Roasted mixed nuts are a go-to snack that blends simplicity with bold, toasted flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes in the oven, this recipe turns raw almonds, walnuts, and cashews into a crunchy, golden snack that’s both satisfying and versatile.
Whether you’re building a charcuterie board, prepping snacks for the week, or whipping up a homemade gift, these nuts bring deep, roasted richness and just the right amount of salt to every bite.
Ingredient Breakdown
Almonds, walnuts, and cashews each bring something special to the mix. Almonds roast to a firm, satisfying crunch with a subtly sweet finish. Walnuts become toasty and fragrant, their slightly bitter edge mellowed by the heat. Cashews add a buttery texture that balances out the others, with a creamier bite and smooth finish.
Grapeseed oil is ideal here—it’s light, neutral, and has a high smoke point, which means it helps the nuts roast evenly without adding strong flavor or burning. Its delicate nature allows the natural nuttiness to shine.
Salt may seem like a small touch, but it’s essential. A gentle sprinkle is enough to highlight the rich, roasted notes and balance the natural sweetness of the nuts, transforming them from plain to crave-worthy.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment or foil. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup effortless.
Toss the nuts directly on the sheet pan. Drizzle with grapeseed oil and scatter the salt over the top. Then, gently mix with your hands or a spatula to coat everything evenly. This simple step ensures each nut is touched with oil and seasoning, encouraging even roasting.
Slide the tray into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Roast for three minutes, then remove and shake or stir the nuts to promote consistent browning. Return them for just two more minutes—watch closely as nuts can go from perfectly golden to scorched in a flash.
Once roasted, let the nuts cool completely on the tray. They’ll continue to crisp as they sit, developing their final texture. After cooling, store them in an airtight container to maintain their crunch and freshness.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to avoid over-roasting and bitter flavors
Keep the roasting time short and monitor closely in the last minute. Use a light-colored baking sheet to reduce the risk of burning.
Stirring tips for even browning and golden edges
Shake or stir the nuts halfway through roasting to flip and expose different sides to the heat.
Custom seasoning ideas: from sweet cinnamon sugar to spicy chili lime
Toss with cinnamon and coconut sugar for a sweet twist, or add chili powder and lime zest for a bold, savory kick.
Choosing the best nuts: raw vs. roasted varieties for this method
Always start with raw nuts so they toast evenly. Pre-roasted nuts may become too dark or bitter.
Batch doubling tips: when and how to adjust baking times
Use two sheet pans and rotate them halfway through baking to ensure uniform roasting. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Can I use roasted or salted nuts instead of raw?
It’s best to start with raw, unsalted nuts. If using roasted, shorten the bake time and skip added salt.
What’s the best oil substitute for grapeseed?
Avocado or light olive oil are good alternatives with similarly high smoke points and neutral flavor.
How do I store roasted nuts to keep them crispy?
Let them cool completely and store in a sealed glass jar or container at room temperature for up to 10 days.
Can I roast them in a skillet or air fryer?
Yes. A skillet works well over medium-low heat, stirring often. For air fryers, use 300°F for 4–6 minutes, shaking midway.
How do I add sweet flavors without burning the nuts?
Mix in sweeteners like maple syrup or honey after roasting or during the final minute, and stir frequently to avoid scorching.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair these nuts with creamy cheeses like brie or aged cheddar and serve alongside dried fruits and crisp crackers for a sophisticated cheese board.
As a party snack, they shine next to olives, marinated vegetables, or crisp pita chips. They also make a great companion to a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine.
For meals, scatter over salads for crunch, toss into grain bowls for extra texture, or mix into couscous or quinoa for a nutty finish.
Sweet pairings work too—serve with chunks of dark chocolate, dried figs, or drizzle with honey for a dessert board everyone will love.
Creative Variations
Infuse your roasted nuts with global flavors by tossing them in curry powder, smoked paprika, or za’atar before roasting.
Create a sweet glaze by mixing them post-roast with maple syrup, cinnamon, or a dusting of coconut sugar.
Swap in pecans, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts for a richer, more buttery blend.
For an all-in-one snack mix, toss the cooled nuts with dried cherries, golden raisins, or dark chocolate chips to create a trail mix full of contrast and crunch.
Roasted mixed nuts are quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and packed with natural flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them for the week, or pairing them with something sweet or savory, they’re a kitchen essential worth mastering. Keep a batch on hand—you’ll find new ways to use them every day.
Ingredients
1 cup walnut halves, raw
1 cup raw almonds
1 cup raw cashews
2 teaspoons grapeseed oil
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Spread the walnuts, almonds, and cashews out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with grapeseed oil and sprinkle with salt. Using clean hands or a spatula, toss the nuts gently to ensure they’re evenly coated in oil and seasoning.
Place the tray in the oven and roast for 3 minutes. Carefully remove and shake or stir the nuts to promote even browning. Return the tray to the oven and roast for an additional 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid over-toasting.
Once the nuts are golden and fragrant, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. This rest time helps the nuts firm up and develop their full crunch.
After cooling, transfer the roasted nuts to an airtight container. Store at room temperature and enjoy within 10 days for peak freshness, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Roasted Mixed Nuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnut halves raw
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 2 teaspoons grapeseed oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Spread the walnuts, almonds, and cashews out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with grapeseed oil and sprinkle with salt. Using clean hands or a spatula, toss the nuts gently to ensure they’re evenly coated in oil and seasoning.
- Place the tray in the oven and roast for 3 minutes. Carefully remove and shake or stir the nuts to promote even browning. Return the tray to the oven and roast for an additional 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid over-toasting.
- Once the nuts are golden and fragrant, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. This rest time helps the nuts firm up and develop their full crunch.
- After cooling, transfer the roasted nuts to an airtight container. Store at room temperature and enjoy within 10 days for peak freshness, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
