Savoury Keto Nut Clusters (Crunchy, Salty, No Sugar)
If you’re eating keto long enough, plain nuts stop cutting it.
You want crunch.
You want salt.
You want something that feels like an actual appetiser, not a handful of almonds eaten standing at the bench.
These savoury keto nut clusters are crisp, salty, and deeply satisfying. They hold together, look good on a plate, and pair well with cheese, meats, or a glass of something cold.
No sugar.
No sweet spices.
Just fat, crunch, and balance.
Why This Works on Keto
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Low carb, high fat
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Salt-forward (not sweet)
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Baked into clusters so they feel intentional
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Great texture contrast with soft cheeses or dips
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Easy to portion (important with nuts)
They scratch the crunchy snack itch without triggering overeating.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8 as an Appetiser)
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1 cup macadamia nuts, roughly chopped
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½ cup almonds, roughly chopped
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½ cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
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1 egg white
(Acts as a binder without adding carbs) -
1½ tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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¾–1 tsp Red Rock BBQ Shaker
Optional Keto-Friendly Seasoning
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Cracked black pepper
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Pinch of chilli flakes
(Keep seasoning savoury — skip anything sweet.)
Method
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Preheat oven to 170°C.
Line a baking tray with baking paper. -
Mix nuts
Combine chopped nuts in a bowl. -
Bind
Add egg white, oil or butter, salt, and seasoning.
Stir until everything is lightly coated. -
Form clusters
Spoon small clusters onto the tray, leaving space between them.
Don’t flatten — height helps crunch. -
Bake
Bake for 18–25 minutes, turning tray once, until golden and fragrant. -
Cool completely
This is crucial. They crisp as they cool.
Texture Control Tips
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Chop nuts unevenly for better crunch
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Smaller clusters = crispier
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Still soft? Bake 5 minutes longer, watching closely
Nuts go from perfect to burnt quickly — don’t walk away.
How to Serve These
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With hard cheeses or brie
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Alongside cured meats
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On a grazing board
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As a pre-dinner appetiser
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Straight from the jar (let’s be honest)
They feel “restaurant-y” without any effort.
Storage
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Airtight container, up to 5 days
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Best at room temperature
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If they soften, re-toast for 3–4 minutes
Why Nut-Based Appetisers Work on Keto
They’re rich enough that you don’t need much.
They slow you down.
And they make keto feel normal in social settings.
This is the kind of recipe that helps keto stick — especially when you’re entertaining or bored of standard snacks.