Baked Nuts
Crunchy baked nuts with a hint of salt and a crispy coating make a perfect snack or party treat. Toasted to enhance flavor and baked until golden, these nuts are ideal for sharing or enjoying as a savory, satisfying appetizer suitable for gatherings or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast the walnuts and pecans at 300°F on a baking sheet for about 20 minutes.
- Cool the nuts completely.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff.
- Fold in sugar and a dash of salt into the beaten egg whites.
- Fold the toasted nuts into the egg white mixture.
- Melt margarine in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the nut mixture in the dish over the melted margarine.
- Bake at 325°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider tossing the nuts with spices like cinnamon or cayenne before baking. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter works well as a substitute. Ensure the egg whites are at room temperature before beating for optimal volume. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as almonds or cashews, to create your own version of this baked treat.
Serving Suggestions
These baked nuts make a delightful snack on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cheese platter or as a topping for salads. Consider serving them alongside a refreshing drink like a Purple People Cooler for a fun gathering. They can also be added to trail mixes or used as a crunchy layer in desserts like yogurt parfaits.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, spread the nuts on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Nuts contains roughly 555 calories, with 12g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1066mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, in place of walnuts or pecans. Just keep the total amount the same to ensure the egg white mixture binds well.
What can I do if I can't find margarine?
If margarine isn't available, unsalted butter is a great substitute in this recipe. You can also use coconut oil for a dairy-free option, though it may impart a slight coconut flavor.
How can I make this recipe sweeter?
To add sweetness to the baked nuts, you can incorporate a few tablespoons of brown sugar or honey into the egg white mixture before folding in the nuts. Adjust the amount based on your desired sweetness level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).