These spiced roasted mixed nuts are a crunchy, flavorful snack that combines a sticky maple glaze with aromatic rosemary and smoky paprika.
Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats, they are naturally satisfying and low in saturated fat.
Quick to prepare and perfect for everyday snacking, they make an ideal option for meal prep, parties, or a nutritious nibble anytime.
Roasted Mixed Nuts with Spiced Maple Glaze
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 piece of parchment paper
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed nuts lightly salted or raw, unsalted
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp Sriracha
- ¾ tsp kosher salt split; omit if nuts are lightly salted
Instructions
- Preheat The Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 325°F (160°C). Make sure the oven rack is positioned in the center so that your nuts roast evenly without burning. While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare The Glaze Base: Take a small mixing bowl and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Gently melt the butter over a low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, taking care not to brown or burn it. The butter should be fully liquid and smooth, forming the creamy base for your glaze.
- Mix The Spices: To the melted butter, add 5 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary, and ½ teaspoon of Sriracha. If your nuts are unsalted, add ½ teaspoon of kosher salt at this stage. Use a spatula or whisk to combine thoroughly, ensuring the mixture is smooth, slightly sticky, and evenly blended. This glaze will coat the nuts, delivering both sweetness and aromatic spice.
- Arrange Nuts On Baking Sheet: Pour 4 cups of mixed nuts onto your prepared baking sheet. Use your hands or a spatula to spread them out into a single, even layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this will help the nuts roast evenly and develop a perfect crunch.
- Coat Nuts With Glaze: Slowly pour the prepared glaze over the nuts. Using a spatula, gently toss and fold the nuts in the glaze until every piece is fully coated. Make sure there are no dry spots, and the nuts are evenly spaced on the sheet for uniform roasting.
- First Stage Roasting: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the nuts for 10 minutes initially. This short first stage allows the glaze to set slightly without burning. After 10 minutes, remove the tray and stir the nuts thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula to break up any clumps and redistribute the coating.
- Second Stage Roasting: Return the nuts to the oven and continue roasting for an additional 8–10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during this stage to prevent the sugars in the maple syrup from burning. The nuts should turn golden brown and emit a rich, fragrant aroma.
- Final Seasoning: Once roasted, remove the nuts from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt evenly over the warm nuts. Toss gently to ensure the salt adheres to the glazed surface. This final seasoning step enhances flavor, balancing the sweet and smoky notes of the glaze.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the nuts to a cooling surface or leave them on the baking sheet. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature. The glaze will harden slightly, creating a perfect crunchy texture. Avoid tasting while hot, as the glaze may be sticky and overly soft.
- Serve Or Store: Once cooled, serve the nuts immediately as a snack or store in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. These nuts make a convenient snack, a salad topping, or a party appetizer, ready whenever you need a nutritious, protein-packed treat.
Notes
- You can easily double or triple this recipe to serve a larger crowd.
- Use any combination of nuts you prefer—almonds, cashews, pecans, or walnuts all work beautifully.
- Adjust the paprika for a smokier or milder flavor; half smoked and half regular paprika creates a balanced taste.
- Be cautious with the Sriracha—it adds heat; you can reduce or omit it for a milder version.
- Stirring the nuts during roasting is essential to prevent clumping and ensure even coating.
Chef’s Secrets To Perfect Nuts
To achieve the perfect roasted nuts, always use fresh, high-quality nuts.
Old nuts may taste bitter or lack crunch.
Melting the butter slowly without browning it preserves the glaze’s sweet flavor, while stirring the nuts midway prevents them from sticking together or burning.
For extra depth, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of vanilla extract to the glaze.
This adds warmth and complexity, making the nuts taste even more gourmet.
Serving Suggestions For Any Occasion
These glazed nuts are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways.
Serve them as a quick afternoon snack, pair them with cheese and fruit on a charcuterie board, or sprinkle them over salads and oatmeal for a crunchy, flavorful boost.
They also make an excellent homemade gift in a mason jar with a ribbon. Warm them slightly before serving to revive the aroma and crunch.
Storage Tips For Freshness
To maintain the nuts’ crispiness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Avoid sealing them while still warm, as condensation can make the nuts soggy.
When reheating, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to restore their fresh-roasted texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use raw nuts instead of salted ones?
Absolutely! If using raw, unsalted nuts, add a bit of salt in the glaze to balance the flavors.
Lightly salted nuts may require less additional salt.
2. Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes, you can substitute coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil.
The texture will remain slightly different, but the glaze will still coat the nuts nicely.
3. How do I prevent nuts from burning?
Stirring the nuts halfway through roasting is essential.
Also, keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as the sugar in the glaze can burn quickly.
4. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey works as a natural sweetener.
However, it may produce a slightly different texture and color. Reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.
5. How long will these nuts stay crunchy?
Stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, the nuts remain crunchy for up to a week.
Refrigeration can extend freshness up to two weeks, but always allow them to cool completely before sealing.
