There’s something irresistible about spiced roasted nuts. They’re crunchy, savoury, and just the right balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. These spicy roasted almonds with rosemary are one of my favourite snacks to make at home. They’re perfect for nibbling with drinks, adding to a cheese board, or packing into jars as a thoughtful homemade gift. Be warned, they are highly addictive.
The maple syrup and sugar give the almonds a light glaze, which crisps up when they cool. The smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, and rosemary add depth and warmth. Best of all, they take less than half an hour to make from start to finish.
I was recently gifted a few beautiful bags of almonds from a local producer, The Almond Girl. They produce a range of delicious almonds (raw, roasted, smoked & chocolate-coated), which can be ordered online.
As someone who always has a jar of nuts on hand, I knew immediately I wanted to create a spiced almond recipe.
In the past, I’ve made spicy maple candied almonds, which are on the sweeter side, but this time I was craving something more savoury. These spiced roasted almonds with rosemary turned out to be exactly what I had in mind – aromatic, crunchy, and perfect for snacking with a glass of wine or serving on a cheese board. Karen Loubser from Silverthorn Winery in Robertson shared her recipe over the weekend. I experimented with the ratios and added a touch of sugar.
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy recipe using pantry staples.
- Spicy, herby almonds with a hint of sweetness from maple syrup.
- Perfect snack with drinks, or as a homemade food gift.
- Store in a sealed glass jar as soon as they cool to keep them crunchy.
- Freshly ground cumin and coriander make all the difference in flavour.
- Great to add to salads for crunch and flavour.
Tips for making spicy roasted almonds with rosemary
- Use fresh, high-quality cumin and coriander — ideally freshly ground — for maximum flavour.
- A good Spanish smoked paprika is such a wonderful spice, and it is best for this recipe.
- Don’t skip the rosemary; it adds a fragrant, savoury note that ties everything together.
- Always cool the almonds fully before storing, otherwise condensation will soften them.
- For extra spice, add a pinch more cayenne pepper or chilli flakes.
Variations of Spiced Almonds
- Honey roasted almonds: Swap maple syrup for honey.
- Chilli almonds: Add more cayenne or chilli powder for more heat.
- Mixed spiced nuts: Use this seasoning blend on cashews, pecans, or mixed nuts.
FAQs about Spicy Roasted Almonds
Are roasted almonds healthy?
Yes. Almonds are packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fats. While this recipe incorporates maple syrup, it’s still a healthier option than processed snacks.
How do you keep roasted almonds crunchy?
Store them in a sealed glass jar as soon as they’re cool. Exposure to air makes them lose their crunch quickly.
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely. Cashews, pecans, walnuts, or a mix of nuts all work beautifully with this spice blend.
What is the best spice mix for roasted nuts?
Smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, and rosemary make a great balance of earthy, smoky, and aromatic flavours. Adjust to your taste.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but spread the nuts over two trays so they roast evenly.
If you try these spicy roasted almonds with rosemary, let me know how they turned out by leaving a star rating and review. They make such a lovely snack or gift, and I’d love to hear if you added your own twist.
- 2 cups raw whole almonds
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- ¾ tsp Spanish smoked paprika
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary make it a llittle heaped
- ¾ tsp ground cumin freshly ground if possible
- ¼ tsp ground coriander freshly ground if possible
- ¾ tsp fine salt
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Preheat the oven: 160°C (325°F).
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Mix: Place all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix well until the almonds are evenly coated.
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Spread: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the nuts into an even layer.
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Roast: Bake for 20–25 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
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Cool and store: Allow the almonds to cool completely, then immediately transfer them into a sealed glass jar to preserve their crunch.
Storage Instructions
These almonds keep best in a sealed glass jar. Once completely cooled, store them in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a month, or freeze in airtight bags for up to 3 months.
A few other recipes with almonds
Easy honey & nut granola
The best almond cinnamon buns with frangipane
Roasted plum Eton mess with almonds
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