Finally the secret to perfectly salted DIY roasted almonds (not just salted on top) that are SO much better than anything you can buy!
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So, if you’re a fan of Saturday’s Three Things articles, you may remember when I told you that I had discovered, by accident (because I’m cheap frugal smart with money), that DIY roasted almonds are WAY better than roasted-salted almonds from the store.
Way. Better. As in, you may find you have trouble eating only a few (but that’s where your small bowls for portion control will come in to play – we don’t need to suffer through blah food in order to practice portion control, do we? This is just fair warning that you will not want to start eating these straight from the jar!).
Now, before you go all “can’t we just buy anything for convenience anymore?” on me, let me explain that I don’t make these DIY roasted almonds because they are any more healthier or ‘real food’ than basic roasted nuts you can buy (though if you were soaking and sprouting them, they might be, but most raw almonds seem to be already steam-pasturized…). So if you’re needing convenience, buy away.
No, I make these because they save me a couple dollars (and we all eat a lot of nuts around here, so it adds up), but most importantly they taste amazing. Really, I had no idea there would be such a difference between home-roasted almonds and store-bought! And it’s not just me – everyone I serve them to agrees, too. I’ve had guests be so surprised that they *had* to go back for seconds- and thirds.
Make DIY Roasted Almonds
I’ve made a lot of flavored nuts (this spicy one is great) but I’ve not been happy with basic roasted nuts, mainly because the salt never wanted to stick to the nuts after cooking. So when confronted with the price difference between roasted and raw almonds, I started researching and I learned from this recipe that the secret to a salted flavor all the way through roasted nuts is to dissolve salt in hot water first, and then coat the raw nuts with this mixture and cook them.
I adapted the recipe to cook fully in an oven to be easier and to be able to make a large batch. After baking, you coat the warm nuts with a bit of olive oil and a couple shakes of sea salt and let them cool. They soak up all that goodness and then look like the perfectly roasted almonds that they are.
I don’t often add any flavoring because I usually want a basic nut I can then use to top salads and in my favorite granola, as well as for snacking. Any herb can be added, though, and garlic powder or seasoned salt would probably make them even harder to stop eating as a snack – if that’s possible – so flavor as you’d like.
This basic DIY roasted almonds recipe has changed our nut-eating life, though, so I just had to share with you how easy and amazing it is to roast your own almonds at home.
The one thing you have to be careful of is burning – it’s literally a minute between perfect and slightly burned nuts. And, yes, I’ve experienced it first hand – but you know what? Brian and I agree that even the slightly “too-browned” almonds are better than commercially roasted. Go figure.
I’d love to know what you think of these!
Click the arrow for the full printable recipe + more healthy snack ideas!
Made these today. They came out fantastic! Thanks for sharing your recipe. So much better than store bought????
Yay!
I got back from the store and realized I had bought a huge bag of RAW mixed nuts when I had wanted salted, roasted ones. I searched the Internet and found your recipe. WOW! I made A test batch and was so pleased. It worked perfectly! Thanks so much.
So happy to hear this Anna! Seems your experience was like mine – I hardly ever buy roasted almonds anymore. 🙂
Love cooking and trying new things.
I have never roasted nuts before, would this method work for walnuts? Would the temp or time change?
Yes, it probably would, Chelsea, though I haven’t tried it. You will need to adjust the time I think – just roast for 3-5 minutes the second time and keep an eye on them (I think they will brown faster than almonds).
I tried these yesterday and LOVE them! The prep and roasting is easy too. I had to cook mine longer but that is just my oven. These will be one of my main ways to roast almonds. Thanks.
Yes, some ovens are different, Andrea – I have found that, too. Glad you liked them!
I am assuming the sea salt you are using is fine ground but just want to be sure since it will definitely affect the saltiness. I want to try these soon!
Yes, it is regular fine sea salt (it dissolves better). You can put larger flakes when you shake some on after roasting if you want.
You are right, THESE ARE SO GOOD!!! Thanks for posting, I will make these again for sure.
Yay – another convert. 😉
I agree completely, these are the BEST and so easy, I’ll never buy commercial nuts again! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
All right!! Another convert 🙂
I was always buying the roasted and salted almonds at Costco. Our local fruit market had raw almonds on sale for $2.99/ lb. I thought, I’ll give it a try this recipe and roast my own. What do I have to loose as the nuts were so cheap. Oh my…………. these are the best roasted and salted almonds I have ever had. I went right back to the fruit market and bought several more pounds of almonds while they were still on sale. The regular price is only $3.99/lb when they are not on sale. I will ALWAYS buy raw almonds and roast them myself. I also sprinkle some smoked paprika on some of them after roasted and when I’m putting the salt on. They are yummy that way too. Thank you so much for this recipe.
I felt the same way, Kathy – the difference is amazing! I like your paprika idea, too – I will sometimes use chipoltle seasoning for a bit of spice on some. 🙂
Trying this method now and my almonds are in the oven! Usually I just roast them and eat them unsalted but I’m pregnant and have been craving extra salt on everything lately!
Pretty sure you won’t go back to your old method, Nicole. 🙂
You might find it interesting to look at soaking the almonds first and then drying…a method written about by Sally Fallon in “Nourishing Traditions.” Supposedly makes the almonds (or any nuts) easier to digest and better for you. (Recipe is called “Crispy Nuts.”) We like them alot!
Could you share where you buy your Almonds? I’m always looking for good sources!
I buy the raw almonds at Costco, Heather. They are about $16 for the 3 lb. package.
I think I paid about $12 for 3 lbs pkg at Costco last week. We also have bins at Winco but much more expensive there about $6+ lb.
That’s a great price Leslie – and these are worth it. 🙂