Pin It I was rushing to put together a last-minute appetizer before friends arrived when I spotted a bag of pecans in the pantry. Honey, garlic powder, and olive oil were already on the counter from lunch. Within twenty minutes, the kitchen smelled like a bakery crossed with a pizzeria, and those pecans disappeared faster than I could refill the bowl. Now I keep raw pecans stocked just in case.
The first time I brought these to a potluck, someone asked if I bought them from a gourmet shop. I laughed and told her it was five ingredients and one baking sheet. She made them the following weekend and texted me a photo of her husband eating them straight from the pan. That is when I knew this recipe was a keeper.
Ingredients
- Raw pecan halves: Use fresh pecans for the best crunch, older nuts can taste bitter or go soft in the oven.
- Honey: It caramelizes beautifully and binds the seasonings to the nuts without making them sticky.
- Olive oil: Helps the honey spread evenly and keeps the pecans from clumping together.
- Garlic powder: Delivers savory depth without the moisture of fresh garlic, which can make the nuts steam instead of roast.
- Sea salt: Flaky sea salt brings out the sweetness and balances the garlic perfectly.
- Ground black pepper: Just a hint of heat to wake up your taste buds.
- Smoked paprika (optional): Adds a campfire edge that makes these feel fancy.
Instructions
- Prep the oven and pan:
- Preheat to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Skipping the parchment means sticky cleanup later.
- Mix the glaze:
- Whisk honey, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large bowl until smooth and glossy. The honey will look thin at first but it will thicken as it heats.
- Coat the pecans:
- Toss the nuts in the bowl until every piece is shiny. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides so nothing goes to waste.
- Spread and roast:
- Arrange pecans in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through. They should smell toasty and turn a shade darker.
- Cool completely:
- Let them sit on the baking sheet for at least ten minutes. They crisp up as they cool and trying one too early means a chewy center.
Pin It One evening my neighbor knocked on the door holding an empty jar I had sent home with her the week before. She did not say a word, just held it out with a hopeful smile. I laughed and filled it again on the spot. That is the power of a good snack.
Serving Suggestions
These pecans are perfect on a cheese board with sharp cheddar and dried apricots. I also crumble them over arugula salads or stir them into oatmeal for a sweet and savory crunch. Once I even folded them into brownie batter and it was a revelation.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live somewhere humid, tuck a folded paper towel in the jar to absorb extra moisture. I have never had a batch last longer than five days in my house.
Customization Ideas
Swap the pecans for walnuts or cashews if that is what you have on hand. A pinch of cayenne pepper turns them into a spicy cocktail snack, and a sprinkle of cinnamon makes them dessert-friendly.
- Try maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
- Add a tablespoon of soy sauce to the glaze for an umami kick.
- Toss in fresh rosemary during the last five minutes of roasting for an herbal note.
Pin It These pecans have saved more gatherings than I can count. Keep the ingredients handy and you will always have something delicious to share.
Recipe FAQ
- → What is the best oven temperature for roasting pecans?
Roast pecans at 350°F (175°C) to achieve a golden, crunchy texture without burning.
- → Can I substitute other nuts for pecans in this method?
Yes, walnuts or cashews work well and can be coated and roasted using the same technique.
- → How can I add a smoky flavor to the nuts?
Including smoked paprika in the seasoning mix adds a pleasant smoky twist to the nuts.
- → How should I store the roasted nuts to maintain freshness?
Keep the cooled nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- → Is it possible to make these nuts spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating mixture enhances heat and flavor.