Quick Spiced Almonds Recipe

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Craving a crunchy, quick, and flavorful snack? These Spiced Almonds are ready in just a few minutes. They are cooked in the microwave and make a great spicy last-minute snack.

Made with chili powder, cayenne pepper, and celery salt, these nuts are quite flavorful. Worcestershire sauce and butter add a savory and rich coating. My husband and daughter could not stop snacking on them. I had to slap their hands out of the bowl!

Ingredients You Will Need

Almonds provide the base for the snack and contribute a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.

Butter adds richness and helps bind the spices to the almonds. It also contributes to the browning and crisping of the almonds during roasting.

Chili Powder is a blend of warm spices like cumin, cayenne pepper, paprika, and oregano. It adds savory and spicy flavors to the almonds.

Celery Salt is a combination of table salt and ground celery seeds. The salt seasons the almonds, while the celery seeds add a slightly bitter flavor that complements the other spices.

Salt enhances all the other flavors in the mix. It can also help draw out the natural flavors of the almonds.

Cayenne Pepper brings the heat.

Worcestershire Sauce adds a complex savory and umami flavor.

Why You’ll Like Making Spiced Almonds

Quick and Easy: Microwaving offers a significantly faster alternative to oven roasting, making spiced almonds a perfect last-minute snack or appetizer.

Healthy Snack: Almonds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. Making them yourself allows you to control the ingredients and avoid unhealthy additives.

Adaptable Recipe: This recipe is a great base to experiment with. You can adjust the spice levels to your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure the almonds are evenly coated in the spices? Use a large enough bowl to toss the almonds with the spice mixture. You can also use a spoon to coat any stragglers after microwaving.

How can I prevent the almonds from burning? Microwaving in short bursts (30 seconds to 1 minute) and stirring frequently is key. Also, don’t overload the dish with too many almonds, a single layer heats more evenly.

How long will the spiced almonds stay fresh? Store the cooled spiced almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Should I serve the almonds hot or cold? Spiced almonds are typically served at room temperature or slightly warm.

Substitutions and Variations

Cayenne Pepper: You can adjust the heat by using less or omitting it altogether. For a different kick, try smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

Chili Powder: Substitute with smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor. You can also use a pre-made fajita seasoning for a complex blend.

Soy Sauce: Low on Worcestershire sauce? No problem! Use an equal amount of soy sauce for a similar savory taste.

Nuts: Feel free to swap the almonds for other nuts like cashews, peanuts, pecans, or even a mix! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the nut’s size and density.

What to Serve with Spiced Nuts

Drinks: Spiced almonds pair well with beer, wine, or cocktails. They can be served as a bar mix alongside other salty or spicy snacks.

Cheese Platter: The almonds can complement mild cheeses like cheddar or gouda, or balance out stronger cheeses like blue cheese.

Charcuterie Board: Similar to a cheese platter, spiced almonds add another dimension to cured meats, olives, and other charcuterie staples.

Salads: Spiced almonds can be a flavorful and crunchy topping for salads, especially those with bold flavors like a southwestern salad or a Caesar salad.

Dips: Spiced almonds can also be served alongside dips like hummus, guacamole, or salsa. The almonds can be used for scooping or simply enjoyed alongside the dip.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you like these Spiced Almonds, you might also like my Chili Popcorn or my Snack Mix. These Toffee Walnuts are also delicious.

Final Thoughts

Spiced Almonds are a quick, easy, healthy snack that any spice-lover will enjoy. Like I said before, my family couldn’t get enough. We will be making these again for road trips and football games. I like that they are homemade and don’t have any preservatives like store-bought snacks.