Most spiced nuts are really candied nuts in disguise, but not these! My savory spiced nuts started as a game of telephone, passed from friend to friend until I tweaked them into a healthier version with NO sugar or butter. Just mixed nuts, a warm spice blend and 20 minutes on one sheet pan, and you’ve got yourself a wrappable holiday or hostess gift, or a party snack.
Ingredient Notes
- ASSORTED RAW NUTS: Start with raw, unsalted nuts so the spices bake right in as they toast…and you control the salt. I used cashews, almonds, Brazil nuts and pecans, but any mix you love works.
- SPICES: In the cooler months I reach for a cozy blend of cumin, chili powder, turmeric and a pinch of cinnamon. Go lighter or heavier on the cayenne to control the heat, but always keep the black pepper…it helps your body absorb the curcumin, the anti-inflammatory compound in the turmeric. I’ve also tested these nuts with my shawarma spice blend and no salt taco seasoning, and BOTH are amazing!
- OLIVE OIL: I use just a little olive oil to help the spices coat the nuts evenly and stick while they roast…so every bite is full of flavor without feeling greasy. My glass spray bottle lets me use even less than the recipe calls for.
Spiced Nut Recipe: Make it yours!
I first tasted these at a friend’s house and asked for the recipe. She texted over “Julie’s Spicy Party Nuts,” which had started out as “Louise’s Nutty Nuts.” So when I made them for a party in LA…you guessed it, they became “Deb’s Savory Spiced Nuts.”
Along the way, I shortened the ingredient list, combined a few steps and played with the oil until I had a healthier mix that’s simple to make. Now it’s your turn: tweak the nuts and spices, and give them your own name!
Debra’s Pro Tips
- Give them room: Use a rimmed baking sheet big enough to hold the nuts in a single layer (or use two)…crowded nuts steam instead of roast.
- Watch the Pecans: They brown faster than other nuts. If they’re in your mix, check them at 12 minutes.
- Food Gift Idea: Fill a mason jar with tasty spiced nuts, add a ribbon, and voila—the perfect hostess gift.
- Make ahead: Store in reusable silicone freezer safe bags in the freezer for up to 3 months. I like to keep a glass jar on the counter for an easy grab and go snack.
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📖 Recipe
Savory Spiced Nuts Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 cups assorted raw nuts approximately 30-oz
- 2 tblsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together all spices.
- Spread nuts in a single layer on rimmed baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil (or mist with water for oil-free) and mix until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with spice mixture and mix until evenly distributed.
- Roast for 15 minutes. If using pecans, check at 12 minutes.
- Cool completely and store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or store them in the freezer for 3 months.
Notes
Nutrition
Note
The nutrition calculations were done using online tools. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete and useful.
Elizabeth
Can’t stop eating these! Delicious!
Debra Klein
Totally agree…thanks for stopping by and come again soon!
Marti Sevier
These are great! I love the fact that this is a big enough recipe to share at the holidays and contain no sugar. Thank you!
Debra Klein
You’re welcome. I prefer a savory spice mixture on roasted nuts too.
L
Excellent! I tripled recipe. Put the nuts in a lg bowl, Combined spices in separate small bowl. Drizzled olive oil over nuts, using about half what recipe called for. Stirred to coat, then sprinkled spices over. Stirred to coat. Spread onto sheet pans, placed them on the 2 center racks of oven for 12 minutes. Watch pecans- they seem to burn sooner. Turned out great! So quick & easy. When completely cooled, filled many jars for gifts.
Rose
Thought the turmeric flavor was a little strong. I do like turmeric in soup and chicken dishes. Added two handfuls of raisins and it helped balance the flavor.
Debra Klein
Personally, I love the turmeric in this recipe, but I’m glad you figured it out. Sounds like a great trail mix with the raisins.
Patty
Hi. This sounds delicious. Before I try the recipe, I want to clarify an ingredient.
For chili powder, are you using the mixture of spices called “chili powder”
or powder of chili peppers alone? (it would probably be good either way)
Thanks so much!
Debra Klein
You can buy “chili powder” or “chili powder blend” in the spice aisle of your local grocery store. In this recipe, either is fine. Be sure to read the label because some also contain sodium, which is not good if you’re on a low sodium diet. There are plenty of brands that do not include salt, but you must be a detective. Some brands will identify cumin, oregano, garlic powder, paprika in the ingredient list and others will say something like “natural flavors.” If the label is not specific, sometimes they’re hiding a lesser quality ingredient. Buy a reputable brand that tells you exactly what’s in it, with ingredients that you know work well for you.
Joan Wagner
I finally found a savory, roasted nut medley with a cayenne kick! I’ve made 2 triple batches and will be shipping to my children and grandkiddos as part of their Christmas boxes this year! We made a batch for ourselves first and we were NOT disappointed!! THANK YOU!!
Debra Klein
You’re welcome. Love that you are shipping this savory nut mix out as gifts! Sharing is caring!!
Becca
I was looking for a good foundational recipe for healthier spiced nuts–all of the ones I found called for melted butter and sugar. I used a spice mix of tumeric, rosemary, some chili powder, salt and a small bit of maple syrup. These turned out fantastic and the bowl was empty by the time my guests left. I’ll definitely hang on to this recipe as I play around with various spices! Thanks!
Debra Klein
OOh….sounds like a great flavor combo!
Stephanie
Really quick and easy to whip up. Searched for a nut recipe that didn’t contain sugar and found this keeper.
Debra Klein
No sugar tasty nuts…plus quick and easy…exactly why I love this recipe too!
Jeanne
What a great combination of flavors. Not way do they last 2 weeks! One thing I learned is that 2 tablespoons of oil rather than 3 worked well for us. Thanks for a keeper!
Debra Klein
Yeah, they don’t last long around here either…way to go, eliminating some of the oil!!
Sandi
Looking forward to making these as gifts for our neighbors.
Debra Klein
I’m sure they will love them…..I give them to my neighbors every year.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
It looks delicious. I wish this were in front of me right now.
Debra Klein
Good for you that it doesn’t take long to make a batch!
Audrey
These make such a wonderful gift!
Debra Klein
Right? I usually take them as hostess gifts when I go to a party.
Raquel
Making these for family this year! Such a great recipe!
Debra Klein
It is…and so easy too. Plus, people really appreciate a homemade gift.
Dora
I never roasted nuts before. I almost left off the cinnamon. So glad I didn’t. These are wonderful! So easy!
Debra Klein
Awesome! Simple for the win! And, I also love the cinnamon in there.
Trish Bozeman
I’m saving this for Christmas time! This would make the perfect food gift. They would be suuuuper dangerous as a snack in our house though because we would eat them all way to fast. LOL!
Debra Klein
They are definitely addictive.
Jenni LeBaron
I love a good nut mix and these spices are perfectly on point. Roasting them brings out such delicious flavors too! Would love to snack on this mix all day!
Debra Klein
Yup…the flavors are delicious and it’s hard to stop eating these.
Tracy
Every year I think the SAME thing: “when did 4th of July get here?!” It sneaks up on us every year. I love this recipe and that it’s so customizable. This is one of the ones I have a really hard time with though bc before I know it I’ll have eaten 20 servings! Crunchy salty is my weakness!!
Debra Klein
Mine too! I try to pour a serving into a small bowl (and put the rest away) when I’m home snacking.
Daniela
I LOVE the spice combination in these nuts! I’m a big of turmeric, but I also like that there’s a little bit of cayenne in there to keep things interesting. These would be great in a cheese platter or as a simple snack while watching a movie. Great recipe!
Debra Klein
Thanks and I agree about the cayenne…..fun and tasty.
Pam Greer
We love to snack on nuts!! I’ve tried a few recipes for spiced nuts and I can say without a doubt that this one is the best!!
Debra Klein
Thanks so much! Enjoy.
Tina
I wondered about spiced nuts. Occasionally I would see them given out as gifts at Christmas time. Thanks for this, going to make this during the holidays for gifts. I know my hubby is going to love these.
Debra Klein
Awesome gift idea…so many fun ways to package them too.
Gloria
This sound deliciously addictive. What a great recipe. It would be fun to play with the spice profile. This would make an awesome food gift too.
Debra Klein
Absolutely addictive!! I make these during the holidays for edible gifts and throughout the year as hostess gifts.
L
Excellent! I tripled recipe. Put the nuts in a lg bowl, Combined spices in separate small bowl. Drizzled olive oil over nuts, using about half what recipe called for. Stirred to coat, then sprinkled spices over. Stirred to coat. Spread onto sheet pans, placed them on the 2 center racks of oven for 12 minutes. Watch pecans- they seem to burn sooner. Turned out great! So quick & easy. When completely cooled, filled many jars for gifts.
Debra Klein
Yay…A fabulously tasty gift. People appreciate something homemade so much!