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

Is it better to roast pecans before baking? ›

Pecans are typically added to a recipe for added texture and flavor and toasting them will only improve both qualities. Toasting pecans (or any nut for that matter) not only makes them extra crisp and crunchy, but you'll get an even greater boost of nuttiness and flavor.

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.

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.

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

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.

Are roasted and toasted nuts the same? ›

Roasted, for me, means you cook them in the oven, and toasted means you cook the nuts on the stove top. I see both words used interchangeably online, though. I use both methods, depending on whether I need to roast a few nuts or a lot, and how quickly I need them.

Why are my roasted pecans bitter? ›

Pecans have two sources of bitterness -- naturally occurring tannins in the kernel and pieces of corky material from the inside of the nut which can adhere to the kernel. Some of the tannin and all of the corky material can be removed by washing the kernels before cooking.

Why do people boil pecans? ›

Boiling pecans before cracking them can actually help prevent the shell from shattering. Here's how to boil them to loosen the shell but not cook the meat: ● Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil ● Add the pecans and let cook for 10-15 minutes ● Drain and let cool ● Get to cracking!

How long do you need to soak pecans? ›

  1. Soaking nuts in water is a technique used to increase their digestibility and improve their texture. ...
  2. As a general guideline, most nuts should be soaked for at least 4-8 hours. ...
  3. It's important to note that after soaking, you should drain and rinse the nuts thoroughly before consuming or using them in a recipe.
Feb 24, 2023

How much salt do you soak pecans in? ›

Dry nuts usually yield about 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup more when soaked. To soak nuts, seeds, legumes and grains, dissolve 1 tsp sea salt in a bowl of 2-3 cups of pure, warm water. Add your ingredients. Make sure there is enough water to cover them about 2 inches.

How long to toast pecans at 350? ›

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line a baking pan with parchment.
  3. Spread pecans on baking sheet.
  4. Toast for about five minutes or until you can smell the aroma.

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.

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 does it take to roast nuts in the oven? ›

Spread them out in an even layer on a sheet pan, and pop them in a 350° oven. Generally speaking, lighter, more tender nuts like pecans, pistachios, and walnuts will take 6-8 minutes to get to a good place. Denser nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, and macadamias will take more like 8-10 minutes to finish toasting.

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? ›

Preparation:
  1. Place the pecans and salt in a large glass or stainless steel bowl along with 8 cups of water. The pecans will swell during the soaking process, so you want enough water to keep them covered.
  2. Leave them on the counter to soak for 4-8 hours. ...
  3. After they are done soaking, drain and rinse in a colander.

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