With great crunch and golden toasted flavor, sweet and salty candied sliced almonds make a great snack, topping for desserts, added to granola or a bowl of yogurt, or to add a crunchy element to salads.To adjust the servings in this recipe, click on the number next to servings.
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, water, salt, and cinnamon / cayenne (if using). Bring to a simmer. Simmer until all of the sugar is dissolved.
Remove saucepan from heat and gently fold in almonds.
Spread almonds out in a single layer on prepared sheet pan. Use forks to spread them out as much as possible.
Bake almonds until evenly golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Take them out of the oven every 7 to 8 minutes and flip with a spatula so that they brown evenly.
Let cool completely and then break apart if needed.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Cinnamon and Cayenne are completely optional but will add a hint of sweet aroma and / or spice to the finished almonds.