Garlic Roasted Almonds – Easy Savory Snack Recipe
Crunchy, savory, and deeply satisfying, Garlic Roasted Almonds transform a simple pantry staple into a bold, flavor-packed snack. The rich nuttiness of roasted almonds pairs beautifully with aromatic garlic and a touch of seasoning, creating a snack that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Each bite delivers a crisp texture followed by a warm, savory finish that keeps you reaching for more.
Roasting almonds enhances their natural oils, intensifying flavor while maintaining their impressive nutritional benefits. Almonds have long been celebrated in Mediterranean cuisine and are widely cultivated in regions like California, which produces the majority of the world’s almond supply. Infusing them with garlic elevates their profile, making them perfect for entertaining, meal prep, or healthy snacking on the go.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a detailed ingredient list with approximate calorie counts.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Raw almonds | 2 cups (about 280g) | 1,640 kcal |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 kcal |
| Garlic powder (or minced garlic) | 1–2 teaspoons | 10 kcal |
| Sea salt | ½ teaspoon | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | 2 kcal |
| Optional: Paprika or chili flakes | ¼ teaspoon | 2 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Almonds
Place raw almonds in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until evenly coated.
3. Add Seasoning
Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and any optional spices over the almonds. Stir thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
4. Arrange for Roasting
Spread the almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even roasting.
5. Roast
Bake for 10–15 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
6. Cool Completely
Remove from the oven and allow almonds to cool on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
7. Store
Transfer cooled almonds to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Fresh Garlic Option:
Use finely minced fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger, more aromatic flavor. Roast carefully to avoid bitterness.
Sweet & Savory Twist:
Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup before roasting for a subtle caramelized glaze.
Spicy Kick:
Increase chili flakes or add cayenne pepper for heat.
Herb Infusion:
Mix in dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
Smoky Flavor:
Use smoked paprika for depth and a hint of barbecue essence.
Low-Sodium Version:
Reduce or omit salt entirely and rely on garlic and herbs for flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per 1 oz Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 oz Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 165 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3–4 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 70–90 mg |
Almonds are naturally rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Garlic adds antioxidants and may support immune health, making this snack both flavorful and nourishing.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Roasted Almonds are incredibly versatile:
- Serve as a party snack in decorative bowls.
- Add to cheese boards alongside olives and crackers.
- Sprinkle over salads for extra crunch.
- Toss into roasted vegetable dishes.
- Chop and use as a topping for soups.
- Pack into lunchboxes for a protein-rich snack.
They also make excellent homemade gifts when packaged in mason jars with custom labels.
Garlic Roasted Almonds
6 servings (1 oz each)
servings5
minutes10
minutes165
kcalIngredients
2 cups raw almonds (about 280g)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1–2 teaspoons garlic powder (or minced garlic)
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: ¼ teaspoon paprika or chili flakes for extra flavor
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Coat Almonds: In a mixing bowl, toss almonds with olive oil until evenly coated.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional spices. Mix well.
- Arrange for Roasting: Spread almonds in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast: Bake for 10–15 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Cool: Let almonds cool completely on the baking sheet—they’ll crisp as they cool.
- Store: Transfer to an airtight container. Store at room temperature up to 2 weeks.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Watch the Garlic: If using fresh garlic, mince finely and roast carefully. Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter.
Even Roasting: Spread almonds in a single layer on the baking sheet and stir halfway through to ensure all nuts roast evenly.
FAQs
1. Can I make Garlic Roasted Almonds ahead of time?
Yes! Once roasted and fully cooled, store the almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze them for up to 2 months.
2. Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Absolutely. Mince 1–2 cloves of fresh garlic and toss with the almonds before roasting. Keep a close eye while baking, as fresh garlic can brown quickly and become bitter.
3. Can I make them spicy?
Yes! Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika before roasting for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
4. How can I make Garlic Roasted Almonds sweeter?
For a sweet-savory twist, drizzle a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup over the almonds before roasting. This creates a subtle caramelized glaze that balances the garlic flavor.
5. Are these almonds keto or low-carb friendly?
Yes. Garlic Roasted Almonds are high in healthy fats and protein while being low in carbs, making them an ideal snack for keto, low-carb, or paleo diets.
Conclusion
Garlic Roasted Almonds combine bold flavor with impressive nutrition, offering a snack that satisfies cravings without sacrificing health goals. Roasting intensifies the almonds’ natural richness, while garlic and simple seasonings create irresistible depth. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this recipe fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles.
