Sweet & Spicy Pecans Recipe for Parties (2024)

WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?

Make-Ahead for Parties

Make a big batch of these seasoned nuts up to 3 days ahead. Store them in an air tight container then serve them at parties, or set them out while your waiting for the big meal to finish cooking.

This is a tried and true recipe we’ve made for years. And guests ALWAYS rave about the taste. I bet you have all the ingredients in your kitchen already!

Serving Suggestions

This version of candied pecans lends itself well to a variety of uses. Here are some more ways to serve them.

• Add these to any party cheese board you might serve throughout the year.
• Serve them on a brunch cheese board for weekends and holiday brunch entertaining.
• Put a small dish on a bar cart bubbly barso guests can grab a few while they pour a co*cktail.
• Sprinkle them onto a spinach & arugula salad along with blue cheese and dried cranberries or fresh pears. Top with a simple vinaigrette. The sweet spicy flavor and crunch go so well with the salty cheese and fresh or dried fruit.
• Give them as party favors or hostess gifts. Just put some into a cellophane bag and tie with ribbon.

How to Make Sweet & Spicy Pecans

As you follow the recipe card instructions keep these tips in mind for best results.

1. Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This makes for easier cleanup and also protects the pan from absorbing the heat flavor from the cayenne pepper.
2. Make sure to use pecan halves for best results and flavor.
3. Use a large mixing bowl. Add the egg whites and salt and whip them using a whisk, until they’re nice and frothy.
4. Add the remaining seasonings and mix well. Pour in the pecan halves and melted butter, and stir to coat all the nuts.
5. Spray the prepared baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray before pouring the coated pecans onto it.
6. Spread the nuts out in a single layer so they don’t overlap one another. You can bake them in batches if you need to.
7. Bake as directed, stirring every 10 minutes to avoid over-browning on one side.
8. Remove from oven and let cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.

More Nuts Recipes

You can’t go wrong with any of these spiced nut recipes. Just determine if you want a bit of heat (this recipe), more sweetness, or more savory & smoked flavor. Serve them all year long for any party occasion.

• Try this sweet candied pecans version that has an overall sweeter flavor, with seasonal spices like cinnamon and brown sugar.
• These savory spicy pecans are not sweet. They’re made with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco adding a distinct flavor.

Can I use different nuts for this recipe?

You can certainly add variety with different types of nuts. Sometimes I like to add almonds to the mixture to give it more texture and flavor. I’ll measure 4 cups pecans and 2 cups almonds.

Walnuts are another good nut to use for this recipe. Their texture is similar to pecans but the taste is a bit different.

Cashews can also be used to mix in. Just make sure your total measurement is 6 cups of nuts and you can adjust the ratio to pecans accordingly.