Save to Pinterest Last winter, during a particularly relentless cold spell, I found myself craving something warm and crunchy that wasn't just another bag of chips from the store. I raided my pantry, pulled out every nut and seed I could find, and started experimenting with spices I'd been meaning to use more often. The house filled with this incredible aroma—cinnamon, turmeric, and something vaguely reminiscent of my grandmother's kitchen that I couldn't quite place. Now this mix lives in a glass jar on my counter, and I've caught more than one family member sneaking handfuls when they think I'm not looking.
I brought a batch to a friend's game night last month, intending them to be a starter appetizer. By the time we actually sat down to play, half the bowl was already gone, and someone asked if I'd cater their wedding. The conversation turned into a twenty-minute debate about whether the secret was the turmeric or the way the maple syrup caramelized in the oven. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that pull people into the kitchen asking for your secrets.
Ingredients
- Raw almonds (1 cup): These hold up beautifully to roasting and become incredibly crunchy—buy them raw so you can control the toasting
- Raw cashews (1 cup): The creamy buttery nut that mellows out the spices and adds such a lovely texture contrast
- Raw walnuts (1 cup): Their slightly earthy flavor pairs perfectly with the turmeric and cinnamon combination
- Raw pumpkin seeds (1/2 cup): Pepitas get wonderfully crisp and add these lovely little crunch pockets throughout the mix
- Raw sunflower seeds (1/2 cup): These tiny seeds pack a serious nutritional punch and toast up golden brown
- Ground turmeric (1 1/2 tsp): The anti-inflammatory powerhouse that gives this mix its gorgeous golden hue
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warmth and that familiar comforting spice everyone loves
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): My secret ingredient—adds this subtle smoky depth that makes people wonder what's different
- Ground cumin (1/2 tsp): Just enough earthiness to ground all the sweeter spices
- Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): A little heat that wakes up your palate without being overwhelming
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp, optional): Skip this if you're serving kids, otherwise it adds this lovely back-of-the-throat warmth
- Sea salt (3/4 tsp): Essential—don't be tempted to skip it, as it makes all the spices pop
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps the spices adhere and creates that perfect roasted texture we're after
- Maple syrup or honey (1 tbsp): Just enough to help the spices caramelize and create those irresistible clusters
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare:
- Set your oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Combine your nuts and seeds:
- In a large bowl, toss together the almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds until they're evenly mixed.
- Whisk the spice mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), turmeric, cinnamon, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and sea salt. Whisk until you have a smooth, well-blended paste.
- Coat everything:
- Pour the spiced oil mixture over the nuts and seeds, then toss thoroughly until every single piece is evenly coated.
- Spread and bake:
- Spread the mixture in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until everything is golden and fragrant.
- Cool completely:
- Let the nuts cool completely on the baking sheet—they'll crisp up as they cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Save to Pinterest My mother started keeping a batch on her desk during long work afternoons, and she says it's the only thing that stops her from hitting the office vending machine at 3 PM. There's something deeply satisfying about reaching into a jar and grabbing a handful of something you made yourself—something that actually nourishes you instead of just filling a void.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is. I've swapped in pecans during autumn when they're everywhere, added hazelnuts around Christmas time, and even thrown in chia seeds when I wanted to boost the omega-3s. The spice ratios work beautifully with almost any nut combination you have on hand.
Serving Ideas That Work
Beyond just snacking straight from the jar, these spiced nuts elevate everything they touch. I crush them slightly and sprinkle over roasted butternut squash, toss them into morning oatmeal, or use them as the finishing touch on grain bowls. They're particularly brilliant on a cheese board—their warmth cuts through rich cheeses perfectly.
Storage and Timing
This recipe scales beautifully for gift-giving or meal prep. I often triple the batch during the holidays and portion them into mason jars with handwritten labels. They stay fresh for two weeks, though honestly, they've never lasted more than four days in my house.
- Make the spice mixture in bulk and store it separately for even faster prep next time
- Freeze extra portions if you're making a large batch—they thaw beautifully and stay perfectly crisp
- Add dried fruit like cranberries only after baking, never before, or they'll become too hard
Save to Pinterest Every time I make these, I'm reminded that the best recipes are often the simplest ones—just honest ingredients, treated with care, that somehow become greater than the sum of their parts. Happy roasting.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I customize the nut and seed varieties?
Absolutely. Swap pecans, hazelnuts, or Brazil nuts for any of the listed nuts. Chia, flax, or sesame seeds work well too. Maintain similar total quantities for consistent spice coverage.
- → How do I store this spiced mix?
Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container or glass jar at room temperature. Properly stored, this mix stays fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration as moisture can affect texture.
- → Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes. Simply omit the maple syrup or honey and increase the olive oil slightly to help spices coat evenly. The cinnamon and other spices provide natural sweetness without added sugar.
- → What's the best way to prevent burning?
Stir halfway through baking and watch closely during the last few minutes. Nuts can go from golden to burnt quickly. If your oven runs hot, reduce temperature to 300°F and extend baking time by 3-5 minutes.
- → Can I double this batch?
Certainly. Use two large baking sheets to maintain proper spacing and ensure even toasting. Swap pan positions halfway through baking for consistent results across both batches.
- → What dishes pair well with this spiced mix?
Sprinkle over grain bowls, green salads, or roasted vegetables for added crunch. Serve alongside cheese boards, stir into Greek yogurt, or enjoy straight from the bowl as a satisfying snack.