Roasted Cashews
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Oct. 16, 2025
I love these roasted cashews for an easy party snack. They’re coated in garlic, herbs, spices, and sugar that take them to the next level. Better than store-bought any day!
In This Article
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Amy’s Notes
These roasted cashews are one of my favorite quick snacks to whip up when I’m craving something savory and a little bit fancy. Here’s why I love them:
- Perfectly Spiced: The garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and brown sugar hit all the right notes. It’s a bold flavor combo that keeps you coming back for more.
- Quick and Easy: They roast in just five minutes and the spice mix comes together even faster. It’s the kind of snack I can make without even thinking.
- Great for Guests: Whenever I set these out at gatherings, people always ask what’s in them. They disappear faster than anything else on the table.
- Totally Customizable: I like tossing in fresh rosemary, but thyme or even crushed red pepper works great too. You can make them your own every time, a lot like my Curry Roasted Cashews.
- Snack Drawer Favorite: I keep a jar of these on the counter for afternoon snacking. They’re salty, sweet, and satisfying without being heavy.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Whole Cashews – Rich and buttery with natural crunch, these are the perfect blank canvas for savory flavor. Pre-roasted, lightly salted cashews work great here.
- Smoked Paprika – Adds a warm, smoky depth that balances beautifully with the natural sweetness of the cashews and brown sugar.
- Brown Sugar – Just a hint of sweetness to round out the savory spices and enhance the natural nuttiness.
- Garlic & Onion Powder – Classic pantry staples that bring bold, savory flavor to every bite without overpowering the cashews.
- Melted Butter & Salt – Salted butter helps everything cling to the nuts while adding richness and an extra touch of salt to bring the flavors together.
- Optional Rosemary – Fresh rosemary adds an aromatic, earthy layer that pairs perfectly with the garlic and smoky paprika.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Cashew Options: I like using pre-roasted, lightly salted cashews for this recipe, but raw cashews work too – just keep an eye on them while roasting so they don’t over-toast.
- Seasoning Ideas: Smoked paprika gives depth, but you can try chipotle powder for more heat or regular paprika for a milder version.
- Other Herbs: Fresh rosemary is delicious here, but you can swap it with fresh thyme or a pinch of dried Italian herbs. Just go easy with dried herbs so they don’t overpower.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Preheat oven and roast cashews for 5 minutes.
- Whisk together butter, spices, and herbs.
- Add warm cashews to spice mixture
- Toss and serve.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Pre-Mix Seasonings: You can whisk together the brown sugar, spices, and herbs ahead of time and store them in a sealed container or jar. When you’re ready, just melt the butter and stir it in before tossing with the nuts.
- Make Entirely Ahead: These spiced cashews stay crunchy and flavorful for weeks if stored in an airtight container. I often make a big batch and keep them on hand for snacks, quick protein hits, or last-minute party additions.
Video: Watch Us Make This Recipe
Roasted Cashews
I love these roasted cashews for an easy party snack. They’re coated in garlic, herbs, spices, and sugar that take them to the next level. Better than store-bought any day!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cashews , see notes
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, smoked version provides depth of flavor
- ¾ teaspoon table salt
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon rosemary leaves, fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F with rack on middle position. Lay cashews in a single layer evenly onto an ungreased baking sheet. Roast 5 minutes; watch so they don’t burn. Be sure to remove cashews from oven immediately when done.
- While cashews are roasting, quickly whisk together the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, butter, and rosemary (if using) in a bowl.
- Add warm cashews to the bowl and toss thoroughly to combine well; ensure all nuts are coated evenly. Serve warm.
Notes
- I like to start with pre-roasted, lightly salted cashews for this recipe.
- Feel free to use different herbs, such as thyme or oregano.
- Keep cashews in a single layer when roasting. This helps them toast evenly without burning.
- Watch the oven closely. Cashews can go from golden to burned quickly, especially if they’re already roasted.
- Mix the seasoning while the cashews are in the oven. You want the nuts to be warm so the flavors cling better.
- Leftovers can be kept in airtight container at room temperature for up to several weeks.
- This recipe is part of our Party Appetizer Recipes Collection.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 156mg | Potassium: 153mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 116IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 2mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to roast the cashews first?
If you’re starting with raw cashews, yes – roast them first for that perfect crunch. If you’re using pre-roasted ones, the short time in the oven just warms them up and helps the seasoning stick.
Are these roasted cashews spicy?
No, they’re more savory and smoky from the paprika. If you like heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking sheet or two so the cashews stay in a single layer and roast evenly.
How long do these roasted cashews keep?
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for a few weeks, though they rarely last that long.
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- Gluten-Free Chex Mix Recipe – This Gluten-Free Chex Mix Recipe is all about the irresistible flavors of this crunchy, natural Ranch Snack Mix.
- Samoa Snack Mix – If you enjoy those ever popular Girl Scout Samoa Cookies, you’ll appreciate this easy Samoa Snack Mix.