Spicy-Sweet Hot Honey Roasted Cashews Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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