Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt Cashews

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly seasoned, crunchy snack to brighten your day or elevate an evening gathering. For many, that snack is a handful of salt and pepper roasted cashews. The irresistible combination of buttery cashew nuts with a kick of fresh black pepper and savory sea salt has captivated taste buds worldwide. However, the premium price tags on store-bought versions often deter us from indulging as frequently as we’d like. But what if you could recreate this gourmet experience in your own kitchen, effortlessly and affordably?

That’s where this recipe for homemade salt and pepper roasted cashews comes in. Forget those exorbitant prices and mediocre flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and a handful of minutes, you can transform raw cashews into an aromatic, crunchy, and utterly addictive treat that will become a new favorite in your household. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these perfectly spiced, homemade roasted cashews! You’ll wonder why you didn’t try this incredibly simple recipe sooner.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Salt and Pepper Cashews

These aren’t just any roasted nuts; they’re a revelation. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:

• Unbeatable Flavor & Texture: Experience the perfect balance of creamy cashew sweetness, the sharp bite of fresh black pepper, and the crisp salinity of sea salt. Roasting brings out the nuts’ natural depth, resulting in an incredibly satisfying crunch that store-bought versions often lack.
• Cost-Effective Snacking: Say goodbye to overpriced gourmet nut mixes. Making your own at home drastically cuts down on expenses, allowing you to enjoy this luxurious snack more frequently without breaking the bank. Buying raw cashews in bulk further enhances savings.
• Effortlessly Simple: This recipe is a testament to simplicity. With minimal prep and quick cooking time, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute cravings, or when you need a quick appetizer for unexpected guests.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you need a healthy mid-day snack, a sophisticated appetizer for cocktail hour, a delicious addition to your lunchbox, or a unique gift for holiday parties, these cashews fit the bill perfectly. They’re also fantastic crumbled over salads or added to cheese boards.
• Healthy & Wholesome: When made at home, you control every ingredient, avoiding unnecessary additives, preservatives, and excessive sodium often found in commercial products. Cashews themselves are packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals, making this a smart snack choice.
• Customizable to Your Liking: The beauty of homemade lies in customization. Adjust the levels of salt and pepper to suit your preference, or experiment with additional spices for a unique twist (more on variations below!).

Essential Ingredients for Your Cashew Masterpiece

Crafting these delectable cashews requires just a handful of quality ingredients. The magic happens when these simple components combine and are perfectly roasted:

• Raw Whole Cashews: This is your foundation. Opt for raw, unsalted cashews. Whole cashews are preferred as their uniform size ensures even roasting. Avoid broken pieces if possible.
• High-Quality Oil: A neutral oil like canola oil is ideal as it won’t overpower the delicate flavor of the cashews or the spices. Other options include grapeseed oil or even a light olive oil, depending on your preference.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: This is crucial for that signature peppery bite. Pre-ground pepper loses much of its potency and aroma quickly. Coarsely grinding your own black pepper will provide a more intense flavor and a pleasant textural contrast.
• Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: The type of salt makes a difference. Sea salt or kosher salt, with their larger, coarser granules, adhere better to the nuts and provide a more pronounced, satisfying crunch and burst of saltiness compared to fine table salt.
• Onion Powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth and aromatic sweetness that complements the cashews beautifully without being overwhelming.
• Garlic Powder: Similar to onion powder, garlic powder contributes a foundational savory note, enhancing the overall umami of the snack.

Expert Tips for Perfectly Roasted Cashews

While the recipe is straightforward, a few key tips will ensure your salt and pepper roasted cashews turn out absolutely perfect every time:

• Choose Whole Raw Cashews: Consistency in size is key for even cooking. If your cashews are of varying sizes, some might burn before others are perfectly golden.
• Freshly Ground Pepper is a Must: For that vibrant, aromatic pepper flavor that truly defines this snack, invest in a pepper grinder. Coarsely ground pepper not only tastes better but also adds a desirable texture.
• Salt Selection Matters: Stick with sea salt or kosher salt. Their larger crystals cling better to the cashews and contribute a delightful crunch. Fine table salt can easily absorb and disappear, leading to an unevenly salted product.
• Watch Them Closely: Cashews can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stay near the stove or oven, stirring frequently, especially towards the end of the cooking time. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden-brown color.
• Cool Completely for Ultimate Crunch: This tip is paramount! Roasted cashews will be slightly soft when warm. As they cool, they harden and develop their signature crunch. Resist the urge to snack immediately; patience is rewarded with superior texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan/Sheet: If roasting in the oven, spread cashews in a single layer on a baking sheet. If using a skillet, avoid piling them up. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting, preventing them from getting properly crispy.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: The provided spice measurements are a guideline. Feel free to adjust the amounts of salt and pepper to suit your personal preference. Love a bold peppery kick? Add more!

How to Make Perfectly Salt and Pepper Roasted Cashews (Skillet Method)

This method is quick, easy, and yields wonderfully aromatic and crunchy cashews. It’s perfect for smaller batches and offers direct control over the roasting process.

1. Prepare Your Skillet: Begin by heating the canola oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over low to medium-low heat. The key is gentle heat to allow the spices to bloom without burning.
2. Bloom the Spices: Add your freshly ground black pepper, sea salt, onion powder, and garlic powder to the warm oil. Stir continuously for about 1 minute. You’ll notice the spices becoming incredibly fragrant, infusing the oil with their delicious aromas. This step is essential for maximizing flavor.
3. Add the Cashews: Introduce the raw cashews to the spiced oil. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, toss them thoroughly to ensure every cashew is evenly coated with the aromatic mixture.
4. Roast to Golden Perfection: Continue to cook the cashews, stirring constantly and diligently. This even agitation prevents hot spots and ensures uniform roasting. Keep a close eye on them; within 4-7 minutes, they should begin to blister slightly and turn a beautiful golden brown. Their aroma will deepen significantly. Remove from heat immediately once they reach this stage.
5. Cool Completely: Transfer the hot cashews to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a plate to cool in a single layer. This allows air circulation, crucial for them to crisp up properly. They will be soft when warm but will become perfectly crunchy as they cool.

Oven Roasting Method (Alternative)

For larger batches or if you prefer a more hands-off approach, oven roasting is an excellent alternative:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Cashews: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, toss the raw cashews with the canola oil until evenly coated. Add the black pepper, sea salt, onion powder, and garlic powder, tossing again until the cashews are well seasoned.
2. Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned cashews in a single layer on a baking sheet. Parchment paper is recommended for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
3. Bake & Stir: Bake for 8-12 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to ensure even roasting. As with the skillet method, watch them closely! They can burn quickly. Look for that golden-brown color and fragrant aroma.
4. Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up as they cool.

Elevate Your Cashews: Exciting Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic salt and pepper, the world of flavor variations opens up! Here are some ideas to inspire your next batch:

• Spicy Cashews: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili powder along with the other spices for a fiery kick.
• Herbed Cashews: Incorporate dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning into the oil for an aromatic, earthy twist. Fresh finely chopped herbs can be added after roasting.
• Sweet & Savory: For a delightful contrast, sprinkle a teaspoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup along with the salt and pepper.
• Curry Cashews: Mix in a teaspoon of curry powder for an exotic, fragrant snack that pairs wonderfully with Indian or Asian-inspired dishes.
• Lime & Chili: After roasting, a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder can add a bright, zesty, and spicy dimension.

Storing Your Homemade Roasted Cashews

Proper storage is essential to maintain the crunch and freshness of your homemade snack. Once your cashews have cooled completely to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable bag. Store them in a cool, dark pantry. They will remain wonderfully fresh and crunchy for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container for several months; just bring them back to room temperature before serving.

More Delicious Snack Recipes to Explore

If you loved making these cashews, you’ll surely enjoy these other easy and delicious snack ideas:

• Perfectly Roasted Salted Almonds
• Irresistible Praline Crunch Snack Mix
• Zesty Spicy Cheddar Snack Mix
• Addictive Spicy Seasoned Oyster Crackers

Salt and Pepper Roasted Cashews Recipe

Discover the ultimate homemade snack! These Salt and Pepper Roasted Cashews are incredibly easy to make, delivering a burst of savory, peppery flavor and a satisfying crunch that far surpasses any store-bought alternative. Perfect for parties, quick snacks, or thoughtful gifts.

5 out of 5 stars (based on 3 votes)

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Course:
Appetizer, Snack, Nut Snack

Cuisine:
American, Global Fusion

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

5-7 minutes

Total Time:

10-12 minutes

Servings:
16

Calories:

174
kcal

Author:
Don’t Sweat The Recipe

Ingredients

• 
  
  2 tablespoons canola oil
  
  
• 
  
  1 1/2 – 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (coarse)
  
  
• 
  
  1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt or kosher salt (coarse)
  
  
• 
  
  1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  
  
• 
  
  1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  
  
• 
  
  1 pound raw cashews (whole)
  
  

Instructions

1. Warm the canola oil in a large skillet over low to medium-low heat. Ensure the heat is not too high to prevent burning the spices.
2. Add the freshly ground black pepper, sea salt, onion powder, and garlic powder to the warm oil. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the spices become fragrant and aromatic. This “blooming” step intensifies their flavor.
3. Add the raw cashews to the skillet. Toss them thoroughly with a spatula to ensure they are completely and evenly coated with the spice-infused oil.
4. Continue to cook the cashews, stirring constantly and diligently, for approximately 4-7 minutes. Watch them very closely as they can burn quickly. You are looking for them to develop a light golden-brown color and a slightly blistered appearance. Remove them from the heat immediately when they reach this stage.
5. Transfer the hot roasted cashews to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a clean plate. Spread them in a single layer and allow them to cool completely to room temperature. They will be soft when warm but will become delightfully crunchy as they cool.

Notes

We enjoy our cashews with a generous amount of salt and pepper for a bold flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasoning levels to perfectly match your taste preferences. Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference!

Nutrition Information

Calories:
174
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
9
g

|

Protein:
5
g

|

Fat:
14
g

|

Saturated Fat:
2
g

|

Sodium:
367
mg

|

Potassium:
193
mg

|

Fiber:
1
g

|

Sugar:
2
g

|

Vitamin C:
1
mg

|

Calcium:
12
mg

|

Iron:
2
mg

This recipe was inspired by the delicious creations found at Noshing with the Nolands, adapted to bring you this perfect salt and pepper combination.