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Rosemary and Thyme Walnuts

These rosemary and thyme walnuts offer a sophisticated balance of woody herbs, sweet maple syrup and a gentle kick of cayenne pepper. This vegan snack is a fantastic alternative to shop-bought crisps, providing a satisfying crunch and a rich, earthy flavour that pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine or a chilled aperitif. Roasting the walnuts at a steady temperature ensures they become perfectly crisp without losing their buttery interior.

Quick to prepare and naturally plant-based, these seasoned nuts are a versatile addition to your repertoire. Serve them as an elegant party nibble, scatter them over a fresh autumn salad for extra texture, or package them in jars for a thoughtful homemade gift. Using fresh herbs is essential here, as they release their aromatic oils during the short baking time to create a truly fragrant finish.

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Ingredients for Rosemary and Thyme Walnuts

  • 25ml olive oil

  • 5 teaspoons pure maple syrup

  • 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

  • 3 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

  • 300g walnut halves

  • 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

How to make Rosemary and Thyme Walnuts

Heat oven to 177°C. In a bowl, whisk 25ml olive oil with 5 teaspoons pure maple syrup and 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper. Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary and 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme. Add 475ml walnut halves; toss well to coat. Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake until fragrant and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme and 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt. Cool completely.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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