Citrus Toasted Almond (Printable)
Golden almonds infused with orange and lemon zest, sweetened with honey for a versatile crunchy snack or topping.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Nuts
01 - 1 cup (120 g) whole raw almonds
→ Citrus
02 - Zest of 1 orange
03 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Sweetener & Flavorings
04 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine almonds, orange zest, lemon zest, honey (or maple syrup), olive oil, and sea salt. Toss until the almonds are evenly coated.
03 - Spread the coated almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake for 8–10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until fragrant and golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
05 - Remove from the oven and let cool completely. The almonds will crisp up as they cool.
06 - Serve as a snack or sprinkle over salads, yogurt, or desserts.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These almonds strike that perfect balance between sweet and savory that keeps your hand reaching back for just one more.
- They transform from everyday snack to elegant appetizer in minutes, saving me countless times when company arrives without warning.
02 -
- The line between perfectly toasted and burnt almonds is surprisingly thin, so set a timer and trust your nose when that nutty fragrance intensifies.
- Letting the almonds cool completely on the baking sheet is crucial, as transferring them too soon can leave them chewy rather than crisp.
03 -
- When zesting citrus, press lightly and rotate the fruit frequently to capture just the colorful outer layer without the bitter white pith underneath.
- If your almonds lose their crunch after storage, refresh them with a quick 5-minute toast in a 300°F oven.