These easy-to-make Spicy Mixed Nuts are great for casual snacking or entertaining. (You can customize the heat level, too!) Put out a bowl for Game Day or add them to your favorite cheese board for the holidays.
3cupsraw mixed nuts(such as almonds, walnut halves, pecan halves, and cashews)*
2tablespoonsolive oil or vegetable oil
2teaspoonsCajun seasoning**
2teaspoonsTabasco sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F with rack in the middle position. (I don't recommend making these in a toaster oven, as it places the nuts too close to the heating element.) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together oil and Tabasco sauce. Add nuts and stir thoroughly to coat. Sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning and toss again until well coated.
Pour the nut mixture into a single layer on the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and fragrant, gently stirring halfway through. Keep a close eye on the nuts toward the end of the baking time to ensure that they're not getting too dark.
Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for storage at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.
Notes
*Remember that if you add smaller nut varieties, like peanuts or pistachios, they may roast more quickly. I prefer to make this recipe with larger nut varieties.**We often use Slap Ya Mama Original Blend Cajun Seasoning, which is moderately-spiced and well-salted. If your Cajun seasoning doesn't contain salt, or is more lightly salted, add ½ to 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the mix, to taste. To make your own Cajun seasoning, combine ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt (increase, to taste), ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (increase cayenne to taste for a hotter blend).For a slightly less hot, more herbal blend, substitute Creole seasoning.For suggestions to increase or decrease the heat level, see the Recipe FAQ's in the article above.