Imagine opening a jar and being greeted by the savory, irresistible aroma of Smoked Nuts—each nugget perfectly infused with buttery seasonings and a gentle kiss of smokiness. This dish is a total game-changer for snack lovers, with every handful offering a crisp, flavorful crunch that’s absolutely addictive. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something special for movie night, these Smoked Nuts deliver big on taste and make snacking feel truly gourmet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for these Smoked Nuts is refreshingly simple, but each element works its magic to build those layers of flavor and satisfying crunch. Don’t underestimate the power of a good butter-and-spice combo—every item pulls its weight and ensures the results are deliciously unforgettable.

Seasoned Salt: A balanced way to give your nuts a flavorful boost, providing both saltiness and subtle savory notes.
Garlic Powder: Adds a gentle, fragrant punch that wakes up the flavor of every nut.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings complex savory and umami depth that makes these nuts downright craveable.
Butter (melted): The key to a rich, golden coating that helps the seasonings cling and gives the nuts a luxurious texture.
Unroasted, Unsalted Peanuts: Their slightly sweet, mild taste makes them absorb all those smoky, buttery flavors beautifully.
Unroasted, Unsalted Cashews: Cashews add a creamy crunch and soak up seasoning for a melt-in-your-mouth nutty bite.

How to Make Smoked Nuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Smoker

Kick things off by firing up your smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s crucial to preheat so you get even, consistent smoke—think of this as laying the groundwork for that signature flavor. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for best results, and don’t rush it; the right temperature helps lock in that smokey goodness.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Seasonings

While the smoker warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the seasoned salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and melted butter. This is your flavor powerhouse! The butter brings everything together, so don’t be shy about mixing well—you want every bit of seasoning to be evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Nuts

Toss the unroasted peanuts and cashews right into that mixing bowl. Roll up your sleeves and give everything a good, gentle stir, making sure every nut gets a luscious coating of buttery seasoning. This step ensures no nut is left behind and all will emerge bursting with flavor from the smoker.

Step 4: Ready the Roasting Pan

Spread the coated nuts out in a disposable roasting pan, making sure they’re in a fairly even layer. This helps them smoke and toast uniformly, ensuring you get maximum crunch—no soggy or under-seasoned nuts here! Using a disposable pan makes cleanup a breeze (a little bonus for the chef).

Step 5: Smoke and Stir

Slide the roasting pan onto your smoker and let those Smoked Nuts bask in the delicious smoke for an hour. Here’s a pro tip: Give the nuts a good stir every 15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly, soak up the smoke on all sides, and prevents sticking. You’re looking for a light golden color and a deeply enticing aroma.

Step 6: Cool and Store

After an hour, pull the pan from the smoker and let the nuts cool to room temperature. As they cool, they crisp up to the perfect texture. Once cooled, transfer your Smoked Nuts to an airtight container—this keeps them fresh and makes them easy to grab whenever the craving strikes!

How to Serve Smoked Nuts

Garnishes

Serve your Smoked Nuts simply, or elevate them with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a dash of smoked paprika for color and a little extra smokiness. Presentation-wise, a rustic wooden bowl works wonders to make these nuts look as irresistible as they taste.

Side Dishes

While Smoked Nuts are a superstar snack all on their own, they also shine alongside a cheese and charcuterie board, or as a crunchy topping for salads and soups. Their savory, smoky punch pairs especially well with mild, creamy cheeses, or as a delightful counterpoint to fresh-cut fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

Wow your guests by serving these nuts in parchment cones at a party, packed up in mason jars as a thoughtful homemade gift, or even tossed into a trail mix for an exciting burst of flavor. Smoked Nuts also make a standout party favor or a tasteful homemade addition to any holiday spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, your Smoked Nuts will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be sure they’re fully cooled before storing, to prevent any unwanted sogginess.

Freezing

Need to stash your Smoked Nuts for even longer? Freeze them! Pop cooled nuts into a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out the air, and store for up to three months. When you’re ready for a snack, let them come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If your nuts lose a bit of their crunch from storage, revive them by spreading on a baking sheet and heating in a 300 degree oven for about 5 minutes. They’ll crisp up beautifully and taste freshly smoked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use different types of nuts in this Smoked Nuts recipe?

Absolutely! While peanuts and cashews are classic, feel free to mix in almonds, pecans, or even walnuts. Just be sure they’re unroasted and unsalted for best results.

What type of wood chips are best for smoking nuts?

Milder woods like apple, cherry, or pecan are wonderful for Smoked Nuts because they add subtle smoky notes without overpowering the seasonings. Avoid woods with very strong flavors unless you want bolder, more intense results.

Do I need a special smoker to make Smoked Nuts?

Not at all! Any outdoor smoker will work, and you can even try using a grill with a smoker box in a pinch. Just keep an eye on your temperature and follow the same process for delicious results.

Can I make Smoked Nuts less salty or less spicy?

Definitely—simply adjust the amount of seasoned salt or skip it entirely for a gentler flavor. If you’d like a little kick, feel free to toss in a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder before smoking.

How do I keep my Smoked Nuts extra crunchy?

Letting the nuts cool completely before storing is key! Also, make sure your storage container is truly airtight to keep out moisture and guarantee maximum crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making your own Smoked Nuts, this is the perfect recipe to start with—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is. Trust me, once you taste these savory, smoky treats, they might just become your new snacking obsession. Give them a go and treat yourself (and your lucky friends) to something truly special!

Smoked Nuts Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 21 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 2 pounds of smoked nuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Smoked Nuts are the ultimate savory snack, perfect for any gathering or as an everyday treat. The combination of seasoned salt, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce gives them a rich, smoky flavor that is irresistible. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

Seasoning Mix:

1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Nuts:

1/4 cup butter, melted
1 pound unroasted, unsalted peanuts
1 pound unroasted, unsalted cashews

Instructions

Preheat Smoker: Preheat smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit according to manufacturer’s directions.
Mix Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine seasoned salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and melted butter.
Coat Nuts: Add peanuts and cashews to the bowl. Toss to coat evenly.
Smoke: Spread the nuts in a roasting pan and place in the smoker. Smoke for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Cool and Store: Remove from smoker and let nuts cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Appetizer/Snack
Method: Smoking
Cuisine: American