Sweet and Spicy Texan BBQ Candied Nuts Recipe
These Texan BBQ Candied Nuts combine the smoky, spicy flavors of Texas BBQ with a sweet, caramelized coating, perfect for snacking or topping salads and desserts. The nuts are coated in a mixture of brown sugar and bold spices, then baked to create a crunchy, flavorful treat that balances sweet and savory notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Texan
- Diet: Kosher
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed nuts (such as pecans, almonds, walnuts, and cashews)
- 1 large egg white
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven. Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for slow, even baking that caramelizes the nut coating without burning it.
- Prepare the Nuts. In a large bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Add the mixed nuts and toss to coat them evenly with the egg white, which helps the sugar and spices adhere.
- Mix the Spice and Sugar Blend. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), and kosher salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Coat the Nuts with the Spice Mixture. Sprinkle the sugar and spice mix over the nuts in batches, tossing thoroughly to ensure every nut is coated in the flavorful mixture.
- Bake the Nuts. Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to promote even caramelization and prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve. Remove the nuts from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, the sugar coating hardens to a crisp, candied shell. Store in an airtight container once fully cooled.
Notes
- Use a mix of your favorite nuts or whatever you have on hand for a custom blend.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- Ensure nuts are spread evenly on the sheet to allow even baking and avoid sogginess.
- Stirring the nuts during baking prevents burning and ensures a consistent coating.
- Store these candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Keywords: Texan BBQ, candied nuts, spicy nuts, sweet and spicy snack, BBQ snack, mixed nuts recipe
