Savory toasted pecans are one of the easiest and tastiest, simple appetizers you can make. Great to have around for last minute appetizers, unexpected guests or wrap up as a present.
You’ll find all kinds or toasted pecan recipes, but the vast majority of them are heavy with sugar. Our recipe is a nice change with savory ingredients instead of sweet.
Easy finger foods are great to keep around the house where house guests can grab a few for a healthy nibble or two.
This is in my series of retro recipes from a cookbook I made for my family in 1993. Yes, 1993. Many of the recipes are from my childhood, this savory toasted pecan recipe is one of those. My Mom used to have them in bowls around the house at Christmastime.
How To Toast Pecans
Five simple ingredients to savory toasted pecans, one of our Easy Finger Foods recipes.
Melt butter over medium low heat, add Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt and hot sauce. Stir. Add pecans, stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly, make sure to keep in one layer.
Stir once or twice while baking.
Toast in oven for about 30 minutes. Let cool and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
For easy clean up, line baking sheet with foil.
Uses For Savory Toasted Pecans
Savory toasted pecans are great alone as a snack, especially as an on-the-go snack. Add to backpacks, lunchbox or in a little container for a snack at work.
Cheese boards are begging for a little kick, these pecans do the trick.
They also are a great addition to salads or rice. The toasted pecans are an unexpected touch to your morning oatmeal.
What’s The Difference Between Roasted and Toasted Pecan?
Roasting and Toasting are used interchangeably quite often, but there is a subtle difference.
To toast a pecan (or piece of bread, or really any food) is to brown the food through heat.
To roast a pecan (or meat, vegetables, etc.) is to heat through in an oven or grill.
In the case of our savory toasted pecans you can use either term. The purpose of roasting or toasting is primarily to bring out rich, complex flavor, this is especially true of nuts and sesame seeds.
Savory Toasted Pecans Tips & Techniques
Want to make this recipe faster? Microwave the pecans. Toss pecans with melted butter and spices in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for a minute, stir. Microwave another minute, stir. Do this one more time and the nuts should be ready. They won’t have as deep of a flavor but are good and definitely are fast.
You can also toast the pecans in a skillet. Heat the skillet over high heat, add nuts and toast for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add the butter and spices.
Savory Toasted Pecans, Easy Finger Food #1
With only 5 ingredients, you can make an easy, healthy snack that can be for on-the-go or for an elegant party. It's all in the presentation.
Ingredients
- 4 cups pecans, shelled
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce I used Tabasco which is hotter than most sauces
- 1 Tablespoon garlic salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
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Melt butter in skillet. Remove from heat and add Worcestershire, garlic salt and hot sauce, stir well. Toss in pecans, stir until evenly coated.
Spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet and toast in the oven for 30 minutes. Stir once or
twice. Drain on paper towels.Store in airtight container for up to a week.
Recipe Notes
Tip: Line the baking sheet with foil for easy clean up. When stirring try not to rip the foil.
If you are doubling the recipe, make sure to use two baking sheets to leave air and space between the nuts to ensure crispiness.
If you only have garlic powder, then mix equal parts garlic powder with kosher salt to make the garlic salt.
These savory toasted pecans make great gifts for teachers, service workers or as a hostess gift. Just put in a cute bag, label with contents and expiration date and tie with a ribbon.
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