Roasted Buttery Pecans

A white bowl filled with glazed pecans sits on a decorative white plate, with two smaller bowls of pecans in the background, all placed on a beige fabric.

This roasted buttery pecans recipe combines pecan halves, butter, salt, and cayenne for a classic Southern holiday snack. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these buttery pecans are a tradition at Christmas gatherings, perfect for gifting, or serving to guests.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American, Southern

Diet Kosher

Keyword buttery, easy, holiday, roasted

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Servings cups

Calories 3053

Author Gina Dickson

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter melted
4 cups pecan halves
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper cayenne

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Heat oven to 325°F.
Line a rimmed baking sheet (or jelly-roll pan) with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Coat the pecans

Place pecans in a large mixing bowl.
4 cups pecan halves
Pour the melted butter over the top.
1/4 cup butter
Toss until all pecans are evenly coated.

Roast the pecans

Spread pecans in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through so they roast evenly.
Pecans are ready when they smell toasty and look slightly darker.

Season and cool

Remove pecans from the oven.
Sprinkle with kosher salt and red pepper while still warm. Toss to coat. Pro tip: I like to use a small sifter to spread the cayenne pepper lightly and evenly.
1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

Storage and Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. No reheating is necessary, but if you prefer them warm, place on a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes.
Fridge: Keep sealed up to 3 weeks. When ready to enjoy, spread pecans on a baking sheet and reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes until crisp and fragrant.
Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then reheat on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 6–7 minutes to restore crunch.

Nutrition