Description

This recipe delivers an easy, homemade snack of roasted almonds with a Chili-Honey Glaze and Sesame Sparkle. It’s simple to prepare and offers a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors, perfect for family snacking or sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (240g) whole, unsalted raw almonds
2 tablespoons (30ml) honey (Maple syrup or agave can replace honey for a different sweetness profile)
1–2 teaspoons chili flakes (or powder), to taste (adjust to your family’s preferred spice level)
1 tablespoon (8g) sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (15ml) olive or avocado oil (Melted coconut oil also works well for a different flavor)
0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Whisk Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of honey, 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes, 1 tablespoon of oil, and 0.25 teaspoon of salt until well combined and smooth.
Coat Almonds: Add 2 cups of raw almonds to the bowl and toss until every almond is evenly coated.
Spread on Sheet: Spread the coated almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even roasting.
Bake Almonds: Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant. The chili-honey glaze should look sticky and set. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
Add Sesame Seeds: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. Toss gently to distribute the sesame seeds while the nuts are still warm and sticky.
Cool Completely: Allow the almonds to cool completely on the baking sheet (about 30-45 minutes). This is crucial for them to crisp up perfectly; they will firm up as they cool.

Notes

Experiment with smoked paprika or orange zest for flavor variations. For a lower-sugar option, reduce honey by half and add cinnamon or cardamom. Prevent burning by using parchment paper, stirring halfway, and watching closely. Ensure almonds cool completely for optimal crispiness; if not crispy, they may need more cooling time or a few extra minutes in the oven at a lower temperature (e.g., 275°F/135°C).

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 0.25 cup (35 g)
Calories: 240 calories
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: roasted almonds, chili-honey, sesame, easy snack, homemade, sweet and spicy, nuts, healthy