Healthy snacking is not always easy. One day you’re eating celery and carrot sticks, the next you’re craving donuts… At least that’s how it happens for me. I try to keep my snacks changing week after week, that way I don’t get bored, and I don’t go craving junk food. One of my favorite things to snack on is trail mix, or mixed nuts. Trail mix spices things up, adds a nice sweet or spicy kick, depending on the type, but it can be calorie or sugar heavy. Usually I stick to grabbing almonds, cashews, or pistachios, especially while working; they keep me full, focused, and content until my next meal. The only problem with having nuts often, especially almonds, is that the flavor profile is bland, and it gets old quick.
Enter this recipe – cajun and ranch flavored almonds. I love spicy foods, so cajun is right up my alley, and ranch is the best counterpart for almost any spicy food. Pair these two flavors together and you’ve got quite a match! These crunchy almonds pack a punch, in a good way, and make snacking more enjoyable for you and whoever you may choose to share with.
Even though slow roasting your own almonds is a little time consuming, it is well worth the wait, and you can change up your favorite snacks easily. Try this recipe below and let me know what you think!
Cajun Ranch Roasted Almonds
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Almonds
- 1 Egg White
- 2 Tbsp Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Hot Sauce
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 250o.
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Line baking sheet with foil, and spray with a non-stick cooking spray.
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In a large bowl, whisk together egg white and hot sauce. Add in almonds and mix until well coated.
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In a separate small bowl, combine ranch and cajun seasonings. Add to almonds and mix well until evenly coated with spices.
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Pour almonds on baking sheet and spread evenly.
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Bake for 60 minutes total, stirring almonds every 20 minutes.
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Let cool completely before enjoying!
Nutrition:
- Serving size 1/4 cup
- Calories: 181cal | Total Carbs: 7.5g | Net Carbs: 3.5g | Fat: 15g | Protein 6.8g | Sugar 1g
Notes:
- Some recipes call to have nuts or almonds coated with oil prior to seasoning, but I’ve found the egg white really helps hold on to the spices, and it gives a better flavor.
- I have tasted these straight from the oven, and they never seem done. Wait until they are completely cooled, they’ll crunch up nicely and you’ll have a snack that’s good for days!
- In this recipe I used a buffalo style hot sauce (Frank’s), and it worked nicely, although I’ve had similar results with a regular hot sauce… It just adds a nice kick to the flavor.
- If you want to make this in to a trail mix, add in your favorite nuts, cheese crackers, or pretzels for a fun combination!
Hope you enjoy this easy treat! Until next time,
Paige
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