Irresistibly Savory Spiced Holiday Nuts: Your Go-To Festive Snack and Gift

These Spiced Holiday Nuts are super simple, savory, and undeniably delicious. They are the perfect addition to any holiday cheese tray, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that will leave your guests reaching for more.

The holiday season is officially upon us! With Thanksgiving now a cherished memory, the countdown to Christmas and New Year’s celebrations is in full swing. This magical time of year is filled with warmth, family, friends, and, of course, an abundance of delicious food. As you plan your festive gatherings and search for stress-free recipes that still impress, I’m excited to share a truly effortless and incredibly flavorful creation: my signature Spiced Holiday Nuts.

Inspired by the spirit of “Simple Saturday” – my philosophy for bringing you genuinely tasty, plain, and simple recipes – this particular dish has become a beloved tradition in my kitchen every holiday season. It’s so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them for years. If you’re looking for a quick yet elegant appetizer, a wholesome snack for busy days, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these savory roasted nuts tick all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love These Spiced Holiday Nuts

What makes these Spiced Holiday Nuts a perennial family favorite? It’s their irresistible balance of heat, earthiness, and subtle sweetness, all wrapped around the satisfying crunch of premium nuts. My go-to blend features a harmonious mix of pecans, cashews, and almonds, providing a variety of textures and natural flavors. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – feel free to incorporate any nuts you love, such as walnuts, pistachios, or even a mix of seeds.

The magic truly happens with the carefully selected array of savory spices. I generously coat the nuts in a vibrant blend of cumin, paprika, a kick of cayenne, a touch of chili powder, and a whisper of cinnamon. This combination creates a unique flavor profile that is both warming and exciting, perfect for the festive atmosphere. A quick ten-minute roast in the oven transforms these humble ingredients into golden, fragrant, and utterly addictive festive roasted nuts. That’s all it takes! Delicious and done, ready to dazzle.

The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

Beyond being an incredible standalone healthy snack, these savory spiced nuts are truly a showstopper for your holiday cheese tray or charcuterie board. Imagine them nestled amongst an assortment of fine cheeses, crisp crackers, thin slices of cured sausage, and a colorful variety of olives. Their rich, spiced flavor complements creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and tangy goat cheese beautifully, adding an exciting dimension to every bite. I can almost guarantee your guests will be clamoring for the recipe! This makes them an ideal choice for an easy holiday appetizer that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact.

Thoughtful Hostess Gifts and Festive Treats

One of my favorite ways to share the holiday cheer is by packaging these delicious nuts as charming homemade gifts. Simply scoop them into pretty little gift bags tied with festive ribbons, or present them in decorative bowls. Paired with a bottle of wine, they make for an incredibly thoughtful and well-received hostess gift for any holiday party. Homemade gifts carry a special touch, and these homemade holiday nuts are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare, making them a fantastic option for batch gifting. They truly couldn’t be easier to make, folks! I sincerely hope you enjoy them as much as my family and I do.

Spiced Holiday Nuts Recipe

Spiced Holiday Nuts

Author: Mary Ann Dwyer

Servings: 8 servings

These Spiced Holiday Nuts are super simple, savory and delicious. Perfect for your holiday cheese tray!

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Ingredients

• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/2 cup whole almonds, unsalted
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set aside.
3. Melt butter in a medium skillet over low heat. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Add the cayenne, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, and chili powder to the melted butter and stir until well blended, about 1 minute. This blooming of the spices in butter enhances their flavor.
5. Add the pecans, cashews, and almonds to the skillet, stirring continuously until all the nuts are evenly coated with the fragrant spice mixture.
6. Remove the nuts from the heat and spread them in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded for even roasting.
7. Evenly sprinkle with 1 tsp. sea salt over the nuts.
8. Roast for 10 minutes in the preheated 350-degree F oven. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as nuts can toast quickly.
9. Let cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing. They will crisp up further as they cool.
10. Store any leftover spiced nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Nutrition

• Calories: 213kcal
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 8mg
• Sodium: 246mg
• Potassium: 196mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 475IU
• Vitamin C: 0.5mg
• Calcium: 45mg
• Iron: 2mg

Keywords: holiday, nuts, snack, spiced nuts, roasted nuts, festive nuts, party food

Cuisine: American

Course: Appetizer, Snack

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Tips for the Perfect Batch of Spiced Holiday Nuts

• Choose Quality Nuts: Start with fresh, high-quality, unsalted nuts. If your nuts are salted, adjust the added sea salt accordingly to avoid over-salting.
• Even Coating is Key: Ensure every nut is thoroughly coated in the butter and spice mixture. This guarantees a consistent flavor in every bite.
• Single Layer Roasting: Spreading the nuts in a single layer on the baking sheet is crucial for even roasting. If they are piled up, they will steam instead of roast, leading to a softer, less crisp result.
• Watch Them Closely: Nuts can go from perfectly roasted to burnt very quickly. Keep a close eye on them, especially during the last few minutes of baking. A slight golden color and a fragrant aroma indicate they are ready.
• Cool Completely: Allow the nuts to cool entirely on the baking sheet. This step is vital for achieving that satisfying crunch. As they cool, the spices also adhere better.

Customizing Your Spiced Nut Mix

While my recipe offers a delicious foundation, feel free to get creative with your holiday nut mix! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Nut Varieties: Experiment with walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, or even peanuts. For a different texture, you could also add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
• Spice Variations:
  • Sweet & Spicy: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup to the butter mixture for a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
  • Herbal Infusion: Incorporate finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for an earthy, aromatic twist.
  • Extra Heat: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who love a bolder spice kick.
  • Smoky Flavor: A dash of smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth.
• Citrus Zest: A little grated orange or lemon zest can brighten up the flavors beautifully, especially for a Christmas-themed mix.

Serving Suggestions Beyond the Cheese Board

These Spiced Holiday Nuts are incredibly versatile. While they shine on a cheese board, here are other ways to enjoy them:

• Cocktail Hour Companion: Offer them in small bowls as a sophisticated snack alongside festive cocktails or a glass of wine.
• Salad Topper: Crush them lightly and sprinkle over a winter salad for added crunch and flavor.
• Soup Garnish: A small handful atop a creamy butternut squash or sweet potato soup can elevate the dish.
• Travel Snack: Pack them for road trips or long flights as a much healthier alternative to processed snacks.
• Everyday Treat: Keep a batch on hand for a quick, satisfying snack any time you need a boost of energy.

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage ensures your savory spiced nuts remain fresh and crunchy. Once completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks, making them perfect for preparing in advance of holiday gatherings. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a month or freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they are completely thawed and, if desired, briefly re-crisped in a warm oven before serving.

Conclusion: Embrace the Festive Flavor

As the holiday season unfolds, let these easy, flavorful Spiced Holiday Nuts become a new staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd, seeking a wholesome snack, or looking for that perfect personalized gift, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Its simple preparation and robust flavor make it a true holiday hero. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and prepare to enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of these truly special nuts. Happy holidays and happy snacking!