Southern Roasted Pecans Recipe (2024)

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This is my grandmother’s recipe. She has 10 acres of Pecan Trees, but when I was growing up they had over 50 acres…. consequently, I have quite a few pecan recipes. HA! However, the roasted pecans recipe has been passed down for generations. My great-grandmother could make them over the fire and my mother makes hers in the microwave! The ingredients have remained constant, the love has remained constant, the rich flavor of the pecans has remained constant! The only change is the cooking tool. 🙂

This recipe is one of the top 17 recipes on 3 Boys and a Dog!

If you keep these Southern Roasted Pecans in a sealed glass jar, they will last for a very long time – I make them for birthday parties and Holidays as they are a great snack to keep the hungry quiet while the adults visit. If you swing by my Grandmaw’s, she will have some on hand and a nice glass of sweet tea for you. Southern Roasted Pecans are a tradition down here that is not going to die with me!

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What do roasted pecans taste like?

Roasted pecans have a distinct flavor that is both savory and sweet. They have an earthy, nutty aroma leading to a crunchy texture that yields a slightly oily sensation and brings out the characteristically buttery flavor of the pecan nuts.

Though roasted pecans can be enjoyed as they are, they are also frequently used as an ingredient in many recipes and desserts.

In particular, their unique flavor enhances the taste of cakes, pastries, salads, and even chicken dishes for a more savory touch.

The versatility of roasted pecans means that anyone can enjoy them as part of a meal or snack, whether alone or with other foods.

Can you make roasted pecans sweet?

Roasted pecans are a delicious snack and can be eaten in various ways. In addition, they can even be transformed into something more delectable when sweetness is added to the mix.

It is certainly possible to make roasted pecans sweet – this can be done by adding natural sweeteners such as honey or pure maple syrup during the roasting process.

This result is perfectly sweetened roasted pecans with a delicious, slightly caramelized taste.

For an extra layer of sweetness and crunch, freshly grated or ground nutmeg or cinnamon may be added during this step for tantalizing flavor without increased calories or processed sugars.

Can I roast other nuts besides pecans?

While pecans are a popular nut to roast, they are not the only nuts that can be used in such recipes. In fact, roasting other hard-shelled nuts like walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts is delicious and easy to achieve.

As with roasting pecans, the moment an aromatic aroma begins to emit from the oven indicates that the nuts have been roasted to perfection.

When it comes time to roast other nuts, the same best practices still apply—avoiding oils or butter and ensuring that the oven temperature is set correctly will yield the desired result.

Finally, when adding flavorings or seasonings like salt or spices, it is important to be mindful of how much one adds as they can easily overpower the roasted nut’s natural flavor profile if overused.

What is the best way to store roasted pecans?

Roasted pecans are a favorite among many households, and the best way to maintain the freshness of such delectable treats is to store them properly. A cool, dry environment is the most crucial component to storing roasted pecans.

It is important to avoid exposure to high temperatures, humidity, and even strong odors that could compromise the pecans’ integrity.

Airtight containers work best when it comes to storing roasted pecans safely; they help minimize contact with oxygen, which could cause the nuts to go rancid more quickly. All oxygen should be excluded from the containers if stored in a refrigerator or freezer.

Southern Roasted Pecans Recipe (6)Southern Roasted Pecans Recipe (7)Southern Roasted Pecans Recipe (8)Southern Roasted Pecans Recipe (9)

Taking these extra steps in storage will ensure one can indulge in delicious and flavorful roasted pecans for some time.

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My boys know how and I am working on teaching them some other “grandmaw’s favorite” recipes already!

Southern Roasted Pecans Recipe (10)

Southern Roasted Pecans Recipe

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Roasted Pecans is an easy appetizer recipe that will leave your house smelling yummy!

Ingredients

  • 5 cups shelled Pecans
  • ½ stick margarine
  • Salt to taste (this means quite a bit of salt!)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250.
  2. Fill cast iron skillet half full of pecans.
  3. Salt to taste.
  4. Add butter (or margarine) to top, in pats
  5. Bake for 30 mins, stirring every 10 minutes.
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 20Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 3Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 61mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

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Southern Roasted Pecans Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to roast pecans? ›

Your oven is also a great tool for toasting pecans. For this method, preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the nuts evenly onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake until they begin to brown and become aromatic, making sure to toss halfway through, 7 to 10 minutes.

Why do you soak pecans before roasting? ›

Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.

What is the difference between roasted and toasted pecans? ›

Now, some of you may be wondering, “What's the difference between roasting and toasting a pecan?”. The answer is simple. Roasting is when the nut is cooked fully through, and is usually done in an oven. Toasting means to brown the nut on the outside, and is usually done over a fire or on the stove.

Why are my roasted pecans bitter? ›

Pecans have two sources of bitterness -- naturally occurring tannins in the kernel and pieces of corky material from the inside of the nut which can adhere to the kernel. Some of the tannin and all of the corky material can be removed by washing the kernels before cooking.

What is the best method for roasting nuts? ›

How it works: Place the nuts in cold, dry skillet over medium heat and toast them, tossing frequently, until browned in spots and fragrant. Then immediately transfer the nuts to a plate or bowl.

How to toast pecans on top of the stove? ›

Toasting Pecans on the Stove Top

Set a medium or large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the pecans. After 1 minute,stir the pecans occasionally until they are fragrant and mottled with golden brown spots, 6 to 7 minutes.

How do you get seasoning to stick to pecans? ›

Beat egg white and water together in a large bowl; add pecans and stir to coat. Mix sugar, cinnamon, salt, cloves, and nutmeg in a small bowl; sprinkle over moistened nuts. Spread nuts on the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven, stirring once or twice, until toasted and fragrant, about 30 minutes.

How long do pecans need to be soaked? ›

Drain, Rinse, and Roast - After soaking your pecan nuts for about 8 hours, it's time to drain and rinse them. Once you're done with that, spread them over a baking sheet or dehydrator evenly to get them ready for roasting.

How much salt do you soak pecans in? ›

To soak nuts, seeds, legumes and grains, dissolve 1 tsp sea salt in a bowl of 2-3 cups of pure, warm water. Add your ingredients. Make sure there is enough water to cover them about 2 inches.

Should you always toast pecans before baking? ›

Once we delved a little further into the issue, we realized that, yes, toasting nuts before using them really is a key step. The reason is because the nuts in a baked dish are insulated by all the other ingredients, and they never really get hot enough to toast.

How healthy are roasted pecans? ›

Pecans provide phytonutrients, plant-based compounds that have powerful antioxidant benefits. They're also a good source of the mineral zinc, crucial for immune-cell development and function. Diets high in zinc are linked with a lower risk of many diseases, particularly those related to age and lifestyle.

How long do roasted pecans stay good for? ›

You can also refrigerate or freeze nuts, in which they will last even longer - for up to a year. Roasted nuts, on the other hand, have a shorter shelf life. If possible try to consume them within 2 weeks; however, they should be okay to eat up to a month after purchase.

Are 2 year old pecans good? ›

In-shell pecans can remain good for 4 months at 70°F, but can be stored successfully for 18 months at 32°F to 36°F. Storage life of in-shell nuts may extend to 5 years or more when stored at 0°F (table 1).

How many pecans should you eat a day? ›

Like many other nuts, pecans contain a high percentage of fat and can lead to diarrhea if too many are eaten in a short amount of time. Over-consumption may also lead to digestive issues like gas and bloating. Recommendation: One ounce (15-19) pecan halves per day.

How to tell when pecans are bad? ›

Fresh pecans have a distinct aroma, characterized by their sweet, nutty scent. They should have a firm, almost crunchy texture and a rich golden or amber color. On the flip side, bad pecans may show signs of spoilage, such as a rancid smell, a shriveled appearance, or a soft and rubbery texture.

Why do people boil pecans? ›

You'll find out fast that boiling pecans lessens the likelihood of the shell shattering into a lot of smaller pieces.

How to make pecans easy to crack? ›

This is a good method if you just purchased a bag of pecans in the shell and want to do them all at once. Add the pecans to the boiling water and simmer them for 15 minutes. Drain the water and place the pecans on a baking sheet to cool. Once they have cooled down completely, you can easily crack them open.

How long do you soak raw pecans? ›

Preparation:
  1. Place the pecans and salt in a large glass or stainless steel bowl along with 8 cups of water. The pecans will swell during the soaking process, so you want enough water to keep them covered.
  2. Leave them on the counter to soak for 4-8 hours. ...
  3. After they are done soaking, drain and rinse in a colander.

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