Almonds are more than just a healthy snack—they’re a versatile ingredient that can transform both sweet and savoury dishes. Whether you prefer them whole, sliced, ground, or as almond butter, these nutrient-packed nuts add texture, flavour, and a nutritional boost to any meal.
Here are 7 delicious ways to use almonds in your cooking, perfect for elevating everyday dishes in your UK kitchen.
1. Add Crunch to Your Morning Porridge
Start your day with a warm bowl of porridge topped with chopped or flaked almonds. Not only do they add a pleasant crunch, but they also provide plant-based protein, fibre, and healthy fats to keep you fuller for longer.
Tip: Toast the almonds lightly in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes to bring out their nutty aroma before adding them to your oats.
2. Use Ground Almonds in Baking
Ground almonds (also known as almond meal) are a fantastic baking ingredient. They add moisture and a subtle nutty flavour to cakes, biscuits, and muffins. They’re also naturally gluten-free, making them ideal for those with dietary restrictions.
Popular UK uses:
-
Almond flour brownies
-
Victoria sponge with almond meal
-
Bakewell tart (a British classic)
Tip: Replace a portion of your regular flour with ground almonds to create a softer, richer crumb.
3. Make Your Own Almond Butter
Almond butter is a creamy, satisfying alternative to peanut butter. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into porridge, or blending into smoothies. Making it at home ensures it’s free from added sugars or oils.
How to make it:
Blend roasted almonds in a high-powered food processor until smooth. Add a pinch of salt or a drizzle of honey if desired.
Serving idea: Spread on sourdough toast and top with sliced bananas or berries.
4. Toss into Salads for Extra Crunch
Almonds add a satisfying crunch to leafy salads and grain bowls. Use sliced or slivered almonds for the best texture. They pair especially well with citrus dressings, feta cheese, and leafy greens like spinach or rocket.
Try this combination:
Baby spinach, orange segments, red onion, crumbled feta, and toasted almonds with a lemon-olive oil dressing.
Tip: Toast almonds before adding to your salad to enhance their nutty flavour.
5. Create a Crust for Fish or Chicken
For a healthier alternative to breadcrumbs, crushed almonds make an excellent coating for baked fish or chicken. They form a golden, crispy crust that’s naturally low in carbs and full of flavour.
How to use it:
Dip your protein in egg, coat with finely chopped almonds mixed with herbs and spices, and bake until golden.
Serving suggestion: Almond-crusted salmon fillets with a side of seasonal vegetables.
6. Blend Almonds into Smoothies
Almonds add creaminess and nutritional value to your morning smoothie. Use a spoonful of almond butter, a handful of soaked whole almonds, or a splash of almond milk to boost your drink.
Smoothie idea:
Banana, almond butter, oat milk, cinnamon, and a touch of honey. Blend until smooth and enjoy on the go.
Tip: Soak raw almonds overnight to make them easier to blend and digest.
7. Incorporate into Desserts
Almonds shine in desserts, from traditional favourites to modern treats. Think almond biscotti, frangipane tarts, or even chocolate almond bark. Their rich, nutty flavour pairs beautifully with chocolate, berries, and stone fruits.
UK dessert favourites with almonds:
-
Cherry Bakewell tart
-
Almond and raspberry traybake
-
Almond shortbread
Tip: Keep whole almonds in your cupboard to use for garnishing or blending into your favourite desserts.
Final Thoughts
From breakfast bowls to baked goods, salads to savoury crusts, almonds are one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. They bring not only great taste and texture but also a range of health benefits—from heart-friendly fats to protein and essential vitamins.
Try incorporating these seven delicious almond ideas into your weekly meal plan and discover just how much this humble nut can elevate your everyday cooking.