SAVORY ROASTED ALMONDS
Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 1:17PM 
So, yesterday I was partaking in one of those extremely overpriced flavored nut packs, and as tasty as they were, I couldn't help but think "I can totally figure out how to make these myself". Some ladies buy fancy shoes, fancy purses, or fancy makeup... I spoil myself with fancy snacks. However, as my days of corporate employment are coming to a close, a girl must learn to make fancy snacks on her own. I studied their salty, crispy parmesan crust and mix of herbs. I finished the bag (not difficult since there are about nine almonds per package) and set forth to make my own. No time to waste, I get a rush out of things like this.
A plain almond only satiates the mildest of hunger, but my goodness, these almonds are like the princess of nut snacks. They are the fancy shoe, fancy purse and fancy makeup of the snack family. I will show you big fancy nut company! Mine are fresh and I can have more than nine at a time! It's the little things isn't it? 
SAVORY ROASTED ALMONDS
The spice measurements here are pretty moderate, if you like it spicier or love lemon for example, adjust as you desire. I know the sugar seems a bit out of place here, but it helps with the crust. Also, because ovens are all a bit different, test them after the recommended time. Note that they will dry out and crisp up even more once they cool out of the oven.
3 Cups/16 oz. Raw Almonds
2 Small Egg Whites (OR 1 Extra Large Egg White)
1/3 Cup Fresh Thyme Leaves
2 Tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
1 Tbsp. Dried Oregano
1 Tbsp. Garlic Powder
3 Tbsp. Lemon Zest
2 tsp. Black Pepper
1 1/2 Tbsp. Natural Cane Sugar/Sucanat
Sea Salt
1/2 Cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
Oven to 275'
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. In a bowl, or pestle and mortar, add the thyme, red pepper, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, lemon zest and sugar together. If you have a pestle and mortar, grind all of the spices together to break them up a bit. You won't get much of a paste, but the thyme should break down a bit and the red peppers will get smaller. Otherwise, the back of a heavy spoon will suffice as well.
2. Whisk the egg whites until frothy (about 2 minutes). Add the almonds, and fold them over to coat. Add the spices mixture and mix again until they seem evenly distributed.
3. Spread the nuts out on the baking sheet and give them all a very generous grind of sea salt. Sprinkle half of the parmesan evenly, and toss to coat. Make sure the nuts are spread in a single layer, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the nuts. At this point, I added a fresh grind of black pepper all over, but that is your choice.
4. Bake in the middle rack for 25 minutes. Remove to cool completely before serving. And a final little dusting of parmesan when they are hot out of the oven never hurt anyone either. 
Reader Comments (68)
I have only ever had sugary, cinnamon almonds. These sound delicious.
I know what you mean, I paid $6 the other day for a tiny packet of roasted cashews with moroccan tajine seasoning. They were divine but left me wanting more. You've inspired me - i'm gonna try making them myself!
They sell lemon almonds at the farmers market by my work, which are very tasty, but I like your idea of adding some herbs. This looks like the perfect little snack!
Nuts make fantastic snacks, but you're right; those mixes are ridiculously priced. Your recipe sounds scrumptious. I'm saving this for next time bulk nuts are on sale.
I buy flavored almonds at the farmer's market all the time for nearly $7 a bag. Super bad habit of mine. I might try this and save the money to buy more shoes! ;)
i'm sure these are excellent! I made a spice nut mix over new years and it was killer, which like you, made me realize how crazy these people are for selling them for so much (with so little in the bag) at the stores!
Ooh - I love to make spiced/sweet almonds, but I've got to give this a try soon. They look great.
Oh I totally agree Sara! Last Christmas someone gave my family a HUGE jar full of savory nuts that they made. I was addicted! People complained cause they werent sweet like honey roasted nuts but I prefer the savory. And what a healthy snack too!
I've considered making many different nut recipes and never been enticed enough to follow through and make them. Your recipe looks fantastic, so I'll definitely be trying this!
I'm always looking for a good nut recipe for parties. People love them and these look terrific!
Wow, those look wonderful! I'm an almond lover so this recipe is totally for me!
I can definitely relate to the preference of buying snacks. I'll definitely have to give these a try because they look great. I'm also hoping the corporate life is ending because you want it to and for no other reason. Sending positive energy your way. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
isn't it fabulous how easy it is to
dress up your favourite foods?
snacks become exquisite with just a little more effort...
i recommend salted caramel almonds/peanuts.
soooooooo yummy...
starbucks even had sugar-and-coffee speckled almonds
for a while,
which i didn't get to try but
i might steal and re-invent the idea.
:)
I had some.... totally the princess of nut snacks! :)
Yes, those darn nut packs are so pricey (and small!). I have been meaning to whip up my own version for awhile, but looks like you did all the work for me! I will definitely be trying these next week w/company.
I just found your blog last week, what a gorgeous collection of recipes and photos. I put you on my favorite blogs list on my blog, I look forward to reading more and more!
I'm definitely going to try these...they look and sound completely fabulous!
I've seen recipes for almonds and egg whites a couple times and they have looked a little strange and heavy on the egg. These, however, look perfectly balanced. And the Parmesan!!! I will make this soon. Thank you very much.
hi sara, i know fresh thyme leaves are ideal, but if i had dry on hand... how much do you think?? sounds amazing!
@Erin - I would say about 2 Tbsp. of dried thyme. Once they are spread out on the sheet, you can tell if they need another little sprinkling of spices.
These look fabulous. I spend way too much money on fancy salt, so I better make my almond snacks from scratch and save a few dollars. Balance...
This is a wonderful way to serve roasted almonds. You've made it extra special.
These look so tasty! What a perfect snack. Just the thing to put out (maybe along with some yummy olives) with drinks before dinner. I can't wait to make them!
[...] SAVORY ROASTED ALMONDS » Sprouted Kitchen [...]
Oh my goodness! Pure divinity! That looks incredible.
I really love this savory version of roasted almonds. I'm so used to seeing them sweetened, it's a great change. So versatile too, would love to toss some of these into a salad.
Great idea. Could you sub a bit of agave? Or do you think the texture of the cane sugar is necessary? Yum!!! Can't wait to make these...and then hide them from my boyfriend:)
i made them with the large stock of pecans i had... they were awesome! everyone said it tasted like pizza :)
mmmm...yummy! I should really make these! I love sweet spiced nuts but a parmesan version would be divine.
this sounds like a wonderful flavour combination, yum!
These look so easy and yummy. I'm intrigued by the addition of sugar. Bookmarked to try soon!
My mouth is watering and I'm thanking my lucky stars that two days ago when I left the mountain for my grocery run, I bought an obscene amount of raw almonds.
These sound like a great hostess gift.
How do you think they'd freeze? They also sound like a good thing to have in the freezer for unexpected springtime guests.
these look delightful! i love the idea of making them yourself, and they seem different from other things i've seen in stores. thanks!
These look super delicious! Love the red pepper flakes flavor in it too.
I am really into savory things these days- like a good solid mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack. When you are dragging and need a little pick me up. Looking forward to trying this. You are inspiring
there is nothing more satisfying than recreating tasty purchased things, especially when they're even better than store bought! and fancy food trumps fancy purses and shoes any day of the week for me!
oh yum! I am going to make these this week for sure! Thanks so much for the tasty recipe, you such an amazing blog.
I made these with a few substitutions and they were amazing. Yum!!
I'm so with you on the fancy snacks, they are my weakness. I love making them at home though, these almonds look so tasty!
I know what I'm making next. Lovely recipe. Thank you.
oh, i do love those sahalee snacks, so. this looks like a lovely rendition -- thank you for these!
oh boy! i'm so ready to make these!
Almond is very nutritious.We usually eat fried almonds directly.Few of us can make delicious food with almond.
I've never made a nut mix before. This sounds yummy and fun to make, though. Thank you!
Um, yum. These look awesome.
Brilliant recipe!
Cannot wait to try it!
Oh this is so pretty! Everything on your site looks so pretty. And clean! I love how neat it all looks. Neat and delicious.
Keep up the good work!
This would be such a good snack for my boyfriend's lunch. He is constantly hungry. Now, if only we could find some bargain priced almonds.
I am so glad I found your blog and this post! I'm having a party in a couple of weeks and wanted to have roasted almonds as part of the appetizer. I'm definitely planning on buying almonds in bulk and using your recipe! Thanks!