Smoky & Crunchy Bacon-ish Toasted Almonds – The Ultimate Healthy Snack
If you’re craving something crispy, smoky, and just a little salty, these Bacon-ish Toasted Almonds are about to be your new favorite snack. They have all the savory crunch of bacon but with heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein, and no processed ingredients. And the best part? They’re easy to make, completely vegan, and packed with bold flavors thanks to a combo of smoked paprika, coconut aminos, and just a hint of maple syrup.
I love having a jar of these in the kitchen for snacking, tossing on salads, or even adding to grain bowls for extra crunch. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with nutrients—so let’s talk about why these are more than just a delicious snack!
How to Serve These Bacon-ish Almonds
These smoky toasted almonds are incredibly versatile! Try them:
- As a snack straight from the jar
- Sprinkled over salads for extra crunch
- Tossed into grain bowls for added protein
- Mixed into roasted veggies for bold flavor
- Blended into a smoky almond butter for a fun twist
Bacon-ish Toasted Almonds
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Equipment
- Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper
- mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- airtight glass jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp black pepper optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, liquid smoke, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and olive oil.1 tbsp coconut aminos, 1 tsp liquid smoke, 1 tsp maple syrup, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ⅛ tsp garlic powder, ⅛ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp olive oil
- Add the sliced almonds to the bowl and toss until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 minutes.1 cup sliced almonds
- Spread almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crisp. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Let almonds cool completely to crisp up before using.
Video
More About This Recipe
Pro Tips for the Perfect Crispy Almonds
- Watch the Oven Closely: Nuts can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on them and stir halfway through.
- Let Them Cool Completely: They crisp up as they cool, so don’t judge their crunch factor too soon!
- Adjust the Sweet-Smoky Balance: Like it smokier? Add extra liquid smoke. Want more sweetness? A little more maple syrup will do the trick.
- Use Fresh Almonds: Make sure your almonds are fresh and raw—old nuts can taste stale and won’t crisp up as well.
- Store Smart: Keep these in an airtight jar for up to two weeks to maintain crunch and flavor.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper – For even roasting and easy cleanup.
- Mixing Bowl – To toss the almonds in all that smoky, flavorful goodness.
- Whisk or Spoon – For evenly distributing the seasoning.
- Airtight Glass Jar – For keeping them fresh and crispy.
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love These Bacon-ish Toasted Almonds
- Almonds for Heart & Brain Health
Almonds are loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats, which help support heart health and cognitive function. Regular consumption of almonds may reduce LDL cholesterol and support brain function as we age. - Smoked Paprika & Garlic for Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Smoked paprika doesn’t just bring bold flavor—it’s also rich in antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and support immune function. - Coconut Aminos for a Gut-Friendly Alternative to Soy Sauce
Coconut aminos provide that umami, slightly sweet-salty flavor without the high sodium content of soy sauce. Plus, coconut aminos contain naturally occurring prebiotics that help support gut health. Replacing high-sodium condiments with coconut aminos may help support heart health and lower blood pressure. - Olive Oil for Healthy Fats & Skin Support
Extra virgin olive oil is packed with antioxidants and vitamin E, which helps keep skin hydrated and youthful—especially important for women over 50.
Final Thoughts
If you love savory, crunchy, better-for-you snacks, these Bacon-ish Toasted Almonds are a must-try. They’re loaded with healthy fats, protein, and antioxidant-rich ingredients while bringing all the smoky, bacon-y vibes in a plant-based way. Plus, they’re super easy to make and way better than store-bought flavored nuts.
Give them a try and let me know what you think! Tag me in your kitchen creations—I love seeing what you’re making! Stay crunchy, friends!