There is no fuss, no long shopping list. These caramelized walnuts with thyme are ready in 10 minutes, only need a few ingredients, and never fail. They are ideal for busy days, spontaneous drinks, or as a finishing touch on a salad or festive main course.
They have the perfect bite: crispy on the outside, a soft nut on the inside, and a delicious mix of sweet, salty, savory, and spicy—exactly what makes a good snack exciting. Serve them next to a cheese board, or make this salad with orange and walnuts. One taste, and you'll be sold!
Sweet and Savory Skillet Walnuts
Like many people, I sometimes feel like having something tasty in the evening. Often a piece of cheese (a real Dutchie), crackers, or a puff pastry cheese stick. And a nut now and then. And that's how I came up with these caramelized walnuts with thyme. Crispy, deliciously flavored with a delicious bite. I'm going to make this more often.
Caramelizing walnuts is a classic that you want to have in your repertoire. It's one of those recipes that seems small but turns out great. And what makes it extra fun? The thyme gives this snack a spicy twist that makes it special. It's not a boring snack but a flavor bomb with a long shelf life.
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted
- 2 cups walnuts
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt, coarse
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat.1 tablespoon butter
- Add the walnuts and stir well through the melted butter.2 cups walnuts
- Sprinkle the sea salt, sugar, a pinch of paprika powder, and water over the walnuts.¼ teaspoon sea salt, 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar, ⅛ teaspoon paprika powder, 1 tablespoon water
- Stir-fry the walnuts for about 4 minutes.
- Sprinkle the thyme over it and stir well again.1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the walnuts cool on a plate or baking paper.
Notes
- Other nuts: Replace the walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra heat.
- Sweeter alternative: Use honey instead of sugar for a milder caramel flavor.
- Room temperature: Airtight in a cool place (not in the refrigerator): the walnuts will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
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