These Sweet and Spicy Holiday Nuts are a blend of rosemary, cayenne and brown sugar for a holiday appetizer that loves to hang out all by itself or maybe with the cheese platter, a fun holiday cocktail or a cold beer. Add dried cranberries for a sweet and tart contrast.
After all my energy is exhausted making holiday treats, these mixed nuts are my go-to savory offering. The brown sugar is minimal with the rosemary and spicy cayenne balancing it out just enough to confuse your taste buds – is it sweet, salty or spicy or all three!
How to Make Holiday Nuts
STEP 1: Roast Nuts
STEP 2: Mix Coating Ingredients on Stovetop
While the nuts are roasting, the coating comes together in minutes on the stove top.
STEP 3: Mix Roasted Nuts with Coating
The nuts go straight from the oven to the stove top for mixing.
STEP 4: Allow Nuts to Cool
Spread the nuts back out on a sheet pan lined with parchment or wax paper to cool.
STEP 5: Mix in Dried Cranberries or Dark Chocolate Chips (optional)
There are two variations that are quite tasty too. The first – adding dried cranberries – make these nuts taste like Thanksgiving. The second – dark chocolate chips – gives it a trail mix kind of vibe. Anyway you try them, they are definitely an easy crowd pleaser.
This holiday nut mix makes a perfect gift!
For a twist on your holiday sweet potatoes, try these
>> Sweet Potatoes with Apple Brandied Coconut Pecans.<<
TIP: This recipe is great for using up any leftover fresh rosemary after the holidays are over! I always seem to have an extra couple sprigs – instead of drying them, try this Sweet and Spicy Holiday Nut Mix!
A sweet and spicy homemade nut mix for the holidays
- 1.5 cups each shelled, raw + unsalted, cashews, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts (or any nut combination/ratio you prefer)
- 4 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 tsp cayenne
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Put all nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until golden, about 15 minutes.
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While the nuts are roasting, melt the butter in a large pot on the stovetop. Add all remaining ingredients and mix well. Turn off heat.
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When the nuts are ready, remove from oven and add to the melted butter mixture. Stir until completely coated.
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Place a sheet of parchment on the baking sheet used to toast the nuts. Place the warm nut mixture back onto the baking sheet. Spread out well to cool.
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Nuts will harden as they cool.
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Store in an airtight container.
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