If you plan to have guests over, ensure you have plenty of snackable appetizers on hand. This sweet and spicy roasted almond recipe will please anyone who tries them.
You can adjust the spice level depending on your preference – double the cayenne pepper for extra-spicy nuts. This snack also makes a great gift for the holidays or any other special occasion.
1. They’re Easy to Make
While roasted almonds are delicious on their own, adding cayenne pepper takes them to another level. These spicy almonds with cayenne pepper are the perfect snack for parties or any gathering where you want to add some pizazz. The heat from the cayenne is balanced by a little bit of salt, creating a flavorful and healthy snack that will please your guests.
To make these almonds, start by toasting the almonds in the oven until they are lightly golden brown and fragrant. This step is important because it helps the almonds retain their nutrients. After the almonds are toasted, stir together the sugar, salt, and cayenne in a large bowl. Add the roasted almonds and toss them thoroughly to coat them evenly in the sweet and spicy mixture.
If you’re making these almonds for people with varying spice tolerances, be sure to pull back on the amount of cayenne used. A teaspoon of cayenne is plenty to give these almonds a good kick, but you can also reduce it to half a teaspoon if needed.
Once the almonds are coated in the honey and cayenne mixture, transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them into a single layer and roast them in the oven until they are nicely glazed, about 13 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake because the nuts will burn quickly if overcooked.
If you don’t have time to make your own spiced almonds, plenty of ready-made options are available. For example, Blue Diamond offers a line of “Bold” flavors, including Sriracha, Sweet Thai Chili, Habanero BBQ, and Wasabi & Soy. While these snacks are tasty, they’re not as easy to make as this homemade version.
If you want to add a twist to these almonds, try substituting the cayenne for other spices like cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika. You could also use a mix of peppers to create a more varied flavor profile. Just be careful when opening the oven door because the capsaicin in cayenne is very strong.
2. They’re Delicious
When company is en route, good hosts have a cornucopia of snacks ready to welcome the arrivals. This recipe is a fun take on roasted almonds with a fiery twist that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
You’ll need a handful of simple ingredients to make these spiced almonds. Start by toasting the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they begin to turn golden brown and become fragrant. You’ll want to watch the almonds closely at this point, as they can burn quickly. Next, transfer the almonds to a clean baking sheet and let them cool.
Once the nuts have cooled, they can be stirred into a sugar mixture that’s been seasoned with salt and cayenne pepper. This sugar coating will caramelize in the oven, giving the almonds a delicious and unexpected crunch.
Depending on how spicy you like your food, you can add more or less cayenne pepper. If you’re serving a group of people with varied spice tolerances, halving the amount of cayenne used in this recipe may be best.
These almonds are not only a great snack for parties, but they also make an excellent DIY gift! Package them in cellophane bags or a mason jar and tie them with a ribbon for a fun way to give a sweet treat to friends and family.
When you’re preparing for a party, it’s always wise to have a few healthy, easy-to-make options available for guests who need a break from all the rich and creamy foods that are likely on the menu. This veggie-friendly dip is a perfect example of a tasty, versatile dish that’s easy to whip up with only a few basic ingredients. Toss the chickpeas with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle a mix of bold spices, including curry powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Then, roast them in the oven until they’re tender and crispy. Serve with a selection of crudites, such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers, and you’ll have a satisfying snack that’s also low in calories and fat.
3. They’re Fun to Eat
When it comes to party snacks, there’s nothing like a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to turn an ordinary snack into something extraordinary. The spice is not only delicious but can also help boost your metabolism by adding a bit of heat to your food. Plus, it’s an ingredient that’s sure to please your guests!
If you’re hosting a party this holiday season, be sure to add these spicy honey-roasted almonds to your menu. They’re the perfect combination of sweet and savory and easy to prepare. You can even make them ahead of time and keep them in a glass jar for an instant party-ready treat!
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to make these almonds and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the almonds with the oil, salt, and sugar in a bowl that’s large enough to hold the nuts. Stir until the almonds are coated evenly, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Once the almonds are cool, you can enjoy them as is or toss them in a jar with some pretty ribbon for a fun homemade gift!
Another great way to eat these almonds is to sprinkle them on a salad. They’ll instantly transform any boring salad into a delicious and nutritious dish. Plus, the spicy cayenne pepper will help give your salad a healthy kick.
You can also serve these almonds with a glass of wine or another beverage. They’ll pair perfectly with a glass of red or white wine and are also a great addition to a cocktail. Try serving them with this Smoky Paprika and Cayenne Roasted Almond Dip for a flavorful and festive appetizer.
You can also use these almonds to make a healthy dessert. You can serve them on a platter with other healthy bites or make them into a fun trail mix. You can even add them to a gift basket for the holiday season! Just be sure to wrap them securely so they don’t get crushed on the way.
4. They’re Healthy
Almonds are one of the most versatile party snacks that can be seasoned with orange zest, cayenne pepper, or cocoa powder to create sweet, salty, or savory flavors. They are also an excellent source of heart-healthy fats, protein, and magnesium. They are easy to make and can be a great snack for guests. To make them healthy and even more delicious, you can toast them in a dry skillet before tossing them with your choice of spices. Popular flavors include cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika. Tossing the almonds with a spicy ingredient like cayenne pepper will give them a heat rush and add a bit of kick. Toss the toasted almonds with your chosen spice and bake them until they’re crispy, then serve them at your next gathering.
To make a batch of these spicy almonds, preheat your oven to 350°F and spread the almonds in a single layer on baking sheets. Roast the almonds for 5-7 minutes, then remove them from the oven and whisk the sugar, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Pour the mixture over the almonds and toss them until evenly coated. Pour the almonds back onto the baking sheets and stir them to redistribute the coating. Bake the almonds for 18-20 minutes until they are a deep reddish brown. Cool and store in an airtight container.
These almonds have a bit of cayenne pepper mixed in with the turmeric and honey for a unique savory-sweet flavor profile that will have guests coming back for more. They can be eaten by themselves or served as a topping on yogurt or salads. They also make a tasty gift for hostesses, packed in cellophane bags or a mason or canning jar with a ribbon tied around the top.
The best thing about these almonds is that they’re a nutritious snack for kids and adults alike. They’re low in calories and packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein. They are also a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin E. Try them with a glass of milk or plain yogurt for a balanced, tasty, healthy meal.
