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.

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 difference between roasted and toasted pecans? ›

Now, some of you may be wondering, “What's the difference between roasting and toasting a pecan?”. The answer is simple. Roasting is when the nut is cooked fully through, and is usually done in an oven. Toasting means to brown the nut on the outside, and is usually done over a fire or on the stove.

Can I roast pecans in the shell? ›

Roasting pecans in the shell helps to lock in their natural oils and flavors, resulting in a more intense and nutty taste. The shells also act as a protective barrier, preventing the nuts from becoming overcooked and allowing them to roast evenly.

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? ›

All deliver terrific results. 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.

Is it better to soak or roast nuts? ›

Instead of roasting, soaking raw nuts can make them easier on your stomach. Some naturally occurring enzymes and acids in nuts are broken down during the roasting process making roasted nuts more digestible. To make raw nuts easier to eat, always chew them well and eat in moderation.

How do you get seasoning to stick to pecans? ›

Beat egg white and water together in a large bowl; add pecans and stir to coat. Mix sugar, cinnamon, salt, cloves, and nutmeg in a small bowl; sprinkle over moistened nuts. Spread nuts on the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven, stirring once or twice, until toasted and fragrant, about 30 minutes.

How long should pecans soak in water? ›

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.

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.

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.

Are oven roasted pecans good for you? ›

Antioxidant Rich

These antioxidants can help prevent chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. So, munching on roasted salted pecans is not only tasty but also helps keep your body healthy and strong.

How long to toast pecans at 350 degrees? ›

Instructions
  1. Place pecans on a large baking sheet.
  2. Roast at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
  3. Let cool for 30 minutes.
  4. Transfer pecans to a large bowl.
  5. Toss with olive oil, then add salt and toss again.
Mar 14, 2023

Why do you boil pecans? ›

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

Can dogs have pecans? ›

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. Klein.

Is it better to toast pecans whole or in pieces? ›

Whole pecans will toast more evenly than pecan pieces and are less likely to burn. Stir frequently. No matter which method you choose, be sure to be stirring the nuts a few times during the cooking process so the nuts don't burn. Roast in a single layer.

Should you soak pecans before cracking? ›

Some pecan-lovers claim that boiling the pecans before cracking helps to loosen the shells. Bring a large pot of water to the boil on the stove top. Gently add the pecans to the water and leave to boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the pecans and leave to cool before cracking.

Do you wash pecans before baking? ›

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.

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