French Toasted Almonds
French Toasted Almonds are caramelized and delicious! This toasted almonds recipe shows how to toast sliced almonds on the stove with flavor.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
French Almonds
- 1 cup raw sliced almonds
- 1½ tablespoons brown sugar (or stevia brown sugar for sugar-free, low-carb, and keto almonds)
- 1 tablespoon water
French Toast Almonds
- 1 tablespoon Bourbon replaces the water - (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
French Herb Almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon Herbes de Provence (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (or to taste - optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine the water and brown sugar in a small bowl and stir to combine until the sugar dissolves. Also add the bourbon, cinnamon, maple extract, or vanilla if you are using them. (See the recipe ingredients list for French Toast Almonds in the Notes). You can use any combination of the ingredients listed as they are optional.
- Pour the brown sugar mixture into the pan over medium heat and simmer for 1 minute or until the brown sugar melts, add the sliced almonds to the pan, then shake and stir constantly for 1- 2 minutes until the almonds are coated in the brown sugar mixture. Once the almonds are coated, sprinkle with herbs and salt if desired. (See the recipe ingredients list for French Herb Almonds). Continue to toast the almonds for an additional 1- 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the liquid evaporates and the almonds begin to turn golden. Note: The almonds may still look a little wet, however, the coating dries and hardens while the almonds are cooling and you will have sweet crunchy almonds.
- Remove the pan from heat once the almonds are toasted and the sugar and spice stick to the almonds, then immediately transfer the toasted almonds to the parchment-lined baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Note: Do not leave them in the pan to cool since they will continue to cook and may burn.
- Allow the caramelized almonds to cool completely for about 10 minutes. Once the almonds have cooled, use them as desired or store them in an airtight container to save for later. Enjoy!
Notes
French Almonds Recipe Variations
I have included two of my favorite French almond recipe variations for you to try. You can add any or all of the following ingredients. One makes sweet almonds and the other makes sweet and savory almonds. You can even combine the two additional recipe ingredients for flavored almonds that are perfect for almost anything, and my favorite almond flavor combination!French Toast Almonds Ingredients
You can use any or all of the following ingredients to make French toast almonds to create a sweet toasted almond that tastes and smells like French toast and is perfect for sprinkling on real French Toast or serving with breakfast or dessert.- 1 tablespoon of Bourbon - Adding bourbon to the mix will give the toasted almonds flavor complexity. It's like making Bourbon French Toast, just like the restaurant French toast on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon - I love adding cinnamon to French almonds, so much that I almost put it into the main ingredient list. Feel free to use more cinnamon or you can also use this Easy Chai Spice Mix for variety and more depth of flavor.
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1/2 teaspoon of Maple extract - Makes the almonds taste like you poured a little maple syrup on your French toast. You can also use pure vanilla extract as a substitute.
French Herb Almonds Ingredients
Adding French Herbes de Provence and a little salt creates a sweet and savory flavor combination that pairs perfectly with salads and dinner entrées.- 1 teaspoon of Herbes de Provence - My French herb mix includes French lavender and rosemary, which makes the almonds smell amazing!
- 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon of Salt - I use Himalayan pink salt, kosher salt, or sea salt on almonds, but you can use your choice of salt and adjust the amount to taste.