Q1: Can I make these cashews without using egg white, and what alternatives work best?

While Step 3 calls for a lightly beaten egg white to help the seasoning adhere to the cashews, you can substitute it with alternatives if needed. Try using 2 tablespoons of aquafina (chickpea brine) whisked until slightly frothy, or 1 tablespoon of neutral oil mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. The egg white provides the best adhesion and creates the crispiest coating, but these alternatives will still work reasonably well. Keep in mind that oil-based substitutes may require an extra 2-3 minutes of baking time as mentioned in Step 6 to achieve the same level of crispiness.

Q2: How can I tell when the cashews are properly done, and what should I look for?

According to Step 6, the cashews should bake for 18-20 minutes total and will be done when they're golden brown, fragrant, and the coating appears dry and crispy. The most important visual cue is the golden color on the cashews themselves—they should be a shade or two darker than raw cashews but not deep brown. Remember to stir them at the 10-minute mark as instructed to ensure even browning. Step 7 notes that the cashews will continue to crisp up during the 15-20 minute cooling period, so don't worry if they seem slightly soft when first removed from the oven.

Q3: What if I can't find all the components for everything bagel seasoning—can I substitute or omit any ingredients?

The everything bagel seasoning blend described in Step 2 is flexible and can be adjusted based on what you have available. The sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, and dried minced onion are the essential components that give the signature flavor. The poppy seeds and black sesame seeds (which the recipe notes as optional) can be omitted or replaced with additional regular sesame seeds without significantly impacting the taste. If you can't find dried minced onion or garlic, you can substitute with garlic powder and onion powder (use 1 teaspoon of each in place of the tablespoon measurements), though the texture won't be quite as authentic. The flaky sea salt is important for both flavor and texture, but regular sea salt or kosher salt can work in a pinch.

Q4: Do I really need parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and what happens if the cashews touch each other on the baking sheet?

While Step 1 calls for lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, you can use a lightly greased baking sheet as an alternative, though the cashews may stick slightly more. The parchment or mat makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking during the 18-20 minute baking time. Step 5 emphasizes spreading the cashews in a single layer without touching to ensure even roasting—if they overlap, the touching areas won't crisp up properly and may steam instead of roast. If some cashews do stick together during baking, Step 8 instructs you to break them apart once cooled, so this isn't a major problem, just a minor inconvenience that affects presentation.

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cashews

These Everything Bagel Seasoning Cashews transform humble roasted cashews into an addictively savory snack that captures all the beloved flavors of your favorite bakery bagel—without the gluten. Each cashew is generously coated with a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and flaky sea salt, creating a perfect balance of nutty richness and bold, aromatic seasoning.

Inspired by the iconic everything bagel that originated in New York City in the 1980s, this recipe brings that same irresistible flavor profile to a naturally gluten-free format. The cashews provide a buttery, creamy base that perfectly complements the punchy seasoning blend, while roasting intensifies both the nuttiness of the cashews and the aromatics of the garlic and onion.

What makes this snack truly special is its versatility and convenience. These seasoned cashews are perfect for busy mornings, afternoon energy slumps, road trips, or as a sophisticated party snack. They're pantry-stable for weeks when stored properly, making them ideal for meal prep and grab-and-go snacking. The recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time, yet delivers restaurant-quality results that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

25 minutes

None servings

245 calories

Fat 19.00g

Carbs 13.00g

Protein 8.00g

Ingredients

3 cups	raw cashews
1 large	egg white, lightly beaten
2 tbsp	sesame seeds
1 tbsp	poppy seeds
1 tbsp	dried minced garlic
1 tbsp	dried minced onion
1 tsp	flaky sea salt
1 tsp	black sesame seeds (optional)

Equipment

Oven

measuring spoons

measuring cups

large mixing bowl

large baking sheet

small bowl

airtight storage container

parchment paper or silicone baking mat

spatula or mixing spoon

Clean Eating

Aligns with clean eating principles by using whole, minimally processed ingredients like raw cashews, whole seeds, and dried herbs, with no artificial additives or refined components.

Gluten-Free Diet

Naturally gluten-free recipe that explicitly mentions being 'gluten-free' in the description, using whole ingredients like cashews, seeds, and spices without any gluten-containing components.

Ketogenic Diet

Ideal for keto with high-fat cashews and zero carb seasoning, providing a satisfying, low-carb snack that fits the diet's macronutrient requirements of high fat and minimal carbohydrates.

Low-Carb Diet

Perfectly suited for low-carb diets, this recipe uses cashews as a protein and fat source with minimal carbohydrates, making it an excellent snack option that stays under 15g net carbs per serving.

Primal Diet

Compliant with Primal Diet guidelines, featuring whole food ingredients like cashews, seeds, and natural seasonings, without grains, legumes, or processed components.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2 min

In a small bowl, combine the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, flaky sea salt, and black sesame seeds (if using) to create your everything bagel seasoning blend.

1 min

Place the raw cashews in a large mixing bowl and add the lightly beaten egg white. Toss the cashews thoroughly with a spatula or your hands until every cashew is evenly coated with the egg white.

1 min

Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning blend over the egg white-coated cashews. Toss again until the cashews are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture, ensuring good coverage on all sides.

1 min

Spread the seasoned cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they're not touching or overlapping to ensure even roasting.

1 min

Bake the cashews in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through at the 10-minute mark, until the cashews are golden brown and fragrant and the coating is dry and crispy.

20 min

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cashews cool completely on the pan, about 15-20 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

20 min

Once completely cooled, break apart any cashews that have stuck together. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

1 min

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cashews

Nutrition

Ingredients

Equipment

On Diet

Clean Eating

Gluten-Free Diet

Ketogenic Diet

Low-Carb Diet

Primal Diet

Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make these cashews without using egg white, and what alternatives work best?

Q2: How can I tell when the cashews are properly done, and what should I look for?

Q3: What if I can't find all the components for everything bagel seasoning—can I substitute or omit any ingredients?

Q4: Do I really need parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and what happens if the cashews touch each other on the baking sheet?