Sweet-And-Spicy Pecans
Sweet-and-spicy pecans offer a crunchy, flavorful snack with hints of cinnamon, cumin, chili powder, and red pepper, perfect for entertaining or a lively snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss pecans in melted butter.
- Combine sugar, cumin, chili powder, red pepper, and salt; sprinkle over pecans, tossing to coat.
- Spread pecans on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the spice mix. If you want to reduce sugar, use a sugar substitute or maple syrup instead. Ensure the pecans are evenly coated by tossing them thoroughly. Watch closely while baking to prevent burning, as nuts can toast quickly. Consider using a mix of nuts for a variety of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These Sweet-And-Spicy Pecans make a fantastic snack on their own or as a topping for salads, like a fresh spinach salad. They also pair well with cheese platters or can be used to enhance dishes like 'Genuine Bananas Foster'. Consider serving them alongside cocktails for a delightful appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a month or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, spread the pecans on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5-10 minutes for optimal crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-And-Spicy Pecans contains roughly 471 calories, with 22g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (87% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Each nut will provide a slightly different flavor and texture, but they will all work well with the sweet and spicy seasoning. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as different nuts may toast at different rates.
How can I make these pecans spicier?
To increase the heat, add more crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture. You could also experiment with adding a touch of hot sauce to the melted butter for an extra kick. Just be cautious and adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Can these pecans be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these pecans a few days in advance. Just ensure they cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes them a convenient snack for gatherings or for topping dishes like 'Grammy'S Cucumbers And Cream'.
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).