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and spread in a single layer on the pan and place in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until just golden.
Slow cooker directions
- In a small bowl, mix the spices and oil and set aside.
- Add the nuts to the slow cooker, cover in the spice/oil mixture until fully coated and cook on high for 30 minutes. Uncover and let sit for 30 minutes.
To reheat
- Microwave the nuts for 1 minute or until very hot and remove and cover with a cloth or towel for 5 minutes before serving.
- You can also do this stovetop by lightly toasting until hot WITHOUT added oil (continue to stir the entire time) and remove, cover for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe originally published July 2015 but updated to include new information for your benefit.
For years I have been eating basic plain nuts. This is perfect comfort food snack for cold winter.
I always eat raw nuts I never tried to flavour them.
Interesting!