Union Square Cafe Bar Nuts
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Once you start snacking, there’s no stopping! These rosemary bar nuts from one of New York’s most beloved restaurants are seriously delicious.
Many cookbooks feature variations of the renowned Union Square Cafe bar nuts, and as a fan, I couldn’t resist sharing my own version of the recipe here. The nuts are infused with sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, but it’s the addition of fresh rosemary that truly makes them special. Perfect with cocktails, as a casual snack, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift, these nuts are the ultimate nibble—and they’re incredibly easy to whip up, too! Just a friendly heads-up: once you start munching on these, it’s really hard to stop!
“Love this nut recipe! I make these every Christmas and give them as gifts to my family. They are a huge hit”
What You’ll Need To Make Union Square Cafe Bar Nuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the nuts on the baking sheet and toast in oven until warm, fragrant and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the rosemary, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and butter.
Add the warm, toasted nuts to the spiced butter and toss well. Then add the kosher salt.
Toss to coat thoroughly.
Serve warm or let cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
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Union Square Café Bar Nuts
Once you start snacking, there’s no stopping! These rosemary bar nuts from one of New York’s most beloved restaurants are seriously delicious.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups unsalted mixed nuts (see note)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean up. Place the nuts on the baking sheet and toast in oven until warm, fragrant and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as nuts can burn quickly.
- In a large bowl, combine the rosemary, cayenne pepper, brown sugar and butter. Add the warm, toasted nuts to the spiced butter and toss well. Add kosher salt and toss to coat thoroughly. Serve warm or let cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
- Note: I like this recipe best with cashews and pecans, but you can use any nuts that you like. If you use raw nuts, be sure to toast them a bit longer, about 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The nuts can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost them on the countertop before serving.
Nutrition Information
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- Per serving (10 servings)
- Serving size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 216
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Cholesterol: 3 mg
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Gluten-Free Adaptable Note
To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.
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These are a favorite and a staple at my happy hours which I love to host often.
Great holiday gift idea as well
These are perfect in every way! Can’t get enough.
I love this recipes, and so do my guests! It has been a hit with every type of nut I’ve tried, even peanuts!
are the silicone pan liners ever used instead of parchment paper? I never see anyone on websites suggesting the use of them.. Love your recipes
Hi Jane, While I think you could use silicone pan liners in many recipes that call for parchment paper, I don’t often suggest them because most people don’t have them.
Absolutely love this recipe. These nuts are an expected gift by many friends and relatives at Christmas. Cook’s treat-toss in a few handfuls of macadamia nuts.
Can you freeze these? Also, if I’m making ahead for holiday gifts and do not freeze, how long will they keep for? Thanks 🙂
Yes Mary, I think it would be just fine to freeze them!
Hi Jenn. I was just about to make this for a party and realize I only have light brown sugar 🙁 Will it taste okay with the light brown sugar? Thanks!
Hi Valerie, Yes, it will still be delicious. Enjoy!
Hi!
Thanks so much for the recipe. I’m hoping to make them for Thanksgiving tomorrow and trying to do as much prep today. Can I make these today and serve tomorrow or would you suggest doing them right before you serve so they’re still warm?
Thanks so much!
Dawn
Hi Dawn, Perfectly fine to make ahead. Happy Thanksgiving!
Very tasty add hazel nuts
Great party snack and app with pre dinner drinks. People were so impressed with them.