Ina Garten Just Shared an Appetizer Recipe So Easy, You Can Make It in 10 Minutes

And we’re trying it ASAP.

Key Points

• Ina Garten’s Rosemary Cashews are a flavor-packed five-ingredient appetizer.
• The recipe includes cashews, butter, rosemary, cayenne pepper and brown sugar.
• Garten also recommends a roasted shrimp cocktail recipe and a simple crudite dip.

When it comes to entertaining with effortless elegance, few names are as trusted as Ina Garten. The Barefoot Contessa has built a beloved empire on the principle that hosting should be a joy for everyone, including the host. Her secret often lies in simple, high-quality recipes that deliver impressive flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. Recently, she shared one of her go-to appetizers on her Substackand it perfectly embodies her philosophy: a five-ingredient recipe for Rosemary Cashews.

This delightful snack is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again. It’s simple enough for a last-minute get-together but sophisticated enough for a planned cocktail party. Whether you’re a seasoned host creating your next great menu or just looking for a fun snack to make for the weekend, this

How to Make Rosemary Cashews

The process of making these seasoned nuts is refreshingly straightforward. The cashews are gently warmed in the oven to enhance their nutty flavor and prepare them to soak up the seasoned butter.

While they toast, just mix together some warmed unsalted butter with minced fresh rosemary leaves, cayenne pepper,  light brown sugar and salt. Thoroughly toss the warm, toasted nuts in the butter mixture, then serve warm. The final result is a bowl of cashews that are savory, herbaceous, sweet and just a little spicy—a sophisticated snack that feels both comforting and chic.

Ina shared that she served the cashews with a round of bourbon sours for her guests, but you could also opt for a sober mocktail hour and dish up these nuts with a round of Mango-Jalapeno Margarita Mocktails or our No-Added-Sugar Sangria Mocktail.

Ina Garten’s Other Go-To Appetizers

While this recipe is an ideal appetizer to keep in your back pocket, as it requires only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. But it’s not the only recipe Ina recommends for your next get together with friends. While the Rosemary Cashews earned top billing in her latest newsletter, other simple recipes also got a shout out.

One delicious option is her Cheddar and Chutney on Brioche. This combination brings together sharp cheddar cheese with sweet and tangy mango chutney, served on rich, buttery brioche toast. It’s a sophisticated twist on a cheese-and-cracker platter that requires little more than assembly.

For a fresher option, you can’t go wrong with classic crudités accompanied by Garten’s Green Herb Dip. A platter of crisp, colorful vegetables like carrots, cucumbers and bell peppers becomes instantly more exciting when served with a vibrant, flavorful dip made from fresh herbs.

Finally, for something a bit more substantial, Ina recommends her Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Louis. This is an updated take on a retro classic. Roasting the shrimp deepens their flavor, and serving them with a creamy, savory Louis sauce instead of the traditional cocktail sauce offers a welcome and delicious change.

Whatever you choose to make from Ina’s recommendations, just make sure you’ve got enough for everyone you’re hosting—recipes as tasty as hers are always bound to go fast. Need some more inspiration? Try some of our easiest go-to recipes: