Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts

These sweet and spicy mixed nuts are easy to make and VERY easy to eat. They’re sweet, savory, and just spicy enough to make them horribly addictive. Happy Holidays!

Ok, so let’s catch up on some life stuff real quick. Thanksgiving was great – fun family time (including adorable niece who says all the adorable things), delicious food, LOOOOOONG weekend. Post Thanksgiving turkey ramen was also pretty rad – you can read all about that situation right over here. And in other news…WE’RE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!!!!!!!

Obviously we’re pretty excited, and I’ve been dying to share this secret with the world for the past few months. But alas, discretion was warranted, and dammit if I was ever discrete! But now that we’re further along I’m proud to announce that come spring of 2020, our party of four (and I’m obviously including the cats in that count) will become a Party of FIVE!

So, now that you know all the good and exciting news, perhaps it makes slightly more sense that while other food bloggers are ramping up for the busiest time of the year I have been slowing things way down. Don’t worry though, there will still be plenty of delicious holiday treats in the coming weeks, just maybe simpler and less extravagant than if I didn’t have an adorable stowaway hanging out in my body and conducting business as though they owned the joint.

But now onto the nuts!

Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts

Holiday parties are my favorite kinds of parties. Everyone dresses up, the vibe is so warm and festive, and people (even though it’s undoubtedly one of the most stressful times of the entire year) are just a little kinder and gentler. We won’t be hosting any parties of our own this season, but I’m happy to take a break for a year and just enjoy being a guest.  But guests have duties too, ya know! So here comes a very short lesson in Jo Eats etiquette for the holiday season.

If you’re invited to a holiday party, please remember to do these three things. 1. RSVP in a timely manner if that’s a thing the host has asked you to do. 2. Don’t show up early – like seriously, just don’t. And 3. Ask if there is anything you can bring.  If the answer to that last question is “Yes, of course!” then these sweet and spicy mixed nuts might be just the thing to grab and go!

What I love about these is, well, everything. They’re sweet, savory, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more. Seriously, they are very addictive. The mix of spices is warming and festive, but different enough to make things exciting. And they’re totally easy to make. Two minutes of mixing and seasoning, a low oven, and a couple of gentle stirs is all you need to whip up a fabulous, healthy, and delicious snack that would be welcome at any holiday party.

What You’ll Need to Make These Mixed Nuts

This list is positively simple, and minus the nuts you probably have everything you need right in your pantry!

Nuts – You can use whatever varieties you fancy, but make sure to buy raw (un-roasted) nuts if you can. They spend a decent amount of time in the oven, so starting with raw nuts is really best. I used equal parts cashews, pecans, and peanuts for this, because honestly that’s what I already had on hand.

Spices – I chose mostly warming spices here, but instead of your typical holiday trio (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg), I went a little rogue, sneaking smoked paprika and curry powder in instead. I think it gives these a more interesting and savory quality, and I’m here for it. There’s a hefty dose of cayenne too, because spicy is in the name. But feel free to dial that back if you’d like.

Salt – Don’t forget to salt your nuts, folks! A bland, unsalted nut is a sad thing.

Dark brown sugar – This molassesey, sweet stuff is the perfect foil for all that spice. Plus it’s a pantry staple, so it makes its way into a lot of my recipes.

Olive oil – Even though nuts are pretty fatty on their own, they could use a little help to make sure all those tasty seasoning cling on for dear life. Plus, it’s the holidays – live a little!

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts

This seriously couldn’t be easier. Make a batch on a lazy afternoon – it’s the perfect recipe for commercial breaks.

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F – this is always the first step, remember?
2. Whisk the spices, salt, brown sugar, and olive oil in a large bowl until well combined.
3. Add the nuts and toss until everything is evenly coated in your sweet and spicy mixture.
4. Spread the nuts onto a rimmed baking sheet, in one even layer.
5. Pop the sheet in the oven and bake, stirring every 15 minutes, until the nuts are golden brown – about 45 minutes total
6. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet. Serve right away (warm is fine), or store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Tips for Making Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts

Holidays are stressful, tips are helpful. Let’s get to tipping!

• If you’re nervous about the spice level, pull back on the cayenne by half. You can always taste the nuts before they go into the oven and adjust as necessary.
• Make sure to mix up your spices before you introduce the nuts to the party – this will make sure every nut gets well and evenly coated.
• Bake these on the middle rack for even cooking.
• Feel free to adjust the temp down by 15 or 25 degrees if your oven tends to run hot, or if you just want a little extra insurance against burned nuts.
• To the point above: Do keep an eye on these (especially in the last 15 minutes of cooking). Roasted nuts are great, burned nuts, not so much.

How to Serve Your Delicious Mixed Nuts

Well at a party of course! But I also like to make a big batch (this recipe doubles and triples beautifully btw) to have around the house for casual snacking. Bonus – these are vegan and gluten free so EVERYONE can enjoy them.

And if you’re need of any other holiday treats – check these out!

• Lemon Rosemary Roasted Cashews
• Everything Bagel Cheddar Crackers
• Easy Pickled Shrimp
• Peach Jalapeno Chutney

Happy Friday!

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