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.
France@beyondthepeel says
I love pistachios and I think you just found a way to make them even more addictive!
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
As much as I love my southern pecans, I have to admit these look addictive and delicious. Love the salad.
Sam
GLENDA CHILDERS says
sweet, salty, crunchy ... perfect.
Merry Christmas, Chris.
Fondly,
Glenda
Jean | Lemons & Anchovies says
Chris, your version is absolutely gorgeous! So glad to have inspired you. It's time for me to make another batch and I think I'll borrow your recipe. These are perfect on your beautiful salad. 🙂
Jean | Lemons & Anchovies says
Chris, your version is absolutely gorgeous! So glad to have inspired you. It's time for me to make another batch and I think I'll borrow your recipe. These are perfect on your beautiful salad. 🙂
Mary Hirsch says
These look dangerous, Chris. No thank you! I just made the sliced almonds that topped the salad with cranberries and avacados that you posted a few weeks ago. (I served the salad at a dinner party Tuesday night). The almonds were absolutely addictive. I ate so many little "clusters" that I almost didn't have enough left to throw on top of the salad. One of my guests said, "Every bite I take this salad, I want to be sure I get a taste of those nuts!"
Esther@thefussfreechef says
Oh boy, i cant wait to try these, we love pistachois but they always come in plain, these would be a great hit ! Thanks Chris, and the salad sounds great.
Kim Garceau says
Yum!!! These nuts looks like quite a hit (I know they would be here). And this salad, I can't wait to see it. You're always featuring great salads Chris!
Susan says
I love pistachios, but have to say you make the most beautiful salads!
scrambledhenfruit says
I love pistachios. I could eat way too many of these, especially since I don't have to shell them one at a time! But nuts are good for me, right? 🙂
Hovkonditorn says
This is a great recipe! The salad looks delicious!
Hovkonditorn says
This is a great recipe! The salad looks delicious!
Amelia says
Hi Chris, OMG....your bowl of pistachios is extremely tempting and appetizing. If you put that bowl in front of me, definitely I won't be able to stop munching. LOL
Excellent click. Have a lovely week ahead,regards. Amelia
Martha says
oooo I love pistachios! they sound yummy and that salad looks delish! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Sandra Lee says
These look so addictive and I would have to make a double batch for sure.
Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
The nuts sound like a real treat and I do have smoked salt:@)
Sue/the view from great island says
A whole bowl of pistachios is such a luxury, and to have all that added flavor as well, it must be heaven! I love the flavor of smoked salt, too!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
These pistachios sounds wonderfully addicting, I love the sweet and smokey flavors!
Pachecopatty says
Wow Chris, you've created one beautiful bowl of roasted pistachio nuts and I love the way you've used them in your beautiful salad;-)
Dining Alone says
Pistachios are so delicious plain I can't imagine them dressed up like this.
Lisa {Authentic Suburban Gourmet } says
These look divine! Jean also inpsired me to make a version a few weeks ago. I bet they did not last long in your house. I adore a smoked alderwood salt - what a perfect touch you added!!!
Gloria says
Look delicious I love pitachios!!
Angie's Recipes says
Gosh, these nuts are driving me nuts! And I want especially that salad!!!
Jennifer@ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I love pistachios!! I also love this recipe! Great flavor combinations! It sounds perfect!!!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Oh Chris I love any sort of roasted nut and these sound fantastic. I would have to hide them from myself though. I can't tell you how many cinnamon pecans I ate before I finally stashed them away for presents!