If there’s one ingredient that can instantly make a salad, snack board, or bowl of roasted vegetables more exciting, it’s a handful of crunchy roasted nuts. They add texture, flavor, and just enough wow factor to turn something ordinary into something memorable.
I’ve always loved making flavored nuts at home. From maple-spiced walnuts to these sweet-and-spicy Hot Honey Almonds, they’re an easy way to elevate everyday meals and snacks. Slowly roasted until golden and fragrant, these almonds are coated in hot honey and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
They’re delicious on charcuterie boards, tossed into salads, sprinkled over roasted vegetables, or enjoyed straight from the jar. And while I make them for the flavor, it’s nice to know they’re doing my body some favors, too.
Almonds provide healthy fats, fiber, and other nutrients that support both heart and brain health, making them a smart addition to a healthy aging eating pattern.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer addition or a snack with a little kick, these Hot Honey Almonds are sure to become a favorite.
What You Need to Make Them
All you need to make these is a little time and 3 simple ingredients. This sweet-and-spicy snack is an easy way to elevate salads, veggies, and more.
Almonds
Almonds are one of my favorite nuts. Aside from being packed with brain- and heart-healthy nutrients, they have a mild, nutty flavor that lets the honey’s spicy sweetness shine through. Choosing the type with the skin on allows the honey to cling to the nut as it roasts.
Hot Honey
You can find hot honey in most grocery stores or make your own. To make your own, slowly heat a mild-flavored honey (clover) with chili flakes or fresh jalapeno pepper slices, and that’s all it takes.
Sea Salt
A sprinkle of salt helps bring out the sweetness in these nuts. It’s similar to how a sprinkle of salt on watermelon makes it taste sweeter.
How to Make Hot Honey Almonds
Slow and steady wins the game with this recipe. I’ve found roasting nuts, especially when coated with a sugary syrup, does best in a low-temperature oven.
Step 1 – Coat the Nuts
One trick to these is to make sure the honey completely coats the almonds. You don’t need much honey, but you need to stir it for a while to make sure the almonds are fully coated before roasting. Add the sea salt just before popping them in the oven.
Step 2 – Roast the Nuts
A low heat oven, ideally around 250°F, is best for roasting. Spread the nuts out evenly over a foil or parchment-lined sheet pan. Try to separate the nuts as much as possible and place the pan in the middle of the oven. Roast them for about 30 minutes. They should be nicely browned. Then allow them to cool in the pan and pack them in an airtight container until you are ready to serve them.
Beware, though…they may not last long! I found myself snatching one or two every time I walked by while they were cooling. These are sooo good!
Serving Ideas
Other than just munching on these, what can you do with Hot Honey Almonds? Here are a few ideas:
- Add them to a charcuterie or snack board.
- Toss them into a salad
- Add them to roasted vegetables
- Chop them and add them on top of vanilla ice cream – cool, sweet, and spicy!
- Mix them into your morning yogurt for a spicy treat.
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Do you love Hot Honey? Tell me your favorite way to use it!
Hot Honey Almonds
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds, raw, unsalted
- 2 tbsp hot honey
- ½ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250℉. Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the almonds in a bowl and drizzle honey over them. Stir until the almonds are completely coated with the honey.
- Place the almonds on the prepared pan and space them apart to give them room on all sides.
- Place in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes. The almonds should be browned and crispy.
- Allow them to cool, then store them in an airtight container. They will last for 1-2 weeks if stored correctly.
