Spicy Chipotle Nuts la Ina Garten Recipe

Spicy Crunch Heaven: Ina Garten’s Smoky Chipotle Nuts Recipe

Spicy, smoky, and utterly addictive, these Ina Garten chipotle nuts dance with bold flavors that will electrify your snack time.

Her recipe blends heat and crunch into an irresistible treat that keeps fingers reaching for more.

Roasted to perfection, the nuts capture a complex blend of smoky chipotle and subtle sweetness.

Each handful promises a delightful kick that awakens taste buds with its robust seasoning.

The recipe transforms ordinary nuts into a gourmet experience that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate the simple yet remarkable technique.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to make a snack that steals the spotlight at any gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 284 kcal

Servings: 8

What Goes into Ina Garten Chipotle Nuts

For Nuts:
  • Cashews: Creamy and buttery, adding rich texture to the mix with a subtle sweetness.
  • Walnuts: Earthy and robust, bringing a hearty crunch and deep nutty flavor.
  • Pecans: Smooth and sweet, offering a delicate, buttery essence to the blend.
  • Almonds: Crisp and clean-tasting, providing a classic nutty backbone to the recipe.
For Coating and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps distribute heat evenly and creates a glossy, non-stick surface.
  • Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a gorgeous caramelized glaze.
  • Brown Sugar: Deepens the caramel notes and contributes to the rich, complex flavor profile.
  • Orange Juice: Brings a bright, citrusy tang that cuts through the richness of the nuts.
  • Chipotle Powder: Introduces a smoky, spicy kick that elevates the entire snack.
For Aromatic and Seasoning Elements:
  • Rosemary: Fresh herbs that infuse an earthy, pine-like aroma and herbal complexity.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors, bringing out the nuts' natural taste.

Tools Needed for Ina Garten Chipotle Nuts

  • Sheet Pan: Large, sturdy baking sheet for roasting and mixing nuts.
  • Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps toss and coat nuts evenly with seasonings.
  • Measuring Spoons: Precise measurements for oil, maple syrup, salt, and spices.
  • Measuring Cups: Accurately measure nuts and liquid ingredients.
  • Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot sheet pan.

Directions for Cooking Ina Garten Chipotle Nuts

Directions for Cooking Ina Garten Chipotle Nuts
  • Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a toasty 350°F, creating the perfect warm environment for nutty magic.

  • Pan Setup

Generously coat a sheet pan with a light brush of vegetable oil, ensuring a non-stick surface for the nuts.

  • Nut Mixture

Combine an assortment of cashews, walnuts, pecans, and almonds on the pan, drizzling with maple syrup, brown sugar, orange juice, and a sprinkle of zesty chipotle powder.

  • Seasoning Blend

Toss the nuts with fragrant rosemary and a pinch of salt, coating each morsel with layers of flavor.

  • Roasting Process

Spread the nuts in a single layer and slide into the oven, roasting for about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning and a perfect glaze.

  • Final Touch

Once golden and glossy, remove from the oven and add a final sprinkle of salt and rosemary. Let the nuts cool naturally, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.

  • Serving and Storage

Enjoy these spicy-sweet nuts warm, or allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container for a delicious snack anytime.

Tips to Enhance Ina Garten Chipotle Nuts

Tips to Enhance Ina Garten Chipotle Nuts
  • Swap out any nuts based on personal preference or availability, keeping the total weight consistent for best results.
  • Experiment with different chili powders like ancho, guajillo, or cayenne to create unique heat levels and flavor profiles.
  • Prepare the nuts up to a week in advance and store in an airtight container to develop deeper, more intense flavors.
  • Package cooled nuts in decorative mason jars or cellophane bags for a homemade, gourmet hostess or holiday gift that impresses.
  • Sprinkle these glazed nuts over salads, use as a crunchy topping for roasted vegetables, or serve alongside cheese boards for an elevated appetizer experience.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Chipotle Nuts

  • Serve Alongside Cocktails: Create a sophisticated appetizer tray with these spicy-sweet nuts next to craft cocktails or chilled white wine for an elegant happy hour experience.
  • Hostess Party Snack: Offer these glazed nuts in small ceramic bowls at gatherings, allowing guests to nibble while socializing and enjoying conversation.
  • Salad and Cheese Topper: Sprinkle these crunchy, chipotle-infused nuts over green salads or crumble them atop creamy cheese platters for added texture and bold flavor.
  • Gift in Mason Jars: Package the cooled nuts in decorative mason jars with a ribbon, making them a delightful homemade gift for food-loving friends and family.

Save and Store Ina Garten Chipotle Nuts

  • Store Smartly: Keep these spicy nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, ensuring maximum crunch and flavor.
  • Freeze with Ease: Transfer nuts to freezer-safe bags or containers, which will maintain quality for 3 months without losing their zesty chipotle kick.
  • Quick Snack Prep: Pack small portions in zip-lock bags for instant grab-and-go snacks during work, travel, or weekend adventures.
  • Refresh Before Serving: If nuts lose some crispness, quickly re-toast in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crackly texture and warm, aromatic rosemary notes.
Print
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Spicy Chipotle Nuts la Ina Garten Recipe

Spicy Chipotle Nuts la Ina Garten Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s chipotle nuts blend spicy and smoky flavors for an irresistible snack. Guests will crave these zesty nuts that balance heat with a subtle sweetness, making them perfect for entertaining or casual munching.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (14 oz/397 g) whole roasted unsalted cashews
  • 2 cups (7 oz/198 g) whole walnut halves
  • 2 cups (7 oz/198 g) whole pecan halves
  • ½ cup (3 oz/85 g) whole almonds
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 3 tbsps freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tsps ground chipotle powder
  • 4 tbsps minced fresh rosemary leaves, divided
  • Kosher salt
  • Vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F with rack positioned in the middle for optimal heat circulation.
  2. Baking Surface Preparation: Generously oil a large rimmed baking sheet to create a non-stick environment for the nuts.
  3. Nut Mixture: Combine cashews, walnuts, pecans, and almonds directly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring an even distribution.
  4. Flavor Infusion: Drizzle vegetable oil, maple syrup, and brown sugar over the nuts, then add orange juice and chipotle powder to create a complex flavor profile.
  5. Seasoning Integration: Gently toss nuts with a spatula, thoroughly coating each nut with the sweet, spicy, and aromatic mixture while incorporating fresh rosemary and salt.
  6. Roasting Process: Spread nuts in a single layer and roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, stirring twice to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
  7. Final Touches: Remove nuts when they appear glazed and golden, immediately sprinkle additional salt and rosemary, tossing gently to distribute seasonings.
  8. Cooling and Storage: Allow nuts to cool at room temperature, stirring periodically to maintain crispness and prevent clumping. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Serving: Enjoy warm for maximum flavor or store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to two weeks, preserving their delectable crunch and zesty character.

Notes

  • Prep for Even Roasting: Spread nuts in a single layer to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent burning.
  • Balance Flavor Layers: Gentle mixing ensures each nut captures the complex sweet, spicy, and herbal notes.
  • Timing is Crucial: Stir nuts twice during roasting to develop golden-brown color without scorching.
  • Storage Pro Tip: Cool completely before storing in airtight containers to maintain crisp texture and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 284
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Isabella Rodriguez

Isabella Rodriguez

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Pastry Arts and Dessert Innovation, French and European Baking Techniques, Food Writing and Blogging, Culinary Event Planning

Education

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Diploma: Grand Diplôme®
  • Focus: Intensive training in classic French cuisine and pastry techniques, combining the Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.

Isabella Rodriguez is the co-founder and pastry chef at wd-50.com. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned the Grand Diplôme®, a top award in both cooking and baking. After working in fancy bakeries and as a personal pastry chef, Isabella now shares her love for desserts in an easy way for home bakers to enjoy.

At wd-50.com, Isabella creates recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, and more, always with clear steps and helpful tips. She believes baking should be fun, not stressful, and she hopes her recipes bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.

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