Spiced Rosemary Roasted Nuts are a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors, making them a standout snack for holidays or everyday munching.
This snack is rich in plant-based protein, heart-healthy unsaturated fats, and fiber, providing sustained energy and supporting satiety.
Low in saturated fat and free from dairy, gluten, and refined sugar, these nuts are suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian diets.
The addition of rosemary, cumin, and a touch of cayenne gives them an enticing, gourmet flavor without adding unnecessary calories.
With a quick roasting time and minimal prep, this recipe is not only easy and fuss-free but also ideal for making in bulk for parties, snack bowls, or meal prep.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Baking Sheet
Ensures even roasting and prevents burning while providing enough space for the nuts to spread. Essential for cookies, roasted vegetables, and other oven-baked treats.
Parchment Paper
Creates a non-stick surface for roasting, making cleanup effortless and protecting the pan. Also great for baking, candy-making, and lining pans for easy release.
Mixing Bowl
Used to combine nuts with oil, maple syrup, and spices evenly. Versatile for tossing salads, marinating proteins, or mixing batters.
Measuring Spoons & Cups
Ensures precise measurement of nuts, oils, and spices for balanced flavor. Indispensable for baking, cooking, and portion control.
Wire Cooling Rack
Allows roasted nuts to cool evenly, preventing sogginess and preserving crispness. Useful for cooling baked goods, drying herbs, or glazing pastries.
20-Minute Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Walnuts
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Measuring spoons & cups
- 1 Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups 240 g Assorted Raw Mixed Nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, brazil nuts)
- 1 tbsp 15 ml Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp 15 ml Maple Syrup
- 2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary finely chopped
- ¼ tsp Ground Cumin
- ⅛ tsp Ground Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Flaky Sea Salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven for Roasting: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and position the rack in the center to ensure even heat distribution. This low-temperature roasting preserves the nuts’ natural oils while allowing them to become golden and crunchy without burning.
- Initial Nut Roasting: Spread the assorted raw nuts evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer for uniform roasting. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and roast the nuts for 8 minutes to lightly toast them and awaken their natural aroma.
- Prepare Flavor Coating Mixture: While the nuts are roasting, combine the olive oil, maple syrup, finely chopped fresh rosemary, ground cumin, cayenne, and flaky sea salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth, fragrant coating that will evenly envelop each nut later.
- Coat Roasted Nuts: Remove the partially roasted nuts from the oven carefully and transfer them into the prepared bowl with the spice and oil mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly with a spatula or spoon, ensuring every nut is evenly coated with the sweet, savory, and aromatic blend.
- Final Roasting to Golden Perfection: Return the coated nuts to the parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading them back into a single, even layer to avoid clumping. Bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, keeping a close eye to achieve a golden-brown color while maintaining crunch and preventing burning.
- Cool Nuts on Wire Rack: Once baked, carefully transfer the nuts onto a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool completely, which ensures they crisp up fully and develop their optimal flavor. Avoid skipping this step to prevent sogginess.
- Serve or Store for Later: Once cooled, transfer the nuts to a serving bowl for immediate enjoyment, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This keeps the nuts fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor for snacking or gifting.
Notes
- Use a variety of nuts such as almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, or Brazil nuts for a rich flavor and textural contrast.
- Make sure to coat the nuts evenly with the oil, syrup, and spice mixture to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
- Roast at a low temperature to prevent burning while achieving a crisp, golden texture.
- Allow nuts to cool completely on a wire rack for maximum crunch.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture from softening the nuts.
Chef’s Secrets For Optimal Flavor
The key to perfectly roasted nuts lies in balancing heat and timing.
A lower oven temperature allows the natural oils to bloom without burning the nuts, while partial roasting before adding the seasoning ensures maximum flavor absorption.
Fresh rosemary adds a vibrant, aromatic quality that dried herbs can’t replicate, and the combination of maple syrup, cumin, and cayenne creates a subtle sweet-spicy contrast.
Gently tossing the nuts rather than shaking them vigorously helps maintain their integrity and prevents breakage, giving you a visually appealing, evenly coated snack every time.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
Spiced Rosemary Roasted Nuts are versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways.
Serve them in a decorative bowl as an appetizer during holiday gatherings or parties, or sprinkle them over a salad for added crunch and flavor.
They also pair beautifully with cheese platters, charcuterie boards, or roasted vegetables.
For a cozy snack, enjoy them alongside your favorite hot beverage or wine, making them perfect for entertaining or casual everyday snacking.
Storage Tips For Long-Lasting Freshness
These roasted nuts maintain their crunch and flavor when stored properly.
Let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container, and keep them in a cool, dry place at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Avoid refrigeration, which can introduce moisture and soften the nuts.
For longer storage, nuts can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.
Reheat briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven to restore crispness if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. Can I use all one type of nut?
Yes, you can use only almonds, cashews, or pecans, but a mix provides better flavor complexity and texture contrast. Adjust roasting time slightly if using larger or smaller nuts.
2. Is maple syrup necessary?
Maple syrup adds a gentle sweetness that balances the spices, but honey or agave syrup can be substituted if desired.
3. Can I make these nuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! They can be roasted and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks or frozen for longer shelf life.
4. How do I avoid burning the nuts?
Roast at a low temperature (300°F/150°C) and watch closely, stirring once to ensure even browning. Partial roasting before adding seasoning also helps prevent burning.
5. Are these nuts suitable for special diets?
Yes, these nuts are naturally gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, and free from refined sugar, making them perfect for a wide range of dietary preferences.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by gourmandeinthekitchen. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
