Name: Spiced Nuts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 cups mixed raw nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, pecans, etc.); 1 tablespoon smoky chili powder; 1 teaspoon spicy cayenne powder (or try ghost powder for extra heat! - Use more, if desired); 1/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 small egg white

My spiced nuts recipe is sweet and spicy, made with pecans, almonds and peanuts with smoky chili powder and cayenne. It's the perfect spicy snack or appetizer. You can't stop eating these. Perfect for sneaking into the movie theater.

Who's up for some spiced nuts? I am! Spiced nuts are an awesome snack to have around the house. You can grab a handful anytime you'd like. They're not only filling, but you get that nice sweet, spicy and salty punch that satisfied those little cravings that pop up.

Spiced nuts are great for parties, too. I like to make them for game day gatherings and also for holiday parties. They're easy to make. Just pop them into a bowl and watch them disappear. They're quite popular.

Better than Store Bought Spiced Nuts

Sure, you can buy spiced nuts mixes at the store, but they're so much better when you make them at home. Not only are they a healthier snack option when homemade, but you can really control what goes into them. You won't get a seasoning mixture from the store like you can make at home, and you sure won't get the "spiced" factor or heat level, either.

When I make them at home, I can make them as spicy as I want, and so can you.

I originally posted this recipe as a sort of celebration of the release of a movie I wrote, called "12 Feet Deep". I've updated it here with a bit more helpful cooking information and tips to help you customize it to your own preferences, and to include some new photos.

Plus, I had to make another batch for snacking! They're so addictive, so please beware. I can't get enough of them.

Spiced Nuts in a baking dish, ready to enjoy

Simple Spiced Nuts

This recipe is perfect for a late night movie watching binge. I've included 3 cups of nuts for you and your viewing partner, but this recipe very easily scales up or down. It's simple to make, too. Basically toss the nuts with seasonings and whipped egg whites, then bake until they're nicely browned.

In case you were curious, here's a list of movies I wrote on IMDB. Maybe you can stream one of them. Don't forget the spiced nuts!

Let's talk about how we make spiced nuts, shall we?

Raw pecans, almonds and peanuts for making spiced nuts

Spiced Nuts Ingredients

Mixed Nuts. Use raw nuts if you can find them. I like to use a mix of raw almonds and raw pecans, though I'll toss in some lightly roasted peanuts as well. Cashews are very delicious here. You can use pretty much any nuts you prefer. This recipe uses 3 cups. It is easily scalable.

Chili Powders. This is your "spicy" factor. I'm using a blend of my own homemade spicy chili powder, some cayenne pepper, smoky chipotle powder, and a bit of ghost pepper powder for extra heat. However, go with your own favorite brands and blends. A couple tablespoons is enough.
Sugar. I use 1/4 cup white sugar for the sweet element. Brown sugar is a good substitute. Honey can work, though it's pretty sticky. You can omit the sugar if you'd like a spicy version only.
Extra Spices. I like to add in some cinnamon because it pairs so nicely with nuts, as well as some salt. You can use your favorite spice mix and blends, though. Consider anise, cardamom, ginger, perhaps a Cajun Seasoning or Creole Seasoning, or even something like Old Bay Seasoning for added spiciness.
Egg White. Egg whites provide some of the "stickiness" that will help your spices and seasonings stick to the nuts while they're baking. Other recipes use oil, cooking spray or something like a maple syrup, but I find the egg whites work best, as it does not remain oily after the nuts are cooked.

How to Make Spiced Nuts - the Recipe Method

Mix together the chili powders, sugar, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl.

In a separate large bowl, beat the egg whites until nice and frothy.

Add the nuts and spice mixture to the egg whites and toss to coat the nuts. Mix well. Be sure to coat all the nuts as much as you can.

Raw nuts mixed with egg whites and seasonings, ready to bake

Spread the nuts over a lightly oiled baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they are spread evenly so they can cook evenly.

Bake for 30 minutes at 300 degrees F, or until they are nicely browned. Give them a shake a couple times in the middle of the baking process. You may need a bit more time, 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your oven. Don't let them burn.

Remove the spiced nuts from heat and cool.

Boom! Time to chow down! You can eat them right out of the oven after they've cooled enough. They're SO GOOD when they're still warm. I love the crunch of them, and the combination of sweet and spicy. Roasted nuts are the best.

Super tasty.

That's it, my friends. Make a big batch before you head to the theater, or before you sit down to watch one of the movies I've written. Plug for Mike's movies! I do hope you enjoy them.

Recipe Tips & Notes

Hot Sauce. Hot sauce is a nice addition to spiced nuts. You can easily include a few tablespoons or more of your favorite hot sauce or even sriracha to give your spicy snack some added zing!
Other Seasonings. I focus on chili powders and blends for this recipe, but use any of your favorite blends or other spices. Black pepper is good here. Make some exotic spice nuts with seasoning blends like Tajin, Togarashi, Baharat, Berbere, or a nice homemade curry powder. Or mix and match!

Storage & Leftovers

Storing your Spiced Nuts in an airtight container in the fridge may allow you to store them for up to 2-3 months (1-2 weeks at room temperature).

Try Some of My Other Popular Snack Recipes

Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.

Spiced Nuts Recipe

My spiced nuts recipe is sweet and spicy, made with pecans, almonds and peanuts with smoky chili powder and cayenne. It's the perfect spicy snack or appetizer. You can't stop eating these. Perfect for sneaking into the movie theater.

Save Recipe

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: almonds, holiday, peanuts, pecans, snack, spicy

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 45

Calories: 468kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Servings:

Tap or hover to scale

4.93 from 13 votes

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Ingredients

3 cups mixed raw nuts almonds, cashews, peanuts, pecans, etc.
1 tablespoon smoky chili powder
1 teaspoon spicy cayenne powder or try ghost powder for extra heat! - Use more, if desired
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 small egg white

Instructions

Mix together the chili powders, sugar, cinammon and salt in a small mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until nice and frothy.
Add the nuts and spice mixture to the egg whites and mix well. Be sure to coat all the nuts.
Spread the nuts over a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes at 300 degrees F, or until they are nicely browned. Give them a shake a couple times in the middle of the baking process. You may need a bit more time. Don't let them burn.
Remove from heat and cool.

Notes

Heat Factor: Medium-Hot if you're using ghost pepper powder. Low-Medium without it.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 468kcal Carbohydrates: 27g Protein: 13g Fat: 37g Saturated Fat: 5g Sodium: 426mg Potassium: 470mg Fiber: 7g Sugar: 8g Vitamin A: 545IU Vitamin C: 0.6mg Calcium: 58mg Iron: 2.9mg

Did You Enjoy This Recipe?I love hearing how you like it and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below and tag @ChiliPepperMadness on social media.

NOTE: This recipe was updated on 12/4/19 to include new photos and recipe tips. It was originally published on 6/21/17.