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

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 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.

What is the difference between roasted and toasted pecans? ›

Toasted pecans are not roasted pecans. Toasted pecans are cooked in a pan on the stove. I prefer to make roasted pecans in the oven because the pecans cook more evenly this way.

Why are my roasted pecans bitter? ›

I started doing some research, and I found a little-known trick to making pecans taste sweeter: Soaking and rinsing the shelled nuts in lukewarm water before roasting removes the tannins and pieces of corky material that can cause pecans to taste bitter.

Is it better to soak or roast nuts? ›

Soaking nuts

This process makes raw nuts easier to digest and breaks down the phytic acid, which actually helps humans to access more nutritional benefits. Simply place your nuts in a bowl, add 1 to 2 teaspoons sea salt and cover with warm or room temperature water.

How much salt do you soak pecans in? ›

Dry nuts usually yield about 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup more when soaked. 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.

What is the best temperature to roast pecans? ›

Oven: Spread them on a baking sheet and roast them in a 350°F oven. Stovetop: Toast them in a skillet over medium-high heat. Microwave: Microwave on HIGH for 30-60 seconds. Air fry: Pop them in your air fryer at 320°F.

Should you always toast pecans before baking? ›

Answer: Yes, nuts are great as-is, but they can be better. Way better. Toasting nuts draws the natural oils to the surface, intensifying the rich nutty essence, creating a deeper color, and making the nuts crunchier. Toasting your nuts prior to adding them to a recipe can improve the flavor and texture of any dish.

Should I toast pecans whole or chopped? ›

I recommend toasting pecan halves and then chopping after baking. Unfortunately chopped pecans are less likely to toast evenly and are more likely to burn. However, if you only have chopped pecans on hand you can use this method but check and stir the pecans after 3 minutes.

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.

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).

Can you eat year old pecans? ›

Shelf Life of Pecans

With their high amount of plant-based oil, pecans also last longer at lower temperatures preventing the fats from spoiling. Properly stored, shelled pecans can last for up to six months, while unshelled — or in-shell — pecans can last for up to nine to 12 months.

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.

Do pecans need to be soaked? ›

Soaking nuts in salted water and then allowing them to dry gently, makes the nuts much more digestible and allows our bodies to better assimilate the nutrients that are in nuts.

Do pecan nuts need to be soaked? ›

Your body can better absorb nutrients if you soak nuts and seeds. Nutrient-dense nuts and seeds include nutrient inhibitors that guard and guarantee the survival of those nutrients. By soaking nuts and seeds, you can reduce or get rid of the harmful and nutritious inhibitors that are absorbed into the water.

Are you supposed to soak pecans? ›

Long-soak nuts (almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts) need at least 8 hours. Medium-soak nuts (pecans, walnuts, and Brazil nuts) are oilier and swell up quickly, so require less soaking time. Short-soak nuts (cashews, macadamias, and pine nuts) have the highest fat content and require only 2 to 4 hours soaking.

Why do you soak pecans in water? ›

By soaking nuts and seeds, you minimize or eliminate the nutritional inhibitors and other toxic substances as they are absorbed into the water. Without the inhibitors and toxic substances, the nutrients of the nuts and seeds are more readily available for absorption.

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