Sweet and Spicy Roasted Almonds Recipe
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Almonds are a perfect snack combining the natural crunch of almonds with a delightful blend of honey sweetness and a spicy kick from cayenne pepper. Roasted to a golden brown, these almonds offer a balanced flavor profile ideal for snacking or gifting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Almonds and Coating
- 2 cups whole almonds
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Spicy Sugar Mix
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½-1 ¼ teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust based on heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) and position a rack in the center. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper, placing one near the oven for later use.
- Prepare Almonds: Spread the almonds evenly on one prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and honey, then sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt to ensure even seasoning.
- Initial Roast and Stir: Place the almonds in the oven for 3 minutes. Remove and stir thoroughly to coat all almonds evenly with the honey and oil mixture. Spread almonds back into a single layer on the pan.
- Roast to Golden Brown: Return the almonds to the oven and roast for 10 to 13 minutes until they turn a golden brown. Halfway through the cooking time, stir and spread the almonds evenly once more to ensure uniform roasting.
- Mix Spicy Sugar: While almonds bake, in a separate bowl combine sugar, cayenne pepper (start with less and add to taste), and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir well and set aside.
- Coat Roasted Almonds: Once roasted, transfer almonds onto the clean parchment-lined sheet pan, leaving behind any honey and oil residue. Immediately sprinkle the spicy sugar mixture over the warm almonds and toss vigorously with two spoons to coat thoroughly.
- Cool and Store: Spread the coated almonds back into a single layer and allow them to cool completely. Store in an airtight container or jar to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control spice level; start low and increase to taste.
- Ensure almonds are spread evenly in a single layer for uniform roasting.
- Use parchment-lined pans to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Store cooled almonds in airtight containers to preserve crispness.
- These nuts make a great homemade gift when packaged in decorative jars.
