Ina Garten Spiced Nuts Recipe

Spiced nuts are one of those snacks that vanish faster than you can replenish them, and Ina Garten’s recipe is my absolute favorite to follow.

The blend of spices, a touch of sweetness, and the crunch of roasted nuts make them so super yum!

The trick to getting these nuts just right is roasting them at a lower temperature. It gives the spices time to infuse without burning the nuts, which can happen too quickly at higher heat.

I like to use a mix of cashews, almonds, and pecans, but you can easily swap in your favorites.

This recipe doesn’t shy away from bold flavors, with cayenne for heat and cinnamon for a little depth.

When tossing the nuts in the mixture, be sure every single one gets coated evenly!

How to Make Ina Garten Spiced Nuts Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup Cashews
• 1 cup Walnuts
• 1 cup Pecans
• 1 cup Almonds
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp Maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Brown sugar
• 2 tsp Chipotle powder
• 1 tbsp Orange juice
• 1 tbsp Rosemary (chopped)
• 1 tsp Kosher salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Brush a sheet pan generously with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, mix cashews, walnuts, pecans, and almonds.

Add the oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, chipotle powder, and orange juice.

Toss everything to ensure the nuts are evenly coated.

Step 3:

Spread the seasoned nuts evenly on the prepared sheet pan.

Make sure they’re in a single layer for even roasting.

Step 4:

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure all sides are roasted nicely.

Step 5:

Sprinkle rosemary and kosher salt over the nuts once they’re out of the oven.

Allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Fresh Nuts:

Use fresh nuts for the best flavor and crunch.

Old or stale nuts can ruin the taste and texture, so be selective when buying them.

Spice Adjustments:

Feel free to adjust the chipotle powder according to your heat preference.

If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount for a gentler kick.

Cooling Time:

Let the nuts cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

This step is important to keep them crisp and avoid sogginess.

Mixing Ingredients:

When mixing the ingredients in the bowl, ensure even coating to balance flavors.

It might take a minute, but it’s worth it to get the perfect taste.

Storage:

Store spiced nuts in a cool and dry place to maintain freshness.

They usually keep well for about two weeks in an airtight container.

What to Serve with Ina Garten Spiced Nuts Recipe

When making Ina Garten’s spiced nuts, you’ll want some fresh and fun options to complement these tasty bites.

Cheese Platter

Pairing the spiced nuts with a variety of cheeses can create a wonderful balance of flavors.

You might try creamy brie or tangy blue cheese to play off the nuts’ sweetness and spice.

Charcuterie Board

Including cured meats such as prosciutto or salami can really bring out the savory notes.

Arrange them alongside dried fruits, like apricots or figs, for added texture and color.

Roasted Veggies

Think about roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots!

The earthiness of these veggies combined with the sweet and spicy nuts can be a tasty mix.

Crusty Bread

A basket of crusty bread or artisan crackers can bring a wonderful crunch that complements the nuts.

Try serving with a light spread, such as herbed butter or olive tapenade, for more flavor.

Sparkling Wine

Don’t forget to serve a chilled bottle of sparkling wine.

The bubbly texture pairs beautifully with the richness of the nuts, creating a refreshing experience.

Pear or Apple Slices

Adding fresh pear or apple slices is an unexpected twist that harmonizes with the nuts.

These fruits provide a crisp texture and juicy sweetness.

Get creative and have fun pairing these spiced nuts with these delicious serving ideas!

Variations and Substitutions

Different Nut Choices

You can switch the cashews, walnuts, pecans, or almonds with hazelnuts or macadamia nuts for a unique twist.

Mixing and matching different nuts can result in interesting flavors and textures.

Sweetness Level

Altering the sweetness can help balance the savory and spicy flavors.

You might try using honey instead of maple syrup for a slightly different profile.

Alternatively, reduce the brown sugar for less sweetness.

Adjusting Spiciness

If you find the chipotle spice too bold, mild chili powder or smoked paprika can be great substitutes.

Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper will boost the heat if you want an extra kick.

Flavor Enhancements

Consider adding dried herbs like thyme or oregano along with rosemary for more depth.

A touch of citrus zest can add a refreshing element to the mix.

Oil Alternatives

For a different taste, experiment with olive oil or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.

Each oil will impart its own subtle flavor, enhancing the overall experience.

How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Spiced Nuts

Store in an Airtight Container

Use an airtight container to store those leftover nuts.

By keeping the air out, you’ll preserve their crunch and flavor for longer.

Keep in a Cool, Dry Place

Avoid heat and moisture by storing them in a cool, dry spot in your pantry.

This helps prevent the nuts from becoming soft or stale.

Refrigeration Options

If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them.

Place the container in the fridge, which can extend their shelf life.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Measuring Ingredients Incorrectly

Using the wrong type of measuring cup can affect the texture and flavor of your spiced nuts!

Make sure you use dry measuring cups for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cups for liquids.

Always double-check the recipe wording—“1 cup chopped nuts” means something different from “1 cup nuts, chopped.”

Using Stale Nuts

Fresh nuts make all the difference.

Old nuts can be rancid, which will ruin your batch.

Buy nuts just before making the recipe to avoid this pitfall.

Skipping the Cooling Process

It’s tempting to skip this step when you’re in a hurry.

Let the spiced nuts cool completely before storing them even if they seem dry to the touch.

This process keeps them crisp and delicious for longer.