Sweet & Spicy Pecans Recipe for Parties (2024)

ByChris Posted on

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Sweet & spicy pecans are an easy make-ahead party snack for holidays, co*cktail parties, game day or tailgating. The balance of sweetness and spiciness is truly addictive! Serve them in snack bowls or toss them on top of a salad.

Sweet & Spicy Pecans Recipe for Parties (1)

These have been on our party appetizers table for as long as I can remember. They’re a staple of southern holiday entertaining or any time you want to serve delicious nibbles. Add these seasoned pecans to your next co*cktail party, ladies night in, or dinner party.

WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?

Spiced Pecans

These sweet and spicy pecans are the perfect addition to add to any party menu or holiday entertaining. They have the perfect balance of sweetness and heat from ingredients like sugar, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. And a combination of egg whites and butter makes sure the flavor completely encapsulates the pecan.

I’ve grown up with holiday parties always having a bowl of pecans or mixed nuts that have been seasoned and spiced for the occasion. Nothing says the Holidays to me quite like a dish full of sweet & spicy pecans. This amazing party recipe is the perfect addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas entertaining. It’s also great for game day parties!

Make-Ahead for Parties

Make a big batch of these seasoned nuts up to 3 days ahead. Store them in an air tight container then serve them at parties, or set them out while your waiting for the big meal to finish cooking.

This is a tried and true recipe we’ve made for years. And guests ALWAYS rave about the taste. I bet you have all the ingredients in your kitchen already!

Sweet & Spicy Pecans Recipe for Parties (2)
Sweet & Spicy Pecans Recipe for Parties (3)

Serving Suggestions

This version of candied pecans lends itself well to a variety of uses. Here are some more ways to serve them.

  • Add these to any party cheese board you might serve throughout the year.
  • Serve them on a brunch cheese board for weekends and holiday brunch entertaining.
  • Put a small dish on a bar cart bubbly barso guests can grab a few while they pour a co*cktail.
  • Sprinkle them onto a spinach & arugula salad along with blue cheese and dried cranberries or fresh pears. Top with a simple vinaigrette. The sweet spicy flavor and crunch go so well with the salty cheese and fresh or dried fruit.
  • Give them as party favors or hostess gifts. Just put some into a cellophane bag and tie with ribbon.
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Sweet & Spicy Pecans Recipe for Parties (5)

How to Make Sweet & Spicy Pecans

As you follow the recipe card instructions keep these tips in mind for best results.

  1. Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This makes for easier cleanup and also protects the pan from absorbing the heat flavor from the cayenne pepper.
  2. Make sure to use pecan halves for best results and flavor.
  3. Use a large mixing bowl. Add the egg whites and salt and whip them using a whisk, until they’re nice and frothy.
  4. Add the remaining seasonings and mix well. Pour in the pecan halves and melted butter, and stir to coat all the nuts.
  5. Spray the prepared baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray before pouring the coated pecans onto it.
  6. Spread the nuts out in a single layer so they don’t overlap one another. You can bake them in batches if you need to.
  7. Bake as directed, stirring every 10 minutes to avoid over-browning on one side.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.

HOSTESS TIP: Remove them from the baking sheet and let cool on a cooling rack in a single layer so they don’t clump together.

More Nuts Recipes

You can’t go wrong with any of these spiced nut recipes. Just determine if you want a bit of heat (this recipe), more sweetness, or more savory & smoked flavor. Serve them all year long for any party occasion.

  • Try this sweet candied pecans version that has an overall sweeter flavor, with seasonal spices like cinnamon and brown sugar.
  • These savory spicy pecans are not sweet. They’re made with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco adding a distinct flavor.

Can I use different nuts for this recipe?

You can certainly add variety with different types of nuts. Sometimes I like to add almonds to the mixture to give it more texture and flavor. I’ll measure 4 cups pecans and 2 cups almonds.

Walnuts are another good nut to use for this recipe. Their texture is similar to pecans but the taste is a bit different.

Cashews can also be used to mix in. Just make sure your total measurement is 6 cups of nuts and you can adjust the ratio to pecans accordingly.

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Here are more fun facts about nuts.

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Sweet and Spicy Pecans Recipe

Yield: 6 cups

These sweet & spicy pecans are a great make-ahead recipe for parties and holiday entertaining. Add them to a bowl to nosh on or add them to salads. You can even wrap them up for hostess gifts or party favors.

Ingredients

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Smoke Paprika (or regular)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 6 cups pecan halves
  • 1/4 cup Plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Beat egg whites and salt with wire whisk until foamy. Add sugar, paprika, red pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, beating well. Stir in pecans and butter. Spread on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil & sprayed with non-stick spray.
  2. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until pecans are crisp, stirring every 10 minutes.
  3. Let cool and store in air tight container.

Notes

Add some almonds to the mixture. Use 4 cups pecans and 2 cups almonds to change up the texture and flavor.

Add these to a salad with blue cheese and light vinaigrette!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Sweet & Spicy Pecans Recipe for Parties (2024)

FAQs

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.

Are pecans good for diabetics? ›

Pecans have a very low glycemic index, which means that eating them does not cause a spike in blood sugar, even in people with diabetes. Eating pecans can even offset the effects of higher glycemic index foods when eaten as part of the same meal.

Should you toast 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.

What fruit goes best with pecans? ›

Pecans pair well with sweet flavors, so they are especially popular in salads that include strawberries, dried cherries, or other sweet fruits. Chicken salad. Pecans are a great way to give chicken salad texture, even if using cashews is more traditional.

How do you get the bitterness out of pecans? ›

Some of the tannin and all of the corky material can be removed by washing the kernels before cooking. To "sweeten" the pecan meats (kernels), simply put the pecan kernels in a bowl and fill with lukewarm water. Stir and tumble the meats in the water for several minutes and you will see the discoloration in the water.

How long do you soak pecans to activate? ›

Soaking and Drying Times for Different Nuts
Nut (1cup)SaltSoaking Time
Pecans1/2 tsp5-8 hours
Pine Nuts1 tsp7-10 hours
Pistachios1 tsp5-8 hours
Walnuts1/2 tsp5-8 hours
5 more rows
Apr 28, 2023

What organ are pecans good for? ›

Pecans are also uniquely high in good fats and other heart healthy nutrients which is why this special nut is certified by the American Heart Association's® Heart-Check Program.

What is the number one healthiest nut? ›

1. Almonds. Relatively low in calories, almonds are an excellent food for health due to their protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

How many pecans can I eat a day? ›

Like many other nuts, pecans contain a high percentage of fat and can lead to diarrhea if too many are eaten in a short amount of time. Over-consumption may also lead to digestive issues like gas and bloating. Recommendation: One ounce (15-19) pecan halves per day.

Can dogs eat 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.

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.

What flavors go with pecans? ›

Rich and buttery pecans add crunch and depth of flavor to many dishes. They pair wonderfully with our favorite autumnal flavors—like maple syrup, bourbon, chocolate, and even sweet potatoes—and are the perfect snack regardless of whether they're raw or toasted.

What does pecans do to your digestive system? ›

Improves Digestion

Since Pecan nuts are fiber -packed, and 1 ounce provides 11% DV of fiber they promote good colon health and facilitate regular bowel movements. Pecan nuts can prevent constipation and reduce the risk of hemorrhoids and colitis by cleaning out the gastrointestinal system.

Which pecans have the best flavor? ›

The Elliot variety is one of the most flavorful pecans and a favorite with Georgia Pecan Growers. Elliot pecans produce an oilier meat than other varieties which give it the rich flavor.

How long should pecans soak in water? ›

Leave them on the counter to soak for 4-8 hours. Loosely cover with a clean cloth, this allows the contents of the bowl to breathe. If you think that it will be longer than 8 hours before you can get to them, place the bowl in the fridge, making sure to change the water every so often.

Why soak pecans? ›

Just as with grains and legumes, soaking nuts is a non-negotiable for proper digestion! Nuts also have high amounts of enzymes inhibitors. This is another reason why un- soaked nuts are hard to digest. Soaking nuts can neutralize the enzymes allowing for proper digestion.

Should you soak pecans before cracking? ›

To keep the pecan meat from shattering, the nuts are moistened or “conditioned” before cracking. There are two methods used to accomplish this. The cold water method soaks the pecans in chlorinated water for as long as eight hours.

Do nuts need to be soaked before roasting? ›

I can't speak to the trustworthiness of the various sites I discovered and their claims about phytic acid and neutralized enzymes, but I can tell you this: Soaking your nuts before you roast them will greatly enhance their flavor.

References

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