Spicy Glazed Pecans
These Spicy Glazed Pecans are a delightful combination of sweetness and heat, perfect for snacking or adding a crunchy kick to salads. With the richness of pecans and a hint of cayenne, they cater to those who enjoy bold flavors. Great for parties or as a homemade gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Butter a heavy large baking sheet.
- Combine sugar, water, salt, and cayenne pepper in a heavy small saucepan.
- Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Boil for 2 minutes.
- Add pecans and stir until they are coated with the mixture, about 1 minute.
- Transfer pecans to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them evenly.
- Bake until light brown, about 13 minutes.
- Transfer to a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and separate pecans with a fork.
- Cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider using smoked paprika instead of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the sugar mixture. Make sure to stir the pecans well to ensure even coating, and keep an eye on them while baking, as they can burn quickly. These spicy glazed pecans are a delightful addition to salads, such as Super Coleslaw.
Serving Suggestions
These spicy glazed pecans make an excellent snack on their own or can be used as a topping for salads, like a refreshing Corn Salad. They also pair wonderfully with cheese platters and cocktails. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Sherbet Punch at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to maintain their crunchiness, avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as moisture can make them soggy. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Glazed Pecans contains roughly 32 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 875mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Just keep in mind that different nuts may have varying baking times, so adjust accordingly to achieve the perfect crunch without burning.
How can I make these glazed pecans less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, simply decrease the amount of cayenne pepper you use. You can also omit it entirely and add a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet flavor instead.
Can I prepare these pecans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make these spicy glazed pecans a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container after cooling completely, and they'll be ready to serve whenever you need them.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).