Rosemary Roasted Nuts Recipe

Imagine the scent of freshly chopped rosemary mingling with warm, toasted nuts and just a kiss of maple syrup. These Rosemary Roasted Nuts truly deliver on every front: they’re packed with flavor, loaded with crunch, and impossibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re inviting friends over for a cozy gathering or just craving an irresistible snack for yourself, Rosemary Roasted Nuts always manage to disappear fast! This is my go-to treat for holiday parties, but honestly, I make them year-round because they’re just that good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Rosemary Roasted Nuts recipe is its simplicity—just a few staples pulled together to create something incredibly special. Every ingredient brings its own personality, from the luscious nuttiness to the sweet, herbal undertones. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love them):

• Mixed Nuts: Choose your favorites—almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts—for a medley of flavors and a variety of textures in each bite.
• Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and adds depth to the nuts as they roast—good quality oil makes a truly noticeable difference!
• Maple Syrup: Just a spoonful coats the nuts in natural sweetness and encourages perfect golden caramelization in the oven.
• Fresh Rosemary (chopped): This herb is the star, offering an earthy, piney aroma and flavor that lingers on every bite.
• Sea Salt: Adds sparkle to the flavors and balances the sweetness; flaky or coarse sea salt gives extra bursts of salty goodness.

How to Make Rosemary Roasted Nuts

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, which makes for easy cleanup and helps prevent the nuts from sticking or over-browning.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mixed nuts, olive oil, maple syrup, chopped rosemary, and sea salt. Use a spatula or your clean hands to gently toss everything together, making sure each nut is glistening with oil and speckled with rosemary. Trust me, it’s these tiny rosemary flecks that make every mouthful special.

Step 3: Spread and Roast

Pour the coated nut mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread them out into a single, even layer to ensure thorough toasting and prevent clumping. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and roast for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Your kitchen will absolutely smell amazing at this point—once they’re fragrant and golden, they’re ready!

Step 4: Cool Completely

Remove your Rosemary Roasted Nuts from the oven and let them cool on the pan, where they’ll crisp up as the maple syrup sets. Make sure they cool fully before transferring to a serving bowl or storage jar—this step locks in that irresistible crunch.

How to Serve Rosemary Roasted Nuts

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, sprinkle a little more fresh rosemary or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the nuts just before serving. If you love a touch of heat, a tiny pinch of cracked black pepper or red chili flakes can add a subtle zing.

Side Dishes

Rosemary Roasted Nuts feel right at home on a holiday cheeseboard next to creamy cheeses, dried fruit, and juicy grapes. Serve them alongside a glass of chilled white wine, sparkling cider, or even as a crunchy topper for hearty salads and roasted vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Fill small jars or decorative bags with Rosemary Roasted Nuts for thoughtful homemade gifts or party favors. For gatherings, place them in rustic bowls dotted throughout the room so guests are never far from a handful. You can even use them to top your favorite autumn soups or incorporate into homemade snack mixes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), simply store your Rosemary Roasted Nuts in an airtight jar or container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks, making them an easy grab-and-go snack.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Rosemary Roasted Nuts! Once cooled, pop them into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll retain their crunch and flavor for up to three months—just bring to room temp before snacking.

Reheating

To revive leftover or refrigerated Rosemary Roasted Nuts, simply spread them on a baking sheet and pop into a 300 °F (150 °C) oven for 4–5 minutes. This brings back their freshly roasted crispness and releases that aromatic rosemary scent all over again.

FAQs

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh for Rosemary Roasted Nuts?

Absolutely! Dried rosemary works if fresh isn’t available, but use a little less since it’s more potent—a teaspoon will do. You’ll still get wonderful, herbal flavor permeating the nuts.

What’s the best mix of nuts for this recipe?

I love using a blend of almonds, cashews, and pecans, but feel free to experiment with whatever you have. Each type of nut toasts a little differently, but that’s what makes Rosemary Roasted Nuts so fun and flavorful.

Is there a way to make these nuts a little spicy?

Yes! Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes with the rosemary for a kick of heat. It perfectly balances the sweet and savory notes.

Can I substitute another sweetener for maple syrup?

Certainly. Honey or agave syrup are both good alternatives—just keep in mind that honey will make your Rosemary Roasted Nuts slightly more caramelized and sticky, while agave is a little milder in flavor.

How do I prevent the nuts from sticking together?

Be sure to spread the nuts into a single layer on the baking sheet, and stir halfway through roasting. As they cool, break apart any clusters, and always let them cool fully before storing to keep them perfectly separated and crunchy.

Final Thoughts

When you need a crowd-pleasing snack that’s as impressive as it is easy, Rosemary Roasted Nuts truly can’t be beat. I can’t wait for you to experience just how addictive this savory and sweet combo is—you might want to make a double batch!

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