Spicy Nuts Cajun Mix (Printable)
A bold medley of nuts coated in fiery Cajun spices for an addictive snack.
# What You'll Need:
→ Nuts
01 - 1 cup raw cashews
02 - 1 cup raw pecan halves
03 - 1 cup raw almonds
04 - 1 cup raw peanuts
→ Spices & Seasonings
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
09 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
14 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Optional
15 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine all nuts in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and maple syrup or honey if using.
04 - Pour the spice mixture over the nuts and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
05 - Spread the nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and fragrant.
06 - Remove from oven and let cool completely on the tray. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These nuts disappear faster than you can make them, so consider doubling the batch
- The spice blend hits that perfect sweet-heat balance that keeps you reaching for just one more
- They stay crunchy for weeks, making them excellent for impromptu gatherings or gift-giving
02 -
- These nuts continue cooking after they leave the oven, so remove them when they look slightly lighter than your desired final color
- The cooling process is when the magic happens, so resist the urge to taste-test too early or you will miss the full crunch
03 -
- Buy your nuts from the bulk bins where turnover is high for the freshest flavor
- Double the spice blend and store the extra in a sealed jar for future batches