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Texan BBQ Candied Nuts Recipe

4.9 from 149 reviews

Texan BBQ Candied Nuts are a delightful snack featuring a mix of nuts coated in a sweet and smoky brown sugar and spice glaze. These nuts are baked until caramelized to achieve a perfect crunchy, flavorful treat that’s ideal for snacking or adding a crunchy topping to salads and desserts.

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 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for slow caramelization of the nuts.
  2. Prepare Nuts: In a large bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy but not stiff. Add the mixed nuts to the bowl and stir thoroughly to coat them evenly with the egg white.
  3. Mix Sugar and Spices: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute spices evenly through the sugar.
  4. Coat Nuts: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the egg-white-coated nuts. Stir carefully, ensuring every nut is well coated with the spiced sugar blend.
  5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the coated nuts in a single layer to avoid clumping and ensure even caramelization.
  6. Bake: Bake the nuts in the preheated oven for approximately 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to promote even cooking and prevent burning. Watch for the nuts to become glossy and caramelized.
  7. Cool Down: Remove the nuts from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. The nuts will harden as they cool, developing a crunchy texture.
  8. Serve or Store: Once cool, serve the candied nuts as a snack or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spiciness; omit for a milder flavor.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  • Stir nuts during baking to ensure even coating and avoid burning the sugar glaze.
  • These nuts make a great gift when packaged in a decorative jar or bag.
  • Feel free to substitute or add your favorite nuts based on availability and preference.

Keywords: BBQ candied nuts, Texan nuts, spiced candied nuts, baked nuts, sweet and spicy nuts, snack recipe