Why You’ll Love this Rosemary Spiced Nuts Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, festive snack that everyone will reach for, let me tell you, this is it.

These rosemary spiced nuts check all the boxes: they’re quick (just 20 minutes), naturally paleo and gluten-free (so everyone can enjoy), and they make your kitchen smell amazing while they roast.

I’ve been making these before Thanksgiving for years and taking them to my parents (they travel so well!). It’s the perfect little bite to keep everyone satisfied without spoiling dinner (we’re a big Thanksgiving appetizer family).

Bonus: they double as a thoughtful homemade gift or a gorgeous topping for cheese boards or fall salads like pumpkin feta salad or sweet potato kale salad.

close up of roasted rosemary spiced nuts cooling on a baking sheet.

Ingredients You Need (And Substitutions)

mixed nuts, olive oil, coconut sugar, pepper, salt, thyme, and rosemary measured out in separate bowls on a countertop.
  • Mixed nuts: Use a combo of cashews, pecans, and almonds. Walnuts or hazelnuts work too.
  • Olive oil: Helps herbs stick—avocado oil works as well.
  • Fresh rosemary: The star flavor. Dried rosemary works, but cut amount in half.
  • Fresh thyme: Optional but adds depth. Can sub dried thyme.
  • Cayenne pepper: Just a tiny bit for gentle heat. Skip for mild flavor.
  • Coconut sugar or honey: Balances savory herbs with natural sweetness. Brown sugar works too.
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Step-by-Step: How to Make Rosemary Spiced Nuts

olive oil, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme infusing in a small saucepan.
  1. Infuse herbs with olive oil: Gently warm oil over medium heat. Add rosemary and thyme and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
stirring rosemary and spices into olive oil in a saucepan.
  1. Mix spices: Stir in cayenne, coconut sugar, salt, and pepper until combined.
stirring mixed nuts with a rosemary and spice mixture in a mixing bowl.
  1. Coat nuts: Pour spiced oil over mixed nuts in a bowl and toss to coat evenly.
rosemary spiced nuts spread evenly on a baking sheet.
  1. Bake: Spread nuts in a single layer on prepared sheet. Roast 12–15 minutes, stirring halfway.

Pro Tips for Perfect Spiced Nuts

  • Don’t over bake: Nuts burn quickly so pull them when they’re fragrant and lightly golden.
  • Infuse the oil: Gently heating herbs in oil unlocks deep flavor. This is my secret for extra herby spiced nuts.
  • Batch gift idea: Double or triple recipe and package in glass jars with ribbon.
a jar of rosemary spiced nuts on a counter with fresh rosemary surrounding it.

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5 from 1 vote

Rosemary Spiced Nuts

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
These rosemary spiced nuts are roasted with olive oil, fresh herbs, a hint of cayenne, and sugar for the ultimate sweet-savory holiday snack. They’re light but festive, making them perfect for pre-Thanksgiving munchies, homemade gifts, cheese boards, or even tossed on salads.
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Molly Thompson

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Molly Thompson
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 cups large whole nuts I used cashews, pecans and almonds
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary chopped
  • 2 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 300° Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, foil or a silpat mat. Set aside.
  • Add all of the nuts to a medium bowl and set aside.
  • Add the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat to warm, being careful not to get too hot and burn the oil. Add the rosemary and thyme to infuse the oils with the herbs, about 1-2 minutes. Add the cayenne pepper, coconut sugar, salt and pepper to the oil mixture and stir quickly to combine. Pour over the mixed nuts and stir well to coat evenly.
  • Pour the spiced nuts onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through. Allow to cool completely. Store in an air tight container for up to two weeks.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Notes

They’re great for including on cheese boards or giving as a gift. They also make a great thanksgiving snack before dinner.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 239kcal | Carbohydrates: 14.4g | Protein: 5.3g | Fat: 19.5g | Saturated Fat: 3.7g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 162mg | Fiber: 1.4g | Sugar: 4.4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

FAQs

How do you make spices stick to nuts?

Toss nuts in warm olive oil before baking. The oil helps herbs and spices cling to the nuts while they’re roasting.

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, but reduce amount by half since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Do spiced nuts make a good gift?

Absolutely, they’re a thoughtful homemade gift! Fill mason jars or cellophane bags, tie with ribbon, and add to holiday baskets.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.

More Holiday Appetizers to Try

 

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5 from 1 vote

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2 Comments

  1. Stephanie Hauk says:

    5 stars
    These spiced nuts are so good, they are dangerous! A quick and easy recipe that is perfect to snack on daily or to put out with appetizers for the upcoming holidays! Thanks, Molly!

    Reply
    1. Molly Thompson says:

      Glad you like them, Stephanie! They’re one of our favorites!

      Reply