Name: Sweet, Salty, Spicy Party Nuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 41 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup white sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon butter

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These sweet, salty, and spicy party nuts are the perfect snack for gatherings, holidays, or anytime you want a flavorful treat. With a crunchy texture and a balance of sweetness, heat, and salt, this mix of walnuts, pecans, almonds, and cashews is sure to impress guests and satisfy snack cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors
Great for parties, gifts, or everyday snacking
Uses a mix of four different nuts for variety
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
Can be made ahead and stored for days

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon butter

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine walnuts, pecans, almonds, and cashews. Add salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne; toss until well coated.
In a small saucepan, heat sugar, water, and butter over medium heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves, about 1 minute.
Pour the butter mixture over the nuts and stir to coat evenly.
Spread the nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes, stir to coat with syrup, then spread again in a single layer.
Bake for an additional 6 minutes, until nuts are sticky and roasted.
Let cool completely before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 cups of party nuts, serving 8–10 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 16 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 41 minutes

Variations

Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Use honey instead of sugar for a sticky, sweet glaze.
Swap cashews or almonds for hazelnuts or pistachios.
Adjust the cayenne pepper for more or less heat.
Toss cooled nuts with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet-spiced twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
To refresh, warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use salted nuts in this recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted nuts so the flavor balance isn’t too salty.

How spicy are these nuts?

The cayenne pepper gives a mild heat, but you can increase or decrease it to suit your taste.

Can I use only one type of nut?

Yes, you can make this recipe with just one nut variety if preferred.

Do I need to toast the nuts first?

No, the baking process toasts the nuts while coating them in flavor.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, brown sugar will give a richer, caramel-like flavor.

How do I keep the nuts from sticking together?

Stir them while cooling and break apart clumps before storing.

Can I make these nuts ahead of time?

Yes, they store well and are perfect for prepping in advance for parties.

Are these nuts good for gifting?

Yes, they make an excellent homemade holiday gift when packaged in jars or bags.

What can I serve with party nuts?

They pair well with cheese boards, cocktails, or as a crunchy snack on their own.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking sheet or bake in batches to ensure even roasting.

Conclusion

Sweet, salty, spicy party nuts are a flavorful and addictive snack that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. With their crunchy texture and bold seasoning, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe for parties, holidays, and everyday snacking.

Maggie