Spicy Nut Mix

Crunchy and flavorful, this spicy nut mix is quick to make and hard to stop eating! With a buttery, savory coating and a kick of smoky heat, it’s a perfect snack for any occasion and a thoughtful homemade gift. I used to work in a doctor’s office, and every year I’d make batches of this spiced nuts recipe for the staff—the nuts were always a hit and a much-needed break from all the sweet treats that dominate the season.

All you need is a bit of butter, mixed nuts, a few pantry spices and Worcestershire sauce to create this bold snack mix. Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts, adjust the spice level to your liking or add a touch of sweetness for a sweet-and-spicy version. No matter how you customize them, these homemade seasoned nuts are perfect for parties, gifting or snacking on the go.

Ingredients for Spicy Nut Mix

• Butter: Toasting nuts in melted butter adds rich flavor and gives the spices something to stick to. For a dairy-free version, swap in olive oil or coconut oil.
• Mixed nuts: A jar of mixed nuts is a convenient option, or you can create your own combination using almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts or peanuts for a satisfying mix of textures. Unsalted raw or dry-roasted nuts work best, giving you control over added oils and seasonings.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash of Worcestershire sauce brings a savory, umami depth that ties the spices together and enhances the toasty flavor of the nuts.
• Spice blend: A mix of simple pantry spices creates the bold, smoky heat that defines this spicy nut mix. Paprika and chili powder add smoky warmth and a reddish color, ground cumin adds earthiness, and cayenne pepper delivers the heat.

Directions

Step 1: Toast the nuts in butter

In a large skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mixed nuts and Worcestershire sauce, and cook for five to seven minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Spread the nut mixture on paper towels to drain any excess butter.

Step 2: Toss with the spice mix

While the nuts are still warm, transfer them to a large bowl. Stir together the salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder and ground cumin in a small bowl. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the nuts.

Toss until evenly coated. Let the nuts cool completely before storing.

Editor’s Tip: For faster cooling, spread the coated nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your spice mix to create all kinds of savory flavors. Here are some tasty combinations to try:

• Sweet and spicy: Add a tablespoon of pure maple syrup to the melted butter or toss 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with the spice mix for a bit of sweetness to balance the heat.
• Barbecue: Swap the chili powder for your favorite barbecue seasoning blend and add smoked paprika for a nut mix that tastes like barbecue chips.
• Cajun: Use a Creole or Cajun seasoning in place of the chili powder for zesty, southern-style flair.
• Everything bagel: Omit the cumin, chili powder and cayenne, then toss the toasted nuts with everything bagel seasoning for a garlicky, seedy twist.
• Herb and garlic: Prefer savory over spicy? Replace the spices with a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs such as oregano, thyme or rosemary.

How to Store Spicy Nut Mix

Store the nut mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure the nuts are completely cooled before storing—any residual warmth can create steam that softens their crunch.

Can you make the spicy nuts recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This nut mix keeps well for several weeks at room temperature, making it a fantastic make-ahead snack or homemade gift. After they’ve cooled, tuck them into festive bags, jars or tins to share with friends and family. For an extra-special touch, check out our creative ideas for packaging homemade food gifts.

Spicy Nut Mix Tips

Can I use any type of nuts?

Yes! A mix of almonds, cashews, pecans and peanuts works beautifully, but feel free to use your favorites or even toss in some pepitas for extra crunch. You’ll need about 2 cups of nuts in total for this recipe, and it’s easy to double or triple the batch for gifting. I prefer raw nuts in homemade mixes, but you can use dry-roasted for a crisper bite.

Should I use salted or unsalted nuts?

Unsalted nuts would be my first choice for controlling the saltiness of the finished snack mix. If you have only salted nuts, simply reduce or omit the added salt in the spice mix.

How do you get the spice mix to stick to the nuts?

The key to getting the spice mix to stick is coating the nuts while they’re still warm and lightly coated in butter or oil. In this recipe, the nuts are toasted in melted butter on the stovetop before being tossed with the spice mix. Drain the nuts briefly on paper towels (but don’t let them cool completely), then toss them in a large bowl with the spices, stirring until each nut is well-coated.