Name: Sweet, Salty, Spicy Party Nuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: cooking spray; 1 cup untoasted walnut halves; 1 cup untoasted pecan halves; 1 cup unsalted, dry roasted almonds; 1 cup unsalted, dry roasted cashews; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 0.25 teaspoon ground cumin; 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 0.5 cup white sugar; 0.25 cup water; 1 tablespoon butter

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup untoasted walnut halves
1 cup untoasted pecan halves
1 cup unsalted, dry roasted almonds
1 cup unsalted, dry roasted cashews
1 teaspoon salt
teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
teaspoon ground cumin
teaspoon cayenne pepper
cup white sugar
cup water
1 tablespoon butter

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray.

Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the walnut halves, pecan halves, almonds, and cashews. Add the salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne. Toss well to coat the nuts evenly.

Step 4: In a small saucepan, heat the sugar, water, and butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the butter has melted and the sugar is fully dissolved (about 1 minute).

Step 5: Slowly pour the butter-sugar mixture over the nuts and stir to ensure the nuts are evenly coated.

Step 6: Transfer the coated nuts to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out into a single layer.

Step 7: Bake the nuts in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Stir the nuts to coat them with the warm syrup, then spread them back into a single layer.

Step 8: Return the nuts to the oven and bake for an additional 6 minutes, or until the nuts are sticky and roasted.

Step 9: Remove the nuts from the oven and allow them to cool before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 219
Total Fat: 18g (23% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 2g (12% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 2mg (1% Daily Value)
Sodium: 236mg (10% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 13g (5% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 8g
Protein: 5g (9% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
Calcium: 39mg (3% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (7% Daily Value)
Potassium: 168mg (4% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Sweet, Salty, Spicy Party Nuts Recipe

Comments

Susan Flores

10/02/2025 11:52:31 PM

New favorite alert! This recipe has become a game changer for me. Here's a simpler way to prepare it: 1. Purchase a pack of unsalted deluxe nuts from Costco or Sam's Club and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. 2. Line your cookie sheet with a Silpat or a similar silicone liner. 3. Combine the syrup ingredients on the stovetop. 4. Pour the syrup over the nuts and ensure they are evenly coated. 5. Spread the nuts onto the prepared cookie sheet. 6. Bake for 10 minutes, then give them a stir, followed by an additional 6 minutes in the oven. 7. Allow them to cool slightly, then break up any clumps of nuts that may have stuck together. 8. Transfer the nuts to a container using the Silpat and refrigerate to maintain freshness. A huge thank you to Chef John - these are absolutely delicious!

Kevin Anderson

10/03/2025 04:58:43 PM

After reading the reviews, I decided to increase the amount of spices and include a crushed clove of garlic in the syrup. I opted to line the baking tray with greaseproof paper instead of foil to prevent the nuts from sticking. It's important to separate the nuts while they are still warm to avoid them sticking together. I will certainly be making this recipe again. Thank you!

Kathleen Green

10/03/2025 02:24:32 PM

Rewritten review: These nuts were absolutely delicious!!! I decided to use a mix of pecans, cashews, almonds, and pistachios. Following the advice of many others, I added my spices into the warm butter, sugar, and water mixture to ensure they were well incorporated. In addition to the specified cumin, cayenne, and salt and pepper, I also included a teaspoon of cinnamon (and maybe a touch extra cayenne). I replaced some of the sugar with 1/4 cup of Truvia and 1/4 cup of Swerve brown sugar. Following the chef's tip to continue stirring for at least 4 minutes after the initial cooking time was crucial! The syrup gradually thickened, coating each nut perfectly. I found it helpful to transfer the finished nuts into a bowl and stir occasionally as they cooled, as suggested by other readers. I am delighted with how tasty they turned out!

Matthew Parker

10/03/2025 08:48:15 PM

This recipe was incredibly simple and fast to make. I omitted adding any extra salt since the cashews were already salted. I also skipped using almonds as they were too tough for our liking, and instead, I used a combination of 1 1/3 cups of pecans, walnuts, and cashews to reach the total of 4 cups. The result was delicious and flavorful.

Jason Williams

10/01/2025 08:54:58 PM

The seasoning is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of spices. To make it kid-friendly, I swap out the cayenne for cinnamon. Easy peasy!

Barbara Rivera

10/04/2025 05:52:25 AM

I have made this dish many times, especially when gathering with friends and family to watch sports. It's easy to make, delicious, and addictive, although I have added more chili for an extra kick.

Jonathan Smith

10/02/2025 12:41:16 PM

Absolutely scrumptious!! I sprayed the foil generously with cooking spray and had no problems with sticking. I followed the recipe to a tee but opted to cool the nuts on wax paper. These nuts are incredibly addictive - once you start, you just can't stop. Appreciate you sharing this amazing recipe, Chef John!