Ever had roasted pecans? If not, it’s time to change that and give them a try!
These roasted pecans are not only easy to make and delicious, but they are also a nutritious snack. You can make them in a matter of minutes and have a wonderful treat that you can feel good about feeding your family.
All you need are pecan halves and a couple of other things that are probably in your fridge and pantry. However, if you don’t have the ingredients, you can find them at any grocery store.
Roasted pecans are a delicious, low-carb snack that you can eat right out of the bowl. So they’re definitely Keto friendly. They’re also delicious when crushed and used as a coating on pork, fish, and chicken. I have a link to a recipe for pecan coated fish farther down in this post.
Read the entire post to get the extra tips for roasting pecans. However, if you are in a hurry, either scroll to the bottom or click on the jump-to-recipe button beneath the title. This will take you directly to the top of the recipe card.
Roasted Pecans in the Oven
It’s so easy to make roasted pecans in the oven. In fact, you only have a few steps to get them ready, and the oven does most of the work for you. The most difficult things you might have to do is shell them. That is, if they’re still in their shell.
You can either purchase pecans in the shell, or you can get a bag of them already shelled. I chose the latter option because I wanted to save time. It’s slightly more expensive to get them that way. But there’s not enough of a difference in price to shell them myself.
However, if you’re picking them up off the ground, you don’t exactly have a choice. And that’s actually my preferred way to get them. It really doesn’t matter whether they’re in the shell or not when you buy them because they have the same amount of nutrition either way.
This recipe for roasted pecans is so easy you’ll probably be able to look at it once and remember how to make them. I recommend sharing this recipe with others so they can enjoy this delicious treat too! And while you’re at it, treat yourself and your family to some delicious boiled peanuts!
Ingredients to Make Roasted Pecans
You only need a few ingredients for this easy roasted pecans recipe. In fact, all you need are pecans, butter, and salt. You can add more, but try the basic recipe first.
For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.
If you want a little extra flavor, you can sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over them. Or for a savory option, add garlic powder and onion powder.
How to Roast Pecans
It is so easy to make these pecans you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it yourself. First, melt the butter. I use the microwave, but I understand that some people prefer to use the stovetop instead. It doesn’t matter as long as it gets the job done. While the butter is melting pour the pecans into a medium-size mixing bowl.
As soon as the butter is melted, pour it over the pecans. Stir them until all of the pecans are well coated.
Pour the pecans onto a baking sheet and spread them out into a single layer. Salt them with seasoning salt, table salt, or sea salt. I use either seasoned salt or table salt because I don’t often have sea salt on hand.
Bake them until they turn a dark golden brown. This brings out the rich meatiness of pecan flavor. This only takes a few minutes so don’t get too wrapped up in another project. Or you might discover that they’ve burned.
If your oven cooks hot, either turn down the temperature or decrease the amount of time in the oven. I realize that some people like darker roasted pecans. It really doesn’t matter to me, as long as they’re not burned to a crisp.
After you remove them from the oven, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. Trust me when I say that a pecan right out of the oven will burn your tongue something awful. I’ve been so eager in the past that I’ve had it happen more than once.
Once they’ve cooled to slightly warm, pour them into a serving bowl and set them out for everyone to enjoy. Just make sure you have enough for everyone to enjoy.
Important Tips for Roasting Pecans
If done properly, roasting pecans will bring out their nutty flavor and add a richness to these already delicious nuts. Whether you snack on them by themselves or add them to other recipes, there are some important things to remember.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while roasting pecans:
- Choose the highest quality pecans you can afford.
- Preheat the oven before roasting pecans in order to have consistent results.
- Make sure they’re in a single layer so they don’t clump together.
- Add butter or oil before seasoning the pecans to help it stick.
- Start checking on the pecans a couple of minutes before the time is up to prevent over-roasting them. Some ovens cook hotter than others.
- Use the center rack in the oven.
- Allow the roasted pecans to completely cool before putting them in an airtight container.
Benefits of Pecans
Most nuts, including pecans, are so good for you that the American Heart Association recommends adding them to your diet. They are loaded with nutrients and also contain quite a bit of fiber.
I love the fact that when I eat pecans, I get full faster. Therefore, I don’t eat as much.
Here are some of the benefits of pecans:
According to the National Institutes of Health, pecans contain micronutrients and phytochemicals that help reduce inflammation.
They have quite a few vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, folic acid, some of the B vitamins, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, zinc, and more. Pecans help decrease your LDL and increase your HDL, so you’ll see a positive result in your cholesterol numbers. Since they’re naturally anti-inflammatory, you’ll enjoy some degree of pain relief if you suffer from swelling or arthritis.
Pecans contain the healthy type of fat that is good for your heart. They have antioxidants that help fight many types of diseases and physical disorders. Pecans contain manganese and other elements that are good for your brain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pecans
My favorite nuts are pecans. That’s most likely due to the fact that I grew up around a bunch of pecan trees. My grandparents had them. And after my dad retired from the air force, he and my mom bought a house with a bunch of pecan trees in the back yard.
Here are some questions you might have about these delicious nuts:
Are Pecans Keto Friendly?
Yes, pecans absolutely are keto friendly. They’re packed with protein and contain the good kind of fats that make them nutritious and perfect if you follow a keto diet. It’s still not a good idea to overdo munching on pecans. When you want a delicious snack, an ounce is about the right amount for most people. That’s about 18-20 pecan halves, depending on their size.
Are Pecans Gluten Free?
Pecans are gluten-free because they don’t contain any wheat, barley, or rye. So if you follow a gluten-free diet, use pecans instead of a wheat-based breading. Not only are pecans safer for anyone with a gluten intolerance, they add more flavor to the dish.
Are Pecans Safe for Diabetics?
Since pecans are low on the glycemic index, they are safe for diabetics. Pecans are also good for the heart. One thing you need to be careful with is the use of salt, or you negate the benefits.
Abundance of Pecan Trees
As I mentioned earlier in this post, both sets of my grandparents had pecan trees in their yards. My mother’s parents had a farm with dozens of pecan trees. Daddy’s parents had several pecan trees in their backyard, along with figs and other things that I loved eating freshly picked.
Then my parents bought a house with pecan trees. This was in Purvis, Mississippi, just a few miles from the University of Southern Mississippi where I went to college. The house in Purvis had seven pecan trees in the backyard. So every school break when I went home, I got the pleasure of picking up pecans for several hours a day.
And then at night, we used some fancy pecan shelling machines to shell our bounty. As exhausted as I was at the end of each day, I have to admit the pecans were pretty wonderful. My parents and I used to love finding new ways to prepare the pecans. We made this pecan crusted fish dish with them, put them in vegetables, and added them to desserts.
However, one of my favorite ways of eating pecans was roasted with just a little bit of seasoning. My mother liked sweets a lot, so sometimes we added sugar and cinnamon.
Roasted Pecans – Perfect for the Snack Table
Pecans have such a delicious flavor when they’re roasted, so they’re perfect for snacking. In fact, they’ll probably be the first thing to disappear. Next time you host a party or bring something to a potluck, include these easy salted roasted pecans. They’re the perfect item to sit next to this party mix or with these plantain chips. Or try these slow cooker ranch nuts for a blend of season and nutty flavor. You’ll be amazed by how quickly they disappear.
How to Use Roasted Pecans
My favorite way to eat roasted pecans is straight out of the serving bowl. However, you can use them in a variety of other ways.
For example, add them to a salad for extra flavor and texture. In fact, next time I have this tomato cucumber corn salad I’ll sprinkle a few on top.
I think they would also be good on this five bean salad. In fact, they’re good on just about any salad.
Drop a handful of roasted pecans into any vegetable dish during the last few minutes of cooking.
You can also add them to rice or mashed potatoes for extra texture.
More Delicious Recipes with Pecans
You can use pecans in place of almost any nut that’s called for in a recipe. Here are some of our favorites:
Easy Baked Pecan Crusted Fish – If you like baked fish, try adding some crushed pecans. These delicious nuts add a richness that makes the fish even better!
Mini Pumpkin Pies with a Pecan Crust – This is a delicious gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy!
Pecan Brownie Cookies – Here are chocolate cookies at their finest! If you enjoy the blend of nuts and chocolate, you’ll love this one!
Butterscotch Pecan Cookies – If you like butterscotch, you’ll love these delightful treats! I can’t get enough of them!
Candied Pecans – These are perfect when you want something sweet to munch on!
Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars – You know you can’t go wrong with the combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecan! Delicious!
Pumpkin Pie Spiced Pecans – This recipe brings favorite flavors of the holidays together in the most delicious way!
Versatility of Pecans
One of the best things about pecans is their versatility. You can add them to your favorite savory or sweet dish and take it to next-level goodness!
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Roasted pecans are a delicious and nutritious snack.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of shelled pecan halves
- 1/3 cup of melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt (I used seasoned salt, but you can use any kind you prefer.)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Put the pecan halves into a medium-size mixing bowl.
- Pour the melted butter over the pecans. Stir until all of the pecans are coated.
- Pour the pecans onto a baking sheet and spread them out until they are in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the salt over the pecans.
- Place them in the oven and roast for 10 minutes. Check to see if they are a light golden brown. If not, you can put them back in the oven for 2-minute segments until they are done. Be very attentive because they will burn quickly if you leave them in too long.
- Remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before you put them in a serving bowl.
Notes
If your oven cooks hot, either turn the heat down to 325˚ F or decrease the cooking time to 7 or 8 minutes. Keep a very close eye on them, or they will burn.
Nutrition Information
Yield 6Serving Size 1
Amount Per ServingCalories 91Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 27mgSodium 433mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 0g
The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.
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