Simple Roasted Pecan Halves Recipe (2024)

Simple Roasted Pecan Halves Recipe (1)

One of our favorite snacks and a perfect little nibble for the holidays, tailgating events, or other parties are these simple roasted pecan halves. They really are so simple to make that I’m not sure I should even call it a recipe. I had never thought of including them here on my blog because they are so simple, but then a friend called me the other day and asked me how I made them. A few days later we made a big baking sheet of roasted pecans for my husband to take with him to the local college football game. He came home with an empty container telling me how much the guys loved them and that they asked him how they were made.

If you already know how to make these little bites of deliciousness, then you could take a few minutes to check out some of our other great tailgating recipes or appetizers instead. I’ll understand.

Simple Roasted Pecan Halves Recipe (2)

But if you haven’t made these before, you really should pick up some pecans soon to make these roasted pecan halves.

I’m roasting up a large batch of them so that I can grab them as a snack instead of all that Halloween candy that is mocking me in my pantry. I know it is in there and it sure is tempting me.

These roasted pecans also make a great addition to a salad or even a big bowl of oatmeal. I have another special treat coming up soon with them that is just perfect for the holidays. So be on the lookout for gorgeous pecan halves in your area.

You know, roasted pecans really just can’t be beat in my book. It may be because we fight the squirrels for them tooth and toe nail all throughout the fall so when we have enough pecans that I can roast or include in a Southern Pecan Pie, I know we’ve won a portion of the battle – for now. But it’s more than that. Pecans are good for you, too.

Did you know that a one ounce serving of pecans includes over 19 vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, potassium and zinc? Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ranked pecans in the top 20 out of 100 foods for antioxidant capacity. At 196 calories and 2.7 grams of dietary fiber, pecans are a great natural food to include in our diets. To learn more about the health benefits of pecans, visit the Georgia Pecan Commission.

By the way, the Georgia Pecan Commission doesn’t know who I am. I just love pecans and love sharing about this wonderful nut and supporting pecan growers, because they probably have even bigger squirrel issues than I do.

Here’s how I make these simple roasted pecan halves.

Simple Roasted Pecan Halves Recipe (3)

Simple Roasted Pecan Halves Recipe (4)

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Simple Roasted Pecan Halves Recipe

Roasted pecans make everything better. A quick, delicious recipe for roasted pecan halves that are great as an appetizer, snack, or on your favorite salad.

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pecan halves
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Place pecan halves on a half sheet pan or cookie sheet, being sure to spread evenly on the pan.

  • Break pats of butter into small pieces and place on pecan halves.

  • Sprinkle salt all over the pecans.

  • Place pan into oven and bake for 10 minutes, then stir gently, turning the pecans as you stir.

  • Cook another 10 minutes, watching carefully to make sure they do not over brown.

  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 227mg | Potassium: 156mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 138IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Hope you enjoy them!

Robyn

Categorized as:30 Minutes or Less Recipes, All Recipes, Appetizers, Camping, Essentials, Game Day Recipes, Holiday and Occasion Recipes, Recipes, Simple Recipes, Southern Favorites

Welcome to Add A Pinch

About Robyn

Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

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Simple Roasted Pecan Halves Recipe (2024)

FAQs

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.

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.

How do you dry pecans in the oven? ›

Keep them in a single layer and dry them at 115 degrees (F) until they are thoroughly dry and crisp. Make sure the nuts are completely dry. If not, they could mold, plus they won't have that crunchy, yummy texture you expect from nuts and seeds.

What is the best method for roasting nuts? ›

Toasting Nuts in the Oven
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  2. Spread the nuts in a single layer on your baking sheet; don't crowd or assemble them too close together.
  3. Put the baking sheet in the oven, and bake until the nuts are fragrant and slightly browned, about 5–8 minutes, depending on the size and type of the nut.
Oct 21, 2023

What is the best temperature to toast 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.

Are oven roasted pecans healthy? ›

Absolutely! Pecans are full of healthy fats, antioxidants and fiber. Combined with the natural sweetness of maple, they're a healthier choice for a sweet treat or easy snack recipe.

Are oven roasted pecans good for you? ›

Both raw and roasted nuts are good for you and provide health benefits. Both varieties contain similar amounts of calories, protein, carbs and fiber.

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.

Why do my toasted pecans taste 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.

Why do people boil pecans? ›

You'll find out fast that boiling pecans lessens the likelihood of the shell shattering into a lot of smaller pieces.

Why are roasted pecans so good? ›

Roasting the pecan nuts helps draw out the natural oils, creating that nice crunchy texture. If you are worried about excessive oils, don't be. Most nuts contain enough oils which prevent them from absorbing more. Pecans contain monounsaturated fats which some studies indicate can lower your cholesterol levels.

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.

Can you eat raw pecans? ›

Raw. Raw pecans can be eaten alone, salted, or sweetened. In savory dishes, pecans can lend a burst of rich buttery flavor. Some cooks like to candy pecans and sprinkle them on salads or pastas, especially in combination with rich cheeses like Gorgonzola and blue cheese.

Should you soak pecans before cracking? ›

Before shelling, pecans are moistened by water or steam, which is absorbed by the kernel. The kernel moisture increases from 4 to 8 percent, which makes it more flexible and reduces kernel breakage while cracking the nut.

How long do you soak raw pecans? ›

Place the pecans and salt in a glass or stainless steel bowl. Add enough filtered water to cover. Stir. Place a kitchen towel on top and leave in a warm part of your kitchen for at least 7 and up to 12 hours.

References

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