These sweet and savory Bar Nuts are the perfect snack for any gathering—whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or looking for a crunchy, flavorful treat to accompany your favorite cocktail. The combination of warm spices, a hint of sweetness, and the richness of roasted nuts makes them utterly addictive. You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, adding more or less heat, sweetness, or saltiness. This recipe works with a variety of nuts—almonds, cashews, pecans, or a mix—so feel free to get creative with your selection. The best part? You can prepare them in advance, and they keep well for several days, making them a great make-ahead snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, and/or walnuts)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the nuts from sticking.
- Prepare the Nut Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mixed nuts with olive oil (or melted butter), brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the nuts well until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. If you like, stir in some finely chopped rosemary for an extra burst of flavor.
- Bake the Nuts: Spread the seasoned nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure the nuts toast evenly. Keep an eye on them as they bake—they can burn quickly toward the end, so check often after the 15-minute mark.
- Cool and Serve: Once golden and fragrant, remove the nuts from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. The nuts will continue to crisp up as they cool. Once cooled, serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Enjoy your bar nuts with a cold beer, a glass of wine, or just as a satisfying snack on their own. They’re the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy, and they’ll quickly become a crowd favorite!
