Crunchy Homemade Toasted Almonds

Ingredients

2 cups of raw almonds
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon of your preferred spice or herbs (such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, rosemary, etc.)

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
While the oven is preheating, place your almonds into a mixing bowl.
Add the olive oil to the bowl and stir until all the almonds are coated evenly.
If you are using any spices or herbs, add them now and stir again to distribute them evenly.
Spread the almonds out in a single layer on a baking sheet. You can line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, but this is not necessary.
Sprinkle the sea salt over the almonds.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the almonds are lightly toasted and fragrant. Be sure to stir the almonds every 5 minutes to ensure they toast evenly and do not burn.
Remove the almonds from the oven and allow them to cool completely before eating. They will become crunchier as they cool.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A bowl to mix the almonds with the olive oil and spices.
Baking Sheet - A flat sheet that is oven-safe and will be used to spread out the almonds for toasting.
Parchment Paper (Optional) - Non-stick paper that can be used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
Spatula - A utensil to stir the almonds while they are toasting.
Measuring Cups - Utensils used to measure the quantity of almonds and olive oil accurately.
Measuring Spoons - Utensils used to measure the quantity of sea salt and optional spices or herbs accurately.

Recipe variations

Spicy Toasted Almonds: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the almonds for a spicy kick.
Sweet and Spicy Almonds: Mix in some honey or maple syrup along with your choice of spices like cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika.
Savory Herb Almonds: Instead of sea salt, use a mixture of dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil to season the almonds.
Smoky BBQ Almonds: Toss the almonds with your favorite BBQ seasoning or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Rosemary Garlic Almonds: Add dried rosemary and garlic powder to the almonds for a fragrant and savory combination.
Honey Roasted Almonds: Replace the olive oil with honey and sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon for a sweet and crunchy treat.
Cocoa Dusted Almonds: After toasting, toss the almonds in cocoa powder for a chocolaty twist.
Maple Glazed Almonds: Replace the olive oil with maple syrup and a touch of vanilla extract for a sweet and sticky coating.

Recipe overview

Get ready to elevate your snacking game with this simple and delicious recipe for Toasted Almonds. Perfectly crunchy, a little salty, and incredibly easy to make, these almonds make a great snack on their own, or can be used as a tasty topping for salads, main dishes, or desserts. With just three main ingredients - raw almonds, olive oil, and sea salt - and an optional dash of your favorite spice or herb, you can create a flavorful snack that is as nutritious as it is satisfying. This recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare, taking just about 20 minutes from start to finish. The resulting toasted almonds are fragrant, savory, and have a wonderfully satisfying crunch. Enjoy them warm from the oven or let them cool for an even crunchier snack. You'll never want to go back to store-bought toasted almonds again!

Common questions

Can I use roasted almonds instead of raw almonds? No, it is recommended to use raw almonds for this recipe as they will toast and become crunchy during the baking process.
Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can use a different type of oil such as vegetable oil or coconut oil if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor of the toasted almonds.
Can I omit the sea salt? Yes, you can omit the sea salt if you prefer unsalted almonds. However, the salt adds a nice flavor contrast to the natural nuttiness of the almonds.
Can I add other spices or herbs? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment and add your preferred spices or herbs to customize the flavor of the toasted almonds. Some popular choices include garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or rosemary.
How long do the toasted almonds stay fresh? Properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the toasted almonds should stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe to make a larger batch of toasted almonds. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger batch may require slightly longer baking.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking sheet - Used to spread out the almonds in a single layer for toasting.
Mixing bowl - Used to coat the almonds with olive oil and spices.
Spatula - Used to stir the almonds while toasting and for transferring them to a cooling rack.
Parchment paper - Optional, but can be used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
Sea salt shaker - Used to sprinkle sea salt evenly over the almonds.
Cooling rack - Used to cool the toasted almonds, allowing them to become crunchier.

Origin stories

Almonds have a rich and storied history, tracing their roots back to the Mediterranean regions of the Middle East. Not only were almonds one of the earliest cultivated foods, but they also hold a prominent place in the biblical narrative, often symbolizing divine promise and blessings. In fact, the almond tree was the first to blossom and bear fruit in the region, making it a symbol of watchfulness and promise due to its early flowering. This notion of promise and blessing seems fitting when we consider the nutritional richness of almonds. So, when we toast almonds, we elevate their natural, subtle flavors, and pay homage to a tradition that has nourished civilizations for thousands of years.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.