Sweet and Savoury Roasted Pecans

“Sweet and Savoury Roasted Pecans. SO Irresistible !!

Looking for a simple, festive treat to take to a party or gathering this week? Look no further than these delectable sweet and savoury roasted pecans. They boast a delightful crunch and rich, toasty flavour that’s sure to win over anyone lucky enough to try them.

These spiced pecans are roasted to perfection, seasoned with sea salt, spices, herbs, with a touch of sweetness, making them an effortlessly wholesome snack. Their sweet and savoury balance is endlessly delightful and suitable for various occasions, be it a workday pick-me-up or the upcoming Christmas bash. They’re not just great as a standalone snack but also make a splendid appetiser or addition to your next charcuterie board. Originally created for a Cheese Board order, these rosemary and thyme pecans have become a star in their own right, deserving a spotlight of their own in this post.

Part of my role as a recipe developer involves ensuring the flavours match my imagination. However, sometimes, with straightforward recipes, the result surpasses all expectations. From the very first taste, I knew I was onto something special. Throughout the afternoon spent testing and photographing this recipe, I couldn’t resist returning for ‘just a couple more’ – a sure sign of their irresistible allure.

Making your own flavoured roasted nuts brings the benefit of knowing exactly what goes into them. Various store-bought flavoured nuts list numerous questionable ingredients on their packaging. Additionally, savoury snacks often contain hidden sugars that are unexpectedly high. However, these pecans stand out as they achieve their irresistible flavour with just a hint of added maple syrup.

I genuinely hope you relish these pecans; they truly make for the finest snack!

Here’s why this recipe will capture your heart:

1. These roasted pecan nuts offer a delightful blend of sweetness, savouriness, and absolute addictiveness.
2. Incorporating only a handful of ingredients, they’re prepared in approximately 20 minutes.
3. You can effortlessly tailor them to your liking by selecting your preferred nuts, herbs, and seasonings.
4. This healthy snack is naturally gluten-free and vegan.

Ingredients Used to Make Sweet and Savoury Roasted Pecans

• Pecan Nuts: This recipe specifically uses pecans, but you can opt for almonds, walnuts, peanuts, or cashews—all excellent choices. For optimal results, opt for raw nuts without added flavours.
• Olive Oil: A small quantity of oil imparts fantastic flavour and renders these oven-roasted pecans suitable for dairy-free and vegan diets.
• Sweetener : Warm brown sugar and maple syrup together give the pecans a richer and sweet taste. Feel free to substitute with honey if preferred.
• Herbs: Use your preferred fresh and dried herbs. I love using dried oregano and rosemary and thyme fresh.
• Smoked Paprika: Intensify the flavour profile of the roasted nuts by imparting a smoky and slightly spicy taste. Adjust the quantity for more heat, or omit it altogether. You can also swap it with your preferred spices.
• Cumin: Add an earthy and aromatic flavour.
• Salt: Add a touch of salt to the butter mixture and finish the nuts with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This addition brings a festive vibe and beautifully enhances the overall flavour!

How to Roast Pecans

Creating perfectly baked pecans is a magical process—rich and bursting with flavour, yet surprisingly simple to achieve.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 175ºC (350ºF) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the pecans.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pecans from sticking.
3. Spread Pecans: Place the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they’re evenly spread out for even roasting.
4. Initial Bake: Transfer the baking sheet with the pecans into the preheated oven. Bake them for 10-15 minutes until they achieve a lightly golden and toasted appearance. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
5. Prepare Spice Mix: While the pecans are baking, in a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), sugar, chopped rosemary and thyme, oregano, sliced red chilli (if using), and any other desired spices, such as cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Mix these ingredients thoroughly.
6. Coat Pecans: Once the pecans are lightly toasted, remove them from the oven. Add the prepared spice mix to the toasted pecans and toss them well, ensuring an even coating.
7. Return to Oven: Place the coated pecans back in the oven and continue roasting for an additional 10 minutes. This step allows the nuts to absorb the flavours and develop a glazed appearance.
8. Final Check: Keep an eye on the pecans during the last few minutes to prevent burning. They should look nicely glazed and golden but not overly browned.
9. Serve or Store: You can serve the roasted pecans warm, garnished with additional rosemary and thyme if desired. Alternatively, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Helpful Tips and Tricks To Make Sweet and Savoury Roasted Pecans

1. Oven Variations: The suggested roasting time is an estimate as oven temperatures can differ. As the nuts near completion, they emit a fragrant aroma, signalling that they’re nearly done roasting. Keep a close eye on them as they can quickly burn.
2. Raw Nuts for Best Results: Opt for raw nuts without added flavourings for this recipe. They work best to absorb the seasonings.
3. Personalise Your Recipe: Feel free to personalise this recipe by choosing your favourite nuts, herbs, and seasonings. Experiment to create flavours that suit your taste preferences.
4. Storage: To keep the roasted nuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their quality for up to 2 weeks.

Looking for More Festive Recipes ?? Here are few of my favourites..

1. Easy Homemade Mulled Wine
2. Mushroom Vol-Au-Vents
3. Easy Lasagna Soup with Spinach

If you tried this recipe or any other recipe on our blog let us know how liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for even more amazing recipes!!

Sweet and Savoury Roasted Pecans

Serves: 2 Cups Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cooking Time: 25 Minutes 25 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 5 voted )

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Ingredients

• 350g raw pecan halves
• 3 tbsp olive oil 
• 3 tbsp maple syrup 
• 1 tbsp dark brown sugar 
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano 
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp salt 
• 1 red chilli, sliced (optional)

method

1. Preheat your oven to 175ºC and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Place the pecans in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Put them in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until they turn a light golden colour and become toasted.
3. In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, maple syrup, sugar, chopped rosemary and thyme, oregano, sliced red chilli, and all the spices. Mix everything thoroughly.
4. Take the pecans out of the oven and add the spice mixture to them. Toss the pecans well to ensure an even coating. Put them back in the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes until the nuts acquire a glazed appearance.
5. You can serve these nuts warm, garnished with extra rosemary and thyme. Alternatively, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you did, take a picture and tag me on Instagram at @poetryofspices!