Sweet and Spicy Grilled Nuts
These Sweet and Spicy Grilled Nuts are an irresistible summer snack. They go really well with a cold beer on a hot summer afternoon!
This post may contain paid links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.
Fire makes everything taste better. Sure, you can cook a respectable steak indoors in a cast iron skillet. But put that steak on the grill? So much better! Same goes for chicken and pork. And hot dogs or burgers indoors? No question that an open flame is the way to go there!
We’re adding to the list of fun grilling recipes today with these Sweet and Spicy Grilled Nuts. Nuts…on the grill? I admit that nuts might not be the first thing you think about when you think grilled foods, but trust me here. These are fantastic! And they’re super easy to make, too.
Sweet and Spicy Grilled Nuts
Let’s start with the combination of nuts used in this recipe. Almonds, Spanish peanuts and raw pumpkin seeds combine for a fun and unique combination of flavors and textures. (Sure, pumpkin seeds are not nuts. They’re seeds. I get it. But for the sake of this recipe, we’re just calling ’em all nuts.)
The raw almonds take a little bit longer to toast, so those go on first. The pumpkin seeds and peanuts get added a little later. Then closer to the end, we add a tasty mixture of seasonings and spices that really brings the flavor punch. The almonds and red-skin peanuts are easy to find in most grocery stores, but the shelled raw pumpkin seeds are a bit more challenging. Fortunately, they can be ordered easily on Amazon.
For the seasonings here, I had a bit of fun looking through the spice cabinet. I wanted these nuts to be just a little sweet and a little spicy. I wasn’t going for dessert flavors like these sugared pecans. But I also didn’t want a handful of these spicy nuts to burn my face off.
The seasoning mixture starts with melted butter, and I added a bit of honey and brown sugar for the sweetness factor. There’s also some cinnamon and nutmeg in there, too. For the spicy side of things, cayenne pepper was the obvious choice. But then I saw the container of hot chili oil (chili crisp) in the fridge. I added a bit of that in there, too. Woah! So good!
The result is a combination of nuts (and seeds) that is absolutely addicting. This recipe is perfect for backyard parties where everyone is hanging out enjoying the warmer temperatures. Other than shaking the pan occasionally, there’s not much work required for this recipe. The spicy element is there, but it’s not overly spicy. It’s the kind of spicy that goes well with a cold beer on a warm summer afternoon. And then you’ll find yourself reaching for another handful…and another…and another.
Tip #1: Use a Foil Pan
When it comes to grilling nuts, you’ve got to be a little creative. Occasionally, I’ll smoke peanuts on the Big Green Egg. For that recipe, I cover the grill grates with aluminum foil and then poke a bunch of tiny holes in the foil to let the smoke through. For this Sweet and Spicy Grilled Nuts recipe, we’re making things a bit easier. We’re using a disposable foil pan. Just cook up the nuts, move ’em into a serving bowl and toss the foil pan. Nice and easy!
Tip #2: Indirect Grilling
Pay close attention to the notes below about how to grill these nuts indirectly. Direct cooking on a grill is what you first think for grilling – cooking over an open flame. Indirect cooking is the opposite. If we set this pan of nuts over a direct flame, they will 100% burn. Instead, we set the grill up for indirect cooking. Don’t worry – it’s easy, and the notes in the recipe card below will walk you through it!
Tip #3: Let ’em Cool!
I mentioned this back in the recipe for those Smoked Peanuts, but the strangest thing happens to nuts when they are hot. They get chewy. That’s not exactly the texture you’re looking for (or expecting) when you grab a handful of nuts. But let those nuts cool, and they’ll go back to their ‘normal’ texture.
Can You Bake These Nuts Indoors?
Yup! I like the subtle smoky flavor that comes from grilling, but you can absolutely bake these nuts in an oven indoors. Just line a baking sheet with foil and follow the same instructions below. The nuts should be baked at 250°F.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover grilled nuts should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. I do not recommend storing leftover nuts in the refrigerator or freezer. Just invite friends over and eat ’em!
If you’re looking for a fun summer appetizer recipe or snack idea, then grab some nuts and toss ’em on the grill. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do here in our house – Happy Grilling!
Did you make this Sweet and Spicy Grilled Nuts recipe at home? Leave a comment, or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog) – I’d love to see your version!
Sweet and Spicy Grilled Nuts
Ingredients
- 1 9”x13” foil pan
- 2 cups whole almonds
- 2 cups raw shelled pumpkin seeds i.e. pepitas
- 1 cup roasted Spanish peanuts
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 Tbsp honey can substitute maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp hot chili oil also known as chili crisp
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat grill to ~250°F using indirect heat (see note).
- Using a 9”x13” foil pan, add almonds in a single layer and grill over indirect heat for 14-16 minutes. (Tip: Stir nuts/seeds every 5-6 minutes to prevent the ones on the bottom from burning.)
- Add pumpkin seeds and peanuts; toss until well combined.
- Continue grilling over indirect heat for 12-14 more minutes.
- Meanwhile, using a medium bowl, whisk together all of the remaining ingredients.
- Drizzle seasoning mixture on top of nuts; toss until well combined.
- Continue grilling over indirect heat for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove pan from grill and spread mixture onto parchment paper.
- Let cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Looking for more grilled appetizer recipes? Check out these other favorites, too:
Spiced® is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Programs and other affiliate services. This means that spicedblog.com receives a small commission by linking to Amazon.com and other sites at no cost to the readers.