These Sweet and Spicy Nuts are the ultimate special occasion snack. They are the perfect little last minute nibble you can whip up and set out in mason jars or little pretty bowls around the house just before the party starts. They look legit gourmet, so guests will be shocked that you made them, and you’ll be secretly satisfied knowing how easy it was to do.
I will warn you that they are incredibly addictive, so don’t be surprised if they’re gone quicker than expected. In fact, Joe practically ate one whole batch by himself over the course of a couple days, but he told me he had to purposely pace himself.
They remind me of something you could get at Times Square in New York City because they fill your kitchen with the most intoxicating caramel/ toffee fragrance. But I think it’s the hint of thyme and kick of cayenne that make them truly special.
With these nuts, you can give your friends and family something to munch on while they sip on cocktails and beers, and wait for their meal.
Even though these gloriously glazed nuts look pretty fancy, they’re really not hard to make…as is my style. But in case you still need some guidance, no worries, because I show you the ropes step-by-step in our VIDEO, EPISODE 4 of Bits + Pieces Cooking Show SEASON 5 BELOW:
I like to scatter some fresh thyme right on top just for presentation, because it makes them look extra bougie.
After they’re completely cooled and crunchy, I throw them into a jar with a tight-fitting lid, and they keep for several days…although they probably won’t last that long.
But my favorite way to serve them is in a parchment paper cone. However, when they’re portable like this, they become extra dangerously addicting.
After we finished filming our video, Joe and I seriously couldn’t stop eating them. In fact, I MADE us stop eating them because this is not meant to be a two-person portion!
To me, these nuts would be perfect for a holiday event, but I could also see these being an awesome Super Bowl party or casual movie night snack. I recently jarred some up and gave them away as part of a birthday gift. But really, since they take minimal effort to make, feel free to whip them up anytime you’re in the mood for a rewarding tasty treat…go nuts!
Sweet and Spicy Nuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole natural almonds
- ½ cup walnut halves
- ½ cup cashews
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Place nuts in a large dry skillet. Cook over medium heat for 8 minutes or until toasted, stirring often. Transfer to a bowl.
- Add butter, brown sugar, water, cayenne pepper, and salt to pan. Cook over medium heat 1 minute, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add nuts and thyme, stirring to coat. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes or until nuts are coated and glazed.
- Immediately spread the mixture in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Cool completely and serve. Leftover nuts will keep for several days in an airtight container.
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