Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (2024)

Date: · Updated: Author: Sharon Rigsby

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My roasted pecans recipe is one of the easiest, healthiest, and quickest snacks or appetizers to prepare. These beauties are often called the “little black dress of appetizers”.

This post will show you how to roast pecans in the oven or on the stove to bring out their natural oils and intensify their rich, irresistible, nutty flavor.

Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (1)

In the South, where they are grown, roasted and salted nuts will likely be present at baby and wedding showers, cocktail parties, tailgating, or anywhere folks gather and munchies are served.

Buttered, salted, roasted pecans are ridiculously addictive and make a terrific homemade gift for the foodies in your life. I always have some in my freezer for a quick and easy appetizer and recipes that call for roasted or toasted nuts, salad toppings, or plain snacking.

Roasted pecans can also be substituted for other nuts in most recipes. For example, I make Easy HomemadeSouthern Basil Pesto using roasted pecans instead of pine nuts. I always substitute toasted pecans for sunflower seeds in Broccoli Salad, and when used instead of peanuts, they make an incredible Homemade Pecan Butter.

Ingredient notes:

Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (2)

This recipe is one of the easiest on my blog and only requires three ingredients:

  • Pecan halves: have a sweet, mildly nutty, and buttery flavor. Always try to purchase the freshest pecans you can find. If you use them as an ingredient in baking, you can get away with less expensive pieces, but if you are serving them as an appetizer or snack, try to find nice pecan halves.
  • Unsalted butter: you can substitute salted butter here, but you will need to reduce the amount of salt you add.
  • Kosher salt: in the event you use regular table salt, only use half as much as kosher salt.

You will also need a rimmed baking pan and parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the pan.

How to roast pecans in the oven:

Follow my easy instructions to learn how to roast pecans:

  1. First, preheat your oven to 325°F. The low temperature is essential to maximize the flavor of the nuts.
  2. Spread out the halves in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with either aluminum foil or parchment paper, and top with chunks of butter.
Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (3)
  1. Place the nuts in the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes.
  2. Remove the nuts from the oven and toss to coat with the melted butter, which helps the salt stick to them.
  3. Sprinkle lightly with about a teaspoon of kosher salt or sea salt flakes and shake the pan to distribute them evenly.
Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (4)
  1. Place them back in the oven and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes. Start tasting the nuts every 5 minutes and remove them from the oven when they are fragrant and one shade darker.
Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (5)
  1. While they are still hot, add additional salt if desired and allow to cool completely.
Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (6)

How to roast pecans on the stove:

Pecans can also be roasted on the stove using a heavy-bottomed skillet.

Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (7)
  1. Place the skillet on the stove over medium-low heat. Once the pan is heated, add a single layer of pecans and a few pats of butter. Make sure the nuts are spread out evenly to ensure even roasting. If you’re roasting a large batch, you may need to do this in batches.
  2. Stir the pecans frequently to prevent them from burning. Keep a close eye on them; they can go from perfectly roasted to burnt quickly. Add salt if desired. Roast the pecans for about five to ten minutes or until they become fragrant and one shade darker.

The exact cooking time can vary depending on the freshness and moisture level of the pecans.

Frequently asked questions:

How do you store them?

Whether fresh or roasted, pecans should be stored in airtight plastic bags in your refrigerator or freezer unless you plan to use them right away. They will turn rancid very quickly, especially in hot, humid climates.

However, when stored in a refrigerator, these nuts will keep for several months, and they will keep up to a year in the freezer.

Pecans can be added to your dishes while still frozen, as they will thaw very quickly. When I use them in baking, I always roast them, whether the recipe calls for it or not, and think the flavor is much improved.

When are they in season or harvested?

Generally, pecans are harvested in October and November. Pecan groves are beautiful with their stately trees and green foliage and line many roads in South Georgia, which produces the most nuts.

How many varieties are there?

There are over 500 varieties of pecans, although only a few are harvested commercially. The primary difference in all of the different types is the nut’s size and the thickness of the shell. Stuarts and Elliots are the most popular, at least in our area. Paper-shell, named because of their paper-thin shell, is easiest to crack.

These days, I have to admit I’m spoiled and buy my nuts already cracked or shelled. In the fall, when fresh nuts are available, I usually buy at least 10 pounds and stick them in the freezer, to pull out later and use in recipes throughout the year.

What’s the difference between roasting or toasting?

It used to be that roasting meant baking in the oven, and toasting meant cooking them in a skillet on the stove. These days, the lines are blurred, and the terms are interchangeable.

I prefer to roast pecans in the oven because they cook more evenly, and there is less chance they will burn.

What to serve them with?

Roasted or toasted pecans go with just about everything, but they pair exceptionally well with cheese and are a great addition to a charcuterie board or a relish tray.

Pecans are versatile, and their crunchy deliciousness is a welcome addition to main dishes, appetizers, salads, and side dishes, as well as desserts. For example, easy-to-make Pecan Crusted Grouper is one of our all-time favorite dishes.

Sharon’s tips:

  • Store the toasted pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for about one week. Or, you can freeze them in an air-tight plastic storage container or freezer bag for up to a year.
  • This is a great recipe to serve around the holidays as an appetizer or snack. If you are in a hurry or plan to use them as an ingredient in baking, you can speed up the process. Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. and then roast them for 10-12 minutes. But watch them carefully; they can burn in seconds.
  • Nuts that have been just harvested or are very fresh take a little more time to roast because they have more oil and moisture. Older, drier nuts take less time.
  • Always use pecan halves when roasting. Pieces burn easily due to their small size.
  • When I use these nuts in baked goods, I always roast them, whether the recipe calls for it or not. I think the flavor and texture are much improved.
  • When you are tasting the roasted nuts to see if they are done, allow them to cool first. This makes it easier to tell if they are done.

Recipes that feature pecans:

Check out these delicious and popular recipes that feature pecans on my blog:

  • Dot’s Ultimate Southern Pecan Pie
  • Southern Pecan Praline Cheesecake
  • Healthy Wild Rice Chicken Salad
  • Georgia Cornbread Cake AKA Pecan Cake
  • Cranberry Pecan Mini Goat Cheese Balls
  • Quick and Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans
  • Southern Pecan Praline Cake
  • Easy Butter Pecan Cookies
  • Pecan Pralines and Cream Ice Cream
  • Old-Fashioned Pecan Pralines
  • Healthy Apple Pecan Chopped Salad
  • Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

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Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (8)

The Best Roasted Pecans Recipe

Sharon Rigsby

Roasted pecans, often called the "little black dress of appetizers," are one of the easiest, healthiest, and quickest snacks or appetizers to prepare. Toasting pecans in the oven brings out their natural oils and intensifies their rich, irresistible, nutty flavor.

5 from 6 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Southern

Servings 4 cups

Calories 884 kcal

Equipment

  • Rimmed baking sheet

  • Parchment paper or aluminin foil

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pecan halves
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small cubes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste, may substitute sea salt flakes

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

  • Spread out the pecan halves in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with either aluminum foil or parchment paper, and top with chunks of butter.

  • Place in your oven and bake for approximately ten minutes.

  • Remove the nuts from the oven and toss to coat with the melted butter. Sprinkle lightly with about a teaspoon of kosher salt or sea salt flakes, and toss the pecans again.

  • Place the pecans back in the oven and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes. Then start tasting them every five minutes and remove them from the oven when fragrant and one shade darker.

  • Add additional salt if desired and allow to cool completely.

Notes

Store the baked pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for about one week. Or, you can freeze the pecans in an air-tight plastic storage container or freezer bag for up to a year.

This is the best recipe for roasted pecans, and I use it when I plan to serve them whole as appetizers or snacks. However, if you are in a hurry or are going to be using them as an ingredient in baking, you can speed up the process by increasing the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Then, roast them for 10-12 minutes. But watch them; they can burn in seconds.

Pecans that have been just harvested or are very fresh take a little more time to roast because they have more oil and moisture. However, older, drier pecans take less time.

Always use pecan halves when roasting pecans. Pecan pieces will burn quickly due to their small size.

When I use pecans in recipes or baking, I always roast them, whether the recipe calls for it or not. I think the flavor and texture are much improved.

When tasting the pecans to see if they are done, allow them to cool first.

Nutritional values below are for one cup of roasted pecans.

Nutrition

Calories: 884kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 12gFat: 94gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 2464mgFiber: 12gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 450IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 2.9mg

Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

*This post was republished on January 18, 2022, with the addition of a FAQ section and expanded tips and notes. There is no change to the original recipe.

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  1. Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (13)Beatrice Poultney

    Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (14)
    May I make this with regular lightly salted butter?

    Reply

    • Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (15)Sharon Rigsby

      Yes, lightly salted or salted butter will work fine. Depending on salty you like your food, you may want to reduce the amount of salt you add.
      All the best,
      Sharon

      Reply

  2. Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (16)Linger

    Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (17)
    Hi Sharon. I can almost smell these roasting in my kitchen as I read your post. Such a great appetizer to have sitting around for virtually any occasion. Also, thanks for all the good tips.

    Reply

  3. Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (18)Patricia

    Thank you, Sharon, for your reply to leave the pecans out till before serving. I am expecting tomorrows fresh made cranberry sauce that I am putting the roasted pecans in will be so good.

    Reply

    • Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (19)Sharon Rigsby

      Awesome!

      Reply

      • Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (20)Susan Barnes

        Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (21)
        So easy and so delicious. I made two recipes’ worth to send in Christmas boxes. When I get some more pecans, I’ll make some for us. Merry Christmas!

      • Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (22)Sharon Rigsby

        Hi Susan, I’m so glad you liked them, and thank you too for letting me know. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!
        Sharon

  4. Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (23)Patricia

    If a recipe calls for roasted pecans, such as a cooked cranberry sauce, is it okay to put and mix and leave overnight in fridge? Or will the pecans get chewy and be added before serving?
    Thank you.

    Reply

    • Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (24)Sharon Rigsby

      Hi Patricia, I would leave the pecans out until right before you serve the cranberry sauce.
      Happy Thanksgiving!
      Sharon

      Reply

Roasted Pecans Recipe & How To Guide - Grits and Pinecones (2024)

FAQs

Do you need to 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. Remove from the oven and let cool.

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.

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.

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.

How do you get seasoning to stick to pecans? ›

Just toss nuts with oil, then powder, spread on a pan and bake. Doesn't get much simpler than that. Another alternative that has become popular is kettle roasted nuts. The nuts are cooked in a large kettle with an agitator to keep them from settling and burning.

How to toast pecans and pine nuts? ›

In an oven

To use the oven, spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil, and place them in an oven preheated to 350°. It'll take 5-10 minutes for your nuts to toast; keep an eye on them and stir as needed. Once they're toasted, remove them from the baking sheet to a bowl to cool.

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.

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.

Is toasting the same as roasting? ›

In general, roasting is a process where the temperature is lower but the time is higher (may be more than several minutes) while toasting is conducted at a much higher temperature for a short duration (say less than one minute). Until the late nineteenth century, dry heat roasting in an oven was called baking.

What temperature do you roast nuts at? ›

How to do it: Spread nuts in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or in a smaller baking pan). Bake in the center of a preheated 325°F oven, stirring to redistribute nuts every 5 minutes or so. Keep your eyes peeled and your nose on alert: Nuts in the oven can quickly go from just right to burned.

How to prepare pecans? ›

Salted Pecans

Melt butter on stovetop or microwave, add salt and stir until combined. Add pecan halves and stir until,coated. Pour onto sheet pan in a single layer, place in oven. Bake 40-50 minutes, stirring every 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Can dogs eat pecans? ›

Why are pecans bad for dogs? These nuts are toxic for dogs. Eating them can result in pets becoming sick and needing immediate veterinary care. “The reason pecans are considered toxic is that they contain a compound called juglone, also found in walnuts, that is harmful to dogs,” advises Dr.

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.

Why do you soak pecans? ›

"Essential nutrients like iron, protein, calcium, and zinc are better absorbed by the body when you soak the nuts. The water removes the phytic acid present in acids which causes indigestion. So, soaking nuts helps in digesting them properly and reaping the benefits of these nutrients.

What happens when you soak pecans? ›

Well, enzyme inhibitors/phytic acids are the reason. By soaking, enzyme inhibitors are neutralized, the beneficial enzymes are activated and the vitamin content increases. Soaking makes seeds, nuts and legumes easier to digest and the nutrients more easily absorbed.

Is it good to soak pecans? ›

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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