Southern Roasted Pecans Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe

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!

Table of Contents

Shop My Kitchen:

The following items can be found in my kitchen here at Miller Manor. Simply click the image that interests you – yes, they do contain affiliate links.

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.

[alert-announce]

Click Here for the other Top Recipes

[/alert-announce]

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

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Related Products for Roasted Pecans:

  1. Lodge LCC3 Logic Pre-Seasoned Combo CookerSouthern Roasted Pecans Recipe (11)
  2. Raw Pecans (1 Pound Bag)Southern Roasted Pecans Recipe (12)
  3. Anchor Hocking Heritage Hill Glass Cookie/Candy Jar, 1-GallonSouthern Roasted Pecans Recipe (13)
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. Remove from the oven and let cool.

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.

Should 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.

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.

Why do you boil pecans before cracking? ›

Try Boiling Them

One last way to crack your pecans in the shell when all our other methods have failed you is to boil the pecans to soften the shell. This is a good method if you just purchased a bag of pecans in the shell and want to do them all at once.

What is the best method for roasting nuts? ›

Toasting Nuts in the Oven
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  2. Spread the nuts in a single layer on your baking sheet; don't crowd or assemble them too close together.
  3. Put the baking sheet in the oven, and bake until the nuts are fragrant and slightly browned, about 5–8 minutes, depending on the size and type of the nut.
Oct 21, 2023

Should I toast pecans whole or chopped? ›

It's best to toast nuts whole, then to chop them if you need smaller pieces. When nuts are chopped before toasting, they are more likely to burn.

How to activate pecans? ›

Activating Nuts: A Step-by-Step Guide
  1. Dissolve salt in water—enough to cover your nuts.
  2. Put the nuts in a large bowl and cover them with the saltwater solution.
  3. Soak nuts for 3 to 24 hours, depending on the type.
  4. Strain and rinse the soaked nuts, then pat them dry.
Apr 28, 2023

Can you overcook pecans? ›

Be careful not to cook for too long; overcooked nuts taste bitter. Once the toasted nuts are completely cool, store them in an airtight container in the pantry or freezer (freezing helps prevent fatty acid oxidation).

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 do you get the rancid taste out of pecans? ›

Instructions:
  1. If your nuts have not been shelled, make sure to deshell them.
  2. Pick the nuts carefully, removing any nuts that appear shriveled, mouldy or have sour or rancid smells.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 F or 177 C.
  4. Spread the nuts out on a baking tray lined with baking paper. ...
  5. Bake the nuts for 10 minutes.
Jun 11, 2021

Can you eat pecans every day? ›

Pecans have been certified as a “Heart-Healthy Food” by the American Heart Association1. Why is that, you ask?... Clinical research published in the Journal of Nutrition found that eating a handful of pecans each day may help lower cholesterol levels similar to what is seen with cholesterol-lowering medications2.

Are oven roasted pecans good for you? ›

Adding roasted salted pecans to your diet can have a significant impact on your heart health, thanks to their healthy fat content and anti-inflammatory properties. Pecans are rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Can pecans be roasted in the shell? ›

Roasting pecans in the shell in the oven is a simple and enjoyable process that yields delicious results. Whether you're looking for a satisfying snack or a versatile ingredient to enhance your recipes, roasted pecans are sure to delight your taste buds.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Last Updated:

Views: 6153

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Birthday: 1992-02-16

Address: Suite 851 78549 Lubowitz Well, Wardside, TX 98080-8615

Phone: +67618977178100

Job: Manufacturing Director

Hobby: Running, Mountaineering, Inline skating, Writing, Baton twirling, Computer programming, Stone skipping

Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.