Perfect for a little snack, these smokey almonds are just what you need for that amuse-bouche tray, or as a nice addition to your bar cart. I don’t know why I’ve never thought of doing this before, but it’s pretty much going to change the way that I eat nuts from now on. There are tons of varieties that you can choose from or different seasoning options, but for the first time, I wanted to try some Chili Pepper Smoked Almonds.
I have long been a fan of nuts. In fact, my fiancé might even say I’m a little bit nutty. That being said, almonds are a great choice to add to your bar. Grab a couple here and there every time you pour yourself a beer, set out a little tray for people to munch on while you shake up a martini, or put them on a homemade charcuterie tray for those fancy dinner parties! I promise you, this recipe is so easy and tastes better than Blue Diamond Smokehouse almonds!
How to make Chili Pepper Smoked Almonds
Start, as always by starting your smoker and setting it to 250 degrees. Allow the smoker to heat up and come to temperature for about 15 minutes.
Prepping the Chili Pepper Smoked Almonds
While your smoker is warming up, begin preparing the nuts by melting the butter. Once fully melted add in the New Mexico chili powder, chili powder, salt, and garlic powder. Stir to fully mix seasonings within the butter.
In a separate mixing bowl add the almonds. Pour the melted butter and seasoning mixture over the almonds and stir thoroughly to ensure every nut is coated.
Smoking the Chili Pepper Smoked Almonds
Place the buttered nuts on a grilling tray like this one to ensure they do not fall through the cracks in the smoker and place on the smoker. Smoke at 250 degrees for about 2 hours. Depending on how hot your smoker runs you might want to pull them off a little sooner. Mine went for about an hour and 45 minutes and a couple of the nuts turned a little dark so I figured they were about ready to come off.
Music Recommendation
This music recommendation is a little bit tongue in cheek. What are we talking about with this recipe? Chili Pepper Smoked Almonds, of course! So, why not have a song by the Almond Brothers? I mean, Allman Brothers. Do you get it?!
Chili Pepper Smoked Almonds
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs raw almonds
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp New Mexico chili powder
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder
- 1/4 tbsp garlic powder
- coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Start your smoker and set the temperature to 250 degrees
- Mix the spices into the melted butter
- Pour the butter and spice mixture over the almonds, being sure to fully coat every nut
- Place nuts spread out onto a mesh grill mat and smoke for roughly 2 hours
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt over nuts and serve warm, or chill and serve later
Nutrition
Entrees to enjoy after snacking on Chili Pepper Smoked Almonds
- Smoked Whole Chicken – perfect for that winner winner chicken dinner
- Smoky Cheeseburger – hold the pickles hold the lettuce
- Smokey Lime and Cilantro Pork Tenderloin – for your South of the border cravings
Cocktails to enjoy with Chili Pepper Smoked Almonds
- The Dirty Shirley – a quick and easy crowd-pleaser.
- Peach Cilantro Mojito – perfect for any summer barbeque.
- Hurricane – only for the brave who plan on sticking around for a while or getting a ride home!
