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Southern Roasted Pecans Recipe

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Craving a crunchy and satisfying treat? This roasted pecans recipe is a snack-time lifesaver for busy parents who want something quick, flavorful, and wholesome. Whether you’re packing school lunches, prepping a party spread, or just looking for an easy nut recipe that doubles as both savory and sweet, these pecans deliver.

With minimal ingredients and almost no prep, you’ll have golden, crunchy pecans that can be customized into candied pecans, spiced pecans, or even a sweet-and-salty combo. From holidays to weekday snacks, this is one recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

These oven roasted pecans are perfectly crunchy, slightly addictive, and oh-so-versatile. They’re not only a healthy snack option but also a tasty addition to salads, trail mixes, or dessert toppings. With simple steps and endless variations, you can easily adapt them to your family’s taste.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, meal prepping snacks for the week, or teaching your kids how fun simple snack recipes can be, this one checks all the boxes.

Let’s dive into why you’ll want to keep a batch of these toasted pecans on hand at all times!

Why You’ll Love the Roasted Pecans Recipe

This roasted pecans snack is quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. It’s one of those recipes that looks fancy but only takes a few minutes to pull together.

  • Easy to Make — With just a few pantry staples, these pecans bake up beautifully in no time.
  • Family-Friendly — Both kids and adults love the crunchy texture and sweet or savory variations.
  • Versatile — Use them in salads, desserts, snack mixes, or as a stand-alone treat.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion — Think holiday snack ideas, after-school bites, or game-day munchies.
  • Customizable — Make spiced pecans for a savory kick or caramelized nuts for a sweet touch.

Whether you’re enjoying them warm straight out of the oven or packaging them in jars for a thoughtful homemade gift, these baked pecans are always a hit.

Ingredients for Roasted Pecans

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—just a few everyday ingredients transform plain pecans into something special.

  • Pecans — The star of the show, these nuts turn crunchy and aromatic when baked.
  • Oil or Butter — Helps the flavorings stick while adding richness.
  • Salt or Seasonings — Elevates the natural flavor of pecans for either savory roasted pecans or sweet variations.
  • Sweetener (Optional) — Sugar, honey, or maple syrup can turn them into irresistible candied pecans.

👉 Want exact measurements and a printable version of the recipe? Scroll to the recipe card below for all the details you need to get started!

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Instructions to Make Roasted Pecans Recipe

Making toasted pecans at home is as simple as mix, spread, and bake.

  1. Preheat the oven to ensure even roasting.
  2. Coat the pecans with oil, butter, or your chosen sweetener/seasoning.
  3. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer for even crisping.
  4. Bake until golden and fragrant, stirring halfway through for consistency.
  5. Cool completely before storing—or enjoy them warm for a cozy treat.

Pro Tip: Don’t overbake! Pecans can go from perfectly roasted to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.

Snack Tips and Tricks

  • Prep pecans in advance and store them in a jar for grab-and-go snacks.
  • Try mixing cinnamon and sugar for a holiday-spiced pecan treat.
  • For a savory twist, sprinkle garlic powder or smoked paprika before baking.

Troubleshooting Roasted Pecans Recipe

  • Too soft? Bake a little longer, but observe to avoid burning.
  • Too salty or sweet? Balance flavors by adding plain pecans to the mix.
  • Burnt edges? Lower the oven temperature and stir more often during baking.

Recommended Resources

Make sure you have the right tools to roast and serve your pecans with ease! Here are my top picks for this recipe:

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  • Mixing Bowl Set — Perfect for coating pecans evenly with seasoning or sweetener.
  • Rimmed Baking Sheet — Ensures even roasting and prevents spills.
  • Decorative Storage Jars — Ideal for gifting roasted pecans or keeping them fresh at home.

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Customizing this Snack Recipe for Every Diet

The best part about roasted pecans is how easily they adapt to different dietary needs:

  • Low-Carb/Keto — Stick with savory spices or sugar-free sweeteners.
  • Vegan — Use coconut oil instead of butter.
  • Paleo — Opt for natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
  • Gluten-Free — Naturally gluten-free, just double-check seasoning blends for hidden gluten.

Making a Meal Out of Roasted Pecans Recipe

Although pecans shine as a snack, they can easily complement a meal. Try these ideas:

  • Main Dish: Use roasted pecans as a crunchy topping for baked chicken or salmon.
  • Salad: Toss into a fresh spinach salad with cranberries and goat cheese.
  • Side: Pair with roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty combo.
  • Drink: Serve alongside iced coffee or a warm spiced tea.

This turns your simple snack into a well-rounded meal element!

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Recipes with Pecans

If you love pecan recipes for parties or everyday snacking, here are more ways to enjoy them:

FAQs about Roasted Pecans Recipe

Yes! They store well and even taste better the next day once the flavors have settled.

Not at all—just coat and roast for the perfect crunch.

Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for about two weeks.

Absolutely. Store in freezer-safe bags for up to three months.

Roasted Pecans Recipe Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Store cooled pecans in an airtight jar or container at room temperature.
  • For longer freshness, refrigerate them.
  • To reheat, spread on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for a few minutes.

Leftovers? Sprinkle them on yogurt, oatmeal, or even ice cream for a crunchy surprise!

Southern Roasted Pecans Recipe

Kelli Miller
Roasted Pecans is an easy appetizer recipe that will leave your house smelling yummy!
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 3 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 250.
  • Fill cast iron skillet half full of pecans.
  • Salt to taste.
  • Add butter (or margarine) to top, in pats
  • Bake for 30 mins, stirring every 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 cupCalories: 3kcalCarbohydrates: 0.1gProtein: 0.04gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 0.4mgPotassium: 2mgFiber: 0.04gSugar: 0.02gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 0.004mgCalcium: 0.3mgIron: 0.01mg
Keyword roasted pecans
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More Recipes Like Roasted Pecans Recipe

Expand your snack collection with these tasty ideas:

These oven roasted pecans prove that the best recipes are often the simplest. Whether you go sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, this is a snack that will quickly disappear from the bowl.

Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe for your next craving or holiday gathering. And if you love it, share it with friends—because crunchy pecans this good shouldn’t be kept secret!

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13 Comments

  1. Our family has made these for years and years. They are everyone’s favorite gift and the perfect snack all through the holidays. I’ve made them for friends and they always say that they are their favorite most addicting treat!
    Trust me…. They are to die for!

  2. You didn’t mention the butter? At what point to add all or half? The other half of the pecans were not mentioned either, does the butter cover both halves of the pecans or do I use more butter for the second half?

    1. You put all the pecans at once. The skillet needs to be large enough so that when the 5 cups are in it, it is only about half-full. Sorry for the butter, I have updated the recipe. 🙂

  3. Toasted pecans are the quintessential Southern snack. I add a dash of cayenne pepper and use kosher or sea salt. This is my go-to snack and a must-have on an olive and cheese tray.

  4. Bet you could help me with a recipe for a sugar and spice pecan. Would like to give my volunteers something to munch on as a Christmas gift. Thanks in advance. Since they are Seniors I best watch the salt 🙂

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