Garlic Roasted Almonds
Crunchy, garlicky roasted almonds made with heart-healthy oil and simple seasonings. High in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, these make a nutritious, satisfying snack that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 small mixing bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula or spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw unsalted whole almonds
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt or kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven for Perfect Roasting: Begin by setting your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature while you prepare the almonds. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Make sure the parchment is flat, with no wrinkles, so the almonds roast evenly without burning spots.
- Coat Almonds with Healthy Oil: Place 2 cups of raw, unsalted almonds into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Drizzle 2 teaspoons of avocado oil over the almonds. Using a spatula or spoon, stir the nuts thoroughly so each almond is lightly coated in oil. This oil not only helps the seasonings stick but also promotes even roasting, giving the almonds a beautiful golden-brown color and rich flavor.
- Spread Almonds Evenly on Baking Sheet: Transfer the oiled almonds onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them into a single, even layer, ensuring no almonds overlap. Crowding the nuts can cause uneven roasting and soggy spots. A well-spaced layer allows hot air to circulate around each almond, creating a perfectly crunchy texture.
- Roast Almonds – First Round: Place the baking sheet in the center of the preheated oven. Roast the almonds for 10 minutes, carefully monitoring the process. The first round of roasting begins to draw out the natural oils in the almonds, enhancing their flavor and creating a light, nutty aroma. During this time, resist the urge to open the oven too often, but you can peek to see that they’re lightly browning.
- Prepare Garlic Seasoning Mix: While the almonds are roasting, combine the flavoring ingredients in a small bowl. Measure 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt (or kosher salt) and stir them together. This mixture will evenly coat the almonds after their initial roast, infusing them with savory garlic flavor without overpowering their natural nuttiness.
- Season Almonds Mid-Roast: After the first 10 minutes of roasting, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts. Stir the almonds gently to ensure they’re not sticking to the parchment. Sprinkle the garlic and salt mixture evenly over the almonds, then stir again to coat every nut with the seasoning. This step ensures the garlic flavor penetrates the almonds and enhances their crispness.
- Roast Almonds – Final Round: Return the seasoned almonds to the oven for an additional 4–6 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during this stage, as nuts can quickly go from golden brown to burnt. Check after 4 minutes and stir once midway to guarantee even roasting. This final round develops deeper flavors and gives the almonds their signature crunch.
- Cool Almonds Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the almonds to cool completely on the parchment paper. Cooling helps the nuts firm up and ensures the seasonings adhere perfectly. This step is crucial for achieving that satisfying, crunchy texture you expect from perfectly roasted almonds.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Once the almonds are cooled, taste a few. If desired, sprinkle with an extra 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt to suit your preference. Adjusting at the end ensures the flavors are balanced without over-salting.
- Store or Serve Almonds: Serve the almonds immediately as a snack or appetizer, or transfer them into an airtight container for storage. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks, retaining their crunch and flavor. Perfect for everyday snacking, meal prep, or gifting, these garlic roasted almonds are both versatile and irresistible.
Notes
- Use raw, unsalted almonds for best results; pre-roasted or salted nuts can interfere with seasoning absorption.
- Avocado oil is preferred due to its high smoke point, but olive oil is a suitable substitute.
- Adjust garlic powder and salt to taste; start with the recommended amounts and add more after roasting if desired.
- Spread almonds in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and prevent burning.
- Stir the almonds midway through roasting to promote uniform browning and flavor distribution.
