Description
Ina Garten’s Chipotle Nuts blend smoky, spicy flavors with a perfect crunch. Sophisticated snacking meets Mexican-inspired zest, creating an irresistible appetizer that elevates any gathering with its bold and addictive taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts:
- 3 cups (14 ounces) whole roasted unsalted cashews
- 2 cups (7 ounces) whole walnut halves
- 2 cups (7 ounces) whole pecan halves
- ½ cup (3 ounces) whole almonds
Sweeteners and Liquid:
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 teaspoons ground chipotle powder
- 4 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary leaves, divided
- Kosher salt
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even heat distribution.
- Thoroughly coat a large rimmed baking sheet with vegetable oil, creating a non-stick surface for the nuts.
- Combine cashews, walnuts, pecans, and almonds directly on the prepared baking sheet, creating a mixed nut base.
- Drizzle the nuts with vegetable oil, ensuring each nut receives a light, even coating.
- Pour maple syrup and sprinkle brown sugar over the nuts, then add orange juice and chipotle powder for a complex flavor profile.
- Gently toss the nuts using a spatula, making sure every nut is evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.
- Sprinkle fresh rosemary and salt over the nuts, continuing to mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
- Spread the nuts in a single, uniform layer across the baking sheet to promote even roasting.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes, stirring twice during cooking to prevent burning and ensure consistent golden-brown coloration.
- Remove the nuts from the oven when they appear glazed and have a rich, toasted appearance.
- Immediately sprinkle additional salt and remaining rosemary over the hot nuts, tossing gently to incorporate.
- Allow the nuts to cool at room temperature, stirring periodically to prevent clumping and maintain their crisp texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring a balanced blend of sweet, spicy, and herbal notes.
- Serve warm for maximum flavor or cool completely and store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Line baking sheet with parchment for mess-free roasting and simple cleanup.
- Gentle stirring prevents burning while creating an even, glossy coating on nuts.
- Spread nuts in a single layer to guarantee perfectly crisp, uniformly toasted results.
- Customize heat levels by gradually adding chipotle powder for personalized spiciness.
- Complete cooling preserves crackly texture and locks in delicious seasoned flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 287
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg