Roasted Pecans Recipe
Introduction
Roasted pecans are a simple yet delicious snack that enhances the natural sweetness and crunch of pecan halves. Lightly coated in butter and salt, these nuts make a perfect appetizer or addition to your favorite recipes.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper, then scatter the butter cubes evenly over the nuts.
- Step 3: Bake the pecans for about 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the pecans from the oven and toss them to coat evenly with the melted butter. Sprinkle with kosher salt or sea salt flakes, tossing again to distribute the salt.
- Step 5: Return the pecans to the oven and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Begin tasting every 5 minutes once they start to darken and become fragrant, then remove when perfectly roasted.
- Step 6: Add more salt if desired and let the pecans cool completely before serving or storing.
Tips & Variations
- To speed up roasting when using pecans as a baking ingredient, increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees and roast for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Freshly harvested pecans may require more roasting time due to higher moisture content, while older pecans roast faster.
- Always use pecan halves for roasting; smaller pieces burn quickly because of their size.
- Roasting pecans before adding them to recipes enhances their flavor and texture, even if the recipe doesn’t specify it.
Storage
Store roasted pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to one year. When reheating, warm gently to restore crunch without burning.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to avoid making the pecans too salty.
How do I know when the pecans are done roasting?
The pecans are done when they become fragrant and turn one shade darker. Allow them to cool before tasting to avoid burning your mouth and to better judge the flavor.
PrintRoasted Pecans Recipe
This Roasted Pecans recipe delivers perfectly toasted, buttery, and lightly salted pecan halves with a rich flavor and delightful crunch. Ideal for snacking, garnishing salads, or adding to baked goods, these roasted pecans can be easily prepared in your oven with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups roasted pecans 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound pecan halves
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or sea salt flakes), or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) to ensure a consistent roasting temperature.
- Prepare Pecans: Spread the pecan halves in a single even layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Distribute the cubes of unsalted butter evenly over the pecans.
- Initial Roasting: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the pecans for approximately 10 minutes.
- Toss and Season: Remove the baking sheet, toss the pecans well to coat them with the melted butter, then sprinkle about a teaspoon of kosher salt or sea salt flakes evenly over the nuts. Toss again to evenly distribute the salt.
- Continue Roasting: Return the pecans to the oven and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. After 10 minutes, start tasting every 5 minutes until the pecans are fragrant and have darkened by one shade. Remove them immediately to avoid burning.
- Cool and Store: Allow the roasted pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet. Add more salt if desired once cooled. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for up to one year.
Notes
- Store baked pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for about one week or freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a year.
- To speed up roasting, increase the oven temperature to 350°F and roast for 10-12 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Freshly harvested pecans may take longer to roast due to higher oil and moisture content, while older pecans roast faster.
- Always use pecan halves when roasting to avoid smaller pieces burning quickly.
- Roasting pecans enhances flavor and texture; it’s recommended to roast them even when recipes do not require it.
- When tasting for doneness, allow pecans to cool first to accurately assess flavor and texture.
Keywords: roasted pecans, pecan halves, easy snack, roasted nuts, buttery pecans, salted pecans
