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.
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?
Ingredients Needed to Make Spiced Nuts
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.
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.
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!
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.
Try Some of My Other Popular Snack Recipes
- Cajun Boiled Peanuts
- Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
- Sweet and Spicy Ghost Pepper Candied Bacon
- Homemade Bagel Chips
- Homemade Snap Pea Crisps
- Spicy Fruit Roll Ups (Fruit Leather)
- Homemade Spicy Snack Mix
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
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
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 12/4/19 to include new photos and recipe tips. It was originally published on 6/21/17.
Conrad says
Taste great! I tend to use a little less spicy factor than listed on your recipes. Wife can't handle it. But I think next batch I'll add more. Still taste great just doesn't have the kick from the heat.
Always love your recipes.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Conrad! Glad you enjoyed them. Yes, extra spicy for me too, please! I love it.
Scott R. Lange says
Whats the best to store them and how long will the keep Ill try the recipe and let you know. Thank you Scotty
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Scotty, they are best stored in an airtight container. You can refrigerate if you'd like. Should last a couple weeks or so.
EssEss EssEss says
I just made these and they are really good. I was unsure how long to cook them because they were still a little sticky but after they are pulled out of the oven then they dry up. I cooked for 3 minutes longer than the recipe and added about 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika to the spice mix. I was nervous about the quantity of cayenne so I reduced it to 1/2 tsp and I think that is perfect to have just a small burn in the aftertaste. Very addictive to eat!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed them. I have to agree, they are rather addictive!
Jacy says
Can I substitute monk fruit sugar? If so this would be a great Keto/Atkins snack!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Jacy, you should be able to, as it is heat stable. Let me know how it goes for you.
Nancy Tobin says
I love the use of the egg white. It gave the nuts a beautiful glossy finish. I gave these out as a holiday treat and they were a big hit. Thank you.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Nancy. Glad they were enjoyed!
Susan says
Love that you use egg white instead of some kind of fat to bind the spices to the nuts. Got a nut roaster device years ago and finally used it for this recipe. Instead of baking I turned the nuts in the roaster on the stovetop. Excellent results! Thanks for posting
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Perfect! Thanks, Susan! Very happy you enjoyed them.
Mark says
Thanks for this, its just what Ive been looking for. If I made a large batch do you know how long thed keep for?
Thanks.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Mark, these should stay fairly fresh a month or so when stored in an airtight container in a cool dark place, possibly longer.
Jeremie says
This will be perfect snack for New Year's Eve, Mike!! Thank you.
And I just look at the 12 Feet Deep trailer... looks like an absolutely terrifying thriller ... especially when you are claustrophobic! I totally want to see it!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Jeremie! I hope you enjoy them both!
Jeremie says
So, I prepared this recipe for tomorrow evening, with almonds, peanuts, pecans, cashews and homemade smoked Carolina Reaper powder ... I almost eat everything right away!! Far too addictive!!
Noel says
Thanks Mike,
Great snack - will defo give it a go.
Cheeers
Noel
(Merry Xmas to all)
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Noel! Cheers!!!
Damien says
Mike, I had no idea that you were a movie writer. The trailer looks great! Love your site and cannot wait to see the movie! Best of luck.
REPLY: Thanks, Damien! -- Mike from Chili Pepper Madness.