Spicy-Sweet Hot Honey Roasted Cashews Recipe

Introduction

These spicy-sweet hot honey roasted cashews make a perfectly addictive snack with a delightful balance of heat and sweetness. Easy to prepare, they are great for entertaining or a flavorful treat any time of day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw cashews
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, toss the raw cashews with olive oil until they are evenly coated.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Pour this over the cashews and toss thoroughly to coat.
4. Step 4: Spread the coated cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap for even roasting.
5. Step 5: Roast the cashews in the oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning; the cashews should turn golden brown and fragrant.
6. Step 6: Remove the cashews from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. They will harden as they cool.
7. Step 7: Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped rosemary or thyme over the cooled cashews for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper or substitute with paprika only.
• Try swapping olive oil for melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, autumnal flavor variation.
• Use raw almonds or pecans if you prefer a different nut base.

Storage

Store the cooled cashews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. To refresh their crunch, warm them briefly in a low oven before serving. Avoid refrigeration as it may cause the nuts to lose some crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use roasted cashews instead of raw?

It’s best to use raw cashews for this recipe so they roast evenly and absorb the flavors well. Using pre-roasted nuts may lead to uneven cooking or burning.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat comes from cayenne pepper and can be adjusted to your preference. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice and add more for extra kick.

Spicy-Sweet Hot Honey Roasted Cashews Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 108 reviews

Delightfully crunchy and flavorful, these Spicy-Sweet Hot Honey Roasted Cashews combine the natural creaminess of cashews with a bold blend of honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer, they offer a balanced kick of heat with a subtle sweetness and smoky undertones.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cashew Mixture

• 2 cups raw cashews
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spice Mix

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Cashews: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the raw cashews with olive oil and stir thoroughly until all cashews are evenly coated with the oil.
3. Add Spice Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Pour this flavorful mixture over the oiled cashews and toss them well to coat each piece evenly.
4. Spread on Baking Sheet: Arrange the coated cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap to allow for even roasting and caramelization.
5. Roast Cashews: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to stir the cashews halfway through the cooking process to promote uniform browning. Watch carefully near the end to prevent burning; they should turn golden brown and emit a fragrant aroma.
6. Cool Down: After roasting, remove the cashews from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for approximately 10 minutes. The cashews will harden as they cool, ensuring a crunchy texture.
7. Garnish (Optional): For extra aroma and flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped rosemary or thyme over the cooled cashews before serving.

Notes

• You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
• Make sure to stir the cashews during roasting to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat on your baking sheet to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Allow cashews to cool completely for maximum crunchiness before storing them in an airtight container.
• These cashews make a great gift when packaged in decorative jars or bags.

Keywords: spicy cashews, honey roasted nuts, hot honey cashews, spicy snack, roasted cashews recipe, party snacks, sweet and spicy nuts