At a glance
Toss raw cashews in melted butter, maple syrup and Worcestershire, then season them with salt, smoked paprika, garlic and a little cayenne. Smoke them in a single layer at 225°F to 250°F for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, stirring every 20 minutes, until golden. Cool them completely so they crisp up.
Smoked cashews are rich, buttery and irresistible. Cashews soak up smoke beautifully, and a coating of butter, a touch of maple and some smoky spices turns them into a snack that disappears as fast as you can make it. They make a great homemade gift, too.
Raw or roasted cashews?
Use raw, unsalted cashews. They have time to take on smoke as they slowly toast, and you control the salt. Roasted cashews are already cooked, so they can overcook and turn bitter during a long smoke. If roasted is all you have, cut the time to about 30 to 45 minutes.
Stir often
Nuts toast unevenly if left alone, with the ones near the edges browning first. Stir them every 20 minutes and keep them in a single layer so every nut gets smoke and color. They will still be a little soft when hot, but they crisp up as they cool.
Recipe
Smoked Cashews
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 1 hr 15 min
- Total
- 1 hr 25 min
- Makes
- About 3 cups
- Smoker 225°F (107°C) to 250°F (121°C)
- About 1 to 1 1/4 hours, stirring every 20 minutes
- Done when golden and fragrant
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) raw unsalted cashews
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
Equipment
- Smoker
- Perforated grill tray or foil pan
- Sheet pan for cooling
Method
- Mix the melted butter, maple syrup and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
- Add the cashews and toss until evenly coated, then add the salt and spices and toss again.
- Heat the smoker to 225°F to 250°F (107°C to 121°C) with apple, cherry or pecan.
- Spread the cashews in a single layer on a perforated tray or foil pan.
- Smoke for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, stirring every 20 minutes, until golden and fragrant.
- Spread on a sheet pan, sprinkle with rosemary if using, and let cool completely. They crisp as they cool.
Notes
- Start with raw cashews. Roasted ones can overcook and turn bitter.
- Store in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Serving ideas
- As a snack with drinks, alongside smoked chickpeas and smoked olives.
- Chopped over salads and stir fries.
- On a cheese board with smoked goat cheese.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you smoke cashews?
About 1 to 1 1/4 hours at 225°F to 250°F, stirring every 20 minutes.
How long do smoked cashews keep?
Up to 2 weeks in an airtight jar at room temperature, or longer in the freezer.
Can I smoke other nuts the same way?
Yes. Pecans, almonds and walnuts all work, though cooking times vary slightly with size.