This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
Looking for a simple, fun, appetizer, snack, salad/soup topper or a sure-to-please gift? These delicious Sweet & Smokey Pistachios are the name of your game!
This deliciously sweet, salty, smokey treat was inspired by my friend Jean from Lemons & Anchovies; the minute I saw her Bourbon Maple Toasted Pistachios I knew some version of these would be on my to-do-for-sure list! You might want to double the recipe; they're quite addictive and your family/friends will gobble them up right before your eyes (and, if you're not looking, behind your back too!).
P.S. Be sure to stash away a small bag of these delightful nuts.... I'll be sharing a fabulous salad on Saturday that you'll definitely want to include in your holiday menus; Roasted Pear Salad w/ Dried Cranberries, Gorgonzola, Sweet & Smokey Pistachios & Champagne-Honey Vinaigrette - it's a winner .................. check it out!
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons butter melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Applewood Smoked Sea Salt*
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 8 ounces shelled unsalted pistachios, you can find these already shelled at Trader Joe's and many other larger markets.
- Applewood Smoked Sea Salt* for sprinkling
-
Preheat oven to 300˚F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray (or drizzle with 1 teaspoon oil and spread with a paper towel to coat).
-
Combine oil, butter, honey, brown sugar, Applewood Smoked Sea Salt* and cinnamon in a medium size microwave-safe bowl. Add the pistachios and stir to coat. Microwave on high for one minute. (This will help dissolve brown sugar to coat the nuts better.) Turn nut mixture out onto prepared baking sheet.
-
Roast for 10 minutes, stir and return to oven for approximately 5 more minutes or until golden and caramelized. Remove from oven, stir to separate and allow to cool on pan. Store in an airtight container after cooling.
*You can purchase Applewood Smoked Sea Salt online here (with free shipping) and at many specialty shops. It's quite inexpensive and adds a wonderful, mysterious, smokey flavor to these nuts and fun flavor to grilled meats, veggies, even popcorn! You can also use regular sea salt (instead of the applewood salt) in this recipe and add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a similar flavor.
Buck says
Sorry but didn't enjoy at all. To many ingredients that don't agree with pistachios. Instead of smoke taste it was a burnt taste. Going back to the simple basics. Most nuts have their own great taste that can be enhanced with simple roasting.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for sharing your review, Buck!
Lora CakeDuchess says
Loved Jean's version and now am smitten by yours, Chris!
Magic of Spice says
That salad is gorgeous and I just adore these pistachios!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I have everything to make these terrific sounding nuts...even the smoked salt.
Pam says
Great idea! I love pistachios. The salad looks amazing.
Happy holidays!
Madonna says
Chris,
I copied your technique from the molasses cookies and toasted my nuts in a small amount of butter before I put them in the cookie dough. Oh my gosh! It just kicked the flavor up another level. I will have to make these. The only thing is, if they are as good as the cookies I am in big trouble.
Lizzy Do says
I didn't realize how much I love pistachios till about a week ago when I made some cookies with them. My dad is a huge fan, and now I am, too. This may be my Christmas gift to my book club next year...they look amazing, Chris! And I can't wait to see your salad recipe 🙂
Lizzy Do says
I didn't realize how much I love pistachios till about a week ago when I made some cookies with them. My dad is a huge fan, and now I am, too. This may be my Christmas gift to my book club next year...they look amazing, Chris! And I can't wait to see your salad recipe 🙂
Natalie says
I usually only spice up pecans and almonds but I need to try pistachios! This looks incredible and great for keeping a bag at work and topping on my salads!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Wow, I love the flavors of these nuts! I'm sure they'd be perfect in salads and as a midnight snack because God knows I've been munching on way too many cookies at that late hour 🙂