If you’re looking for a new take on old traditions, look no further! These holiday spiced nuts offer a peppy take on traditional seasonal flavors. If you love a treat that’s salty, sweet and savory — and with a bit of a punch — these nuts are the snack you have been craving.
Sweet meets spicy for a new taste twist in these zippy holiday spiced nuts
We have taken crunchy almonds, pecans, walnuts and pistachios, glazed them with lots of butter and real maple syrup, sprinkled them with some coarse salt and seasonings like rosemary and thyme, and then added a kick of ancho chili peppers for a Southwest flavor!
Starting the spicy mix – Butter and maple syrup
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These are better than any mixed nuts you can buy in a can because of their intense, fresh flavors — and because you can personalize the mix to suit you. Feel free to add other nuts, such as Brazil nuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts or peanuts to make your perfect blend.
This snack mix is also fab because it doesn’t have too much sugar, and you can adjust the salt levels to suit your needs — all without compromising on flavor.
Nut mixes make the perfect holiday gift when given in a pretty jar or mug, and they are sure to be a hit on any party table. These are also a great on-the-go snack all year long; take them in your bag to enjoy when the craving for something crunchy hits!
Nutrition bonus: Nuts are heart-healthy and keep you feeling fuller longer than most snack foods.
Adding pecans to the nut mix
A big batch of spicy glazed nuts
You can personalize these even further with your favorite pepper. The Ancho is mild and slightly sweet, but if you want a smoky flavor, try the Chipotle, or the Chile de Arbol for a real punch of intense heat.
No matter how you spice your nut mix, they are a delicious and addictive snack your family will ask for even in between holidays.
Holiday spiced nuts
Yield 8-10
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili pepper
- 4 cups mixed nuts (whole almonds, pecans, walnuts and/or pistachio nuts)
- Coarse sea salt
- 2 teaspoons thyme, minced
- 2 teaspoons rosemary, minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F.
- In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, maple syrup, and ancho chili pepper.
- Add the mixed nuts and toss well.
- Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper and put the nuts on the tray.
- Bake assorted nuts in oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove tray of nuts from oven.
- Combine fresh salt and fresh herbs in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle herb mixture evenly over nuts.
- Allow to cool, then serve.
Courses Appetizers
