These Easy Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds are the perfect simple snack or addition to your favorite dishes! Raw almonds are tossed with honey, olive oil, salt, and an optional pinch of cayenne for a little kick, then roasted until perfectly golden and aromatic. I absolutely love making these Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds because they take mere minutes to prep, make the house smell amazing, and deliver such a satisfying combination of flavors and crunch. They’re a fantastic healthy-ish snack, great for parties, or even for gifting!

Why You’ll Love These Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds

Incredibly Easy: Minimal ingredients and simple roasting make this recipe foolproof.
Sweet & Savory Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet honey and savory salt, with an optional touch of heat.
Healthy Snack: Almonds are packed with nutrients, making this a relatively healthy way to satisfy cravings.
Versatile: Great for snacking, adding to salads, topping yogurt, or including on cheese boards.
Quick: Roasting takes only about 12 minutes!

Ingredients for Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious roasted nuts. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Main Ingredients

Raw unsalted almonds (Nuts)
Honey (Sweetener)
Olive oil (Oil)

Seasoning

Salt (Seasoning)
Cayenne pepper (optional) (Spice)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love the simple honey-cayenne flavor of these Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds, but here are some other tasty ideas:

Maple Glazed: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
Spiced: Add other warm spices like cinnamon, smoked paprika, or rosemary along with the salt and cayenne.
Different Nuts: Try this method with raw pecans, walnuts, or cashews.
Add Seeds: Toss in some pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds along with the almonds.
Citrus Zest: Add some orange or lemon zest to the mixture before roasting for a brighter flavor.

Spreading the coated almonds on a parchment-lined baking sheet before roasting Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds.

How to Make Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds

Let me show you how incredibly easy it is to make these Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds:

Preheat Oven and Prep

First, I preheat my oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
I line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Mix Ingredients

In a medium bowl, I add the raw unsalted almonds, salt, cayenne pepper (if I’m using it for a little kick!), honey, and olive oil.
I stir everything together until the almonds are evenly and thoroughly coated with the honey-oil mixture and seasonings.

Roast

I transfer the coated almonds to the prepared parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
I spread them out into a single, even layer. This is important for even roasting!
I bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the honey mixture is caramelized and bubbling, and the almonds are fragrant and lightly toasted. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as the honey can go from caramelized to burnt quickly!

Cool and Serve

I let the Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up more as they cool.
Once cool, break apart any clusters.
Serve

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Roasted Almonds

Here are my secrets for making these Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds truly exceptional:

Use Raw, Unsalted Almonds: Starting with raw, unsalted almonds allows you to control the final flavor profile.
Single Layer: Spread the almonds evenly on the baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they will steam instead of roast.
Watch Carefully: Nuts, especially those coated in sugar/honey, can burn quickly. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the roasting time.
Cool Completely: Let the almonds cool fully on the baking sheet. This allows the honey coating to harden and create that perfect crunch.
Parchment Paper: Essential for preventing the sticky honey mixture from adhering permanently to your baking sheet!

How to Serve

These Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds are incredibly versatile! Enjoy them:

As a Snack: A perfect handful for a quick energy boost.
On Salads: Add a sweet and savory crunch to green salads.
With Yogurt or Oatmeal: A delicious topping for breakfast bowls.
On Cheese Boards: A fantastic addition alongside cheeses, fruits, and crackers.
As Gifts: Package them in jars or bags for simple homemade gifts.
Party Mixes: Add them to homemade trail mix or party snack mixes.

Serve at room temperature.

Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds used as a topping on a salad or served in a small bowl for snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

These roasted almonds are perfect for making ahead! Once completely cool, store the Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. Ensure they are fully cool before storing to maintain crispness.

FAQs about Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds

Can I use different nuts?
- Yes! Pecans, walnuts, cashews, or even peanuts would work well with this method. Roasting times might vary slightly depending on the nut size.
Can I make these without honey?
- Yes, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey.
Why are my almonds sticky instead of crunchy?
- They might not have cooled completely, or they might have been slightly under-roasted. Ensure they cool fully on the pan. High humidity can also sometimes affect the crispness of candied nuts.

Enjoy this incredibly easy, flavorful, and versatile Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds recipe! They’re a perfect snack or topping.

Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds

Author: Caoimhe Byrne
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 1 cup 1x
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds are a quick, easy, and addictive snack. Raw almonds are tossed with honey, olive oil, salt, and a pinch of cayenne, then roasted until caramelized and aromatic.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup raw unsalted almonds
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the raw almonds, honey, olive oil, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well until the almonds are evenly coated.
Spread on Baking Sheet: Transfer the coated almonds to the prepared baking sheet and spread them out in a single, even layer.
Roast: Bake for 12 minutes, or until the honey is caramelized and bubbly, and the almonds are fragrant and lightly toasted. Watch carefully during the last few minutes, as the honey and almonds can burn quickly.
Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the almonds cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up as they cool. Break apart any clumps once cooled.
Store

Notes

Almonds: Use whole, raw, unsalted almonds.
Honey: The honey creates the sweet, caramelized coating.
Cayenne: The cayenne adds a subtle warmth. Adjust the amount or omit it based on your preference.
Baking: Keep a close eye on the almonds while baking, especially towards the end, to prevent burning.
Cooling: Allowing the almonds to cool completely on the baking sheet is crucial for them to become crispy.
Storage: Store cooled almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks.

Easy Sweet & Savory Roasted Almonds (Honey Roasted!)