Sweet Spicy Smokey Roasted Almonds Recipe

This easy Sweet Spicy Smokey Roasted Almonds recipe is made with almonds, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and a touch of olive oil. The result is a bold, crunchy, and addictive snack, creating a perfect treat for a game day party, a casual get-together, or a cozy movie night. This recipe makes a large batch, enough for 6-8 people to share.

Sweet Spicy Smokey Roasted Almonds Ingredients

• 4 cups whole raw almonds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt

How To Make Sweet Spicy Smokey Roasted Almonds

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Make the seasoning mix: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the sugar.
3. Coat the almonds: Add the whole raw almonds to the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Toss the almonds with a spatula or your hands until they are evenly coated.
4. Spread and roast: Spread the coated almonds in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. The almonds are done when they are fragrant and the coating is sticky and caramelized.
5. Cool completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the almonds cool completely. As they cool, the coating will harden and become crunchy. Break up any clumps before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Avoid Overcrowding: Spreading the almonds in a single layer is crucial for even roasting and to get that perfectly crunchy coating. If the sheet is too crowded, the almonds will steam instead of roast.
• Watch Them Closely: The sugar in the coating can burn quickly. Keep an eye on the almonds during the final minutes of roasting to prevent them from getting too dark.
• Adjust the Spice: You can easily adjust the level of heat. For less spice, use a half teaspoon of cayenne. For more heat, you can increase the amount or even add a pinch of chili powder.
• Cooling is Key: Don’t skip the cooling step. The texture of the almonds won’t be right until the sugary coating has completely hardened, which happens as they cool.

What To Serve Roasted Almonds

These versatile roasted almonds are the perfect snack on their own, but they also work wonderfully as part of a larger spread. Serve them in a small bowl alongside a cheese board with sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or blue cheese. They also make a great garnish for salads, adding a delicious crunch and a burst of flavor. You can also toss them into a stir-fry or serve them with a cold beer or a glass of dry red wine.

How To Store Roasted Almonds Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Storing is not necessary. The almonds will be fine at room temperature. Freeze: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the coating may be negatively affected upon thawing.
• RoomTemperature: Store the cooled almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They will remain fresh and crunchy.

Sweet Spicy Smokey Roasted Almonds Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 337 kcal
• Total Fat: 29.8g
• Saturated Fat: 2.2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 298mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 13.9g
• Dietary Fiber: 7.9g
• Sugars: 5.7g
• Protein: 12.3g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of nut? Yes, this recipe works great with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or cashews. The roasting time may need to be adjusted slightly, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• Can I make these without oil? The olive oil helps the coating stick to the almonds and prevents the spices from burning. While you can try to make them without it, the final result will be less cohesive and the seasoning may not stick as well.
• Why did my almonds come out sticky and not crunchy? This is likely because they were not cooled completely. The caramel-like coating needs time to fully harden. If they are still soft after cooling for 30 minutes, you can try placing them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to help them set.

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