The perfect party snack is here and it's these Buttered Pecans with Brown Sugar, Rosemary, and Cayenne. The pecans are rich and nutty and packed with sweet, spicy, and herbal flavor that compliments any party spread or cocktail menu. These buttered pecans also make a terrific host gift to deliver to your favorite party-throwers!
The aroma while these golden pecans bake is worth the whole recipe alone! Bake up a batch before your guests arrive and they'll know they are in for something deliciously special. These buttered pecans are a classic snack, but they are also delicious on salads.
Pecans are sweet and buttery on their own and those qualities are amped up when they are oven roasted in butter and seasonings. Pecans are a favorite around here, if you feel the same way try this Fall Snack Mix or these Gourmet Rice Krispie Treats with brown buttered pecans next!
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Ingredients
I include ingredient notes here when I think they'll be helpful, including ways to source, any preparation tips, or why I've chosen a particular ingredient. Be sure to check out the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and their quantities!
- Salted Butter - Salted butter is what we always have on hand, so I developed this recipe with that in mind. If you have only unsalted butter, add an additional hefty pinch of kosher salt to the recipe.
- Brown Sugar - Brown sugar adds a sweetness to the recipe as well as additional flavor notes of molasses. The amount of brown sugar is well-balanced with the salt, spice, and rosemary.
- Cayenne Pepper - Ground cayenne pepper adds a subtle, but noticeable heat to the pecans. Once you start snacking on these pecans, the spice makes it hard to stop!
- Rosemary - The cool herbal flavor of rosemary pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in these buttered pecans. Be sure to strip the leaves from each sprig and chop them very finely to distribute the flavor evenly in the mixture.
- Pecan Halves - Pecan halves can be expensive, but they are the best option for this recipe. It's all about the pecans, so buy the best you can. I find the most economical price on pecan halves at Costco, where I can make two whole batches of these snacks from one big package.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325°F to bake these buttered pecans at a low heat so that they don't burn before the flavors blend.
Prepare a half sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper.
Strip the leaves from the rosemary sprig. Very finely chop the leaves.
Melt the butter in a microwave safe mixing bowl. Alternatively, melt the butter on the stovetop and transfer it into a large bowl.
Add the brown sugar, cayenne, salt, rosemary, and pecans to the butter.
Stir the pecans well so that every nut is well coated in the butter mixture.
Spread the pecans evenly over the baking sheet. Make sure that all of the coating mixture is transferred onto the pecans on the pan.
Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and stir the pecans well, moving the outside ones to the center and vice versa. Return the pecans to the oven and allow them to bake for 10-15 more minutes. Watch them carefully and use your nose, you don't want them to burn!
When they first come out of the oven, they will look shiny with butter. Allow them to cool completely in the pan while stirring a couple of times and they will absorb the extra butter as they cool. Break up any clusters and they are ready to serve!
Variations
The balance of flavors here is really nice, but feel free to make any of the variations listed here:
- Change the Spice - Swap the ground cayenne pepper for milder ancho or smokier chipotle chile pepper.
- Omit the Rosemary - For a simpler version of buttered pecans, you can leave the rosemary out and still have a delicious snack.
- Swap Rosemary for Thyme - Thyme leaves can also be stripped from the sprigs and finely chopped in place of rosemary.
Equipment
Use a half sheet pan (that's 13" x 18", for reference) for this recipe so that there's enough room for the pecans to be evenly toasted.
Serving Suggestions
These buttered pecans are perfect for happy hour, cocktail parties, or as part of any party spread. Having a little nibble with an adult beverage is always appreciated. Wrap them up and deliver them to the host at your next gathering for an easy but tasty gift.
The pecans also make spectacular salad toppers! Pair them with dried cranberries or cherries, salad greens, and a poppyseed dressing for a quick side dish.
Make this Recipe Kid Friendly
You can omit the spice here and still have a salty-sweet snack that the whole family will love. Kids will also enjoy measuring out the ingredients and stirring to help make these a family activity. My kids are constantly sneaking a few from the refrigerators they walk by!
Storage
Store the baked and cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, but bring them to room temperature before snacking.
Pile the buttered pecans into a mason jar or recycled jam jar and tie them up with a ribbon to give as gifts around the holidays.
FAQ
Pecan halves are the best option for this recipe to make buttered pecans that work as a snack. If you would like to make a salad topping with similar flavors, feel free to use pecan pieces instead of halves.
Yes, you can omit the cayenne pepper in these buttered pecans. Try them with the spice, though! You'll be surprised how the cayenne adds so much flavor with just subtle heat.
You can prepare this recipe in a skillet on the stovetop, but I'd recommend making a half recipe so that there is plenty of room to toast the pecans evenly. Once they are toasted, remove them to a piece of parchment paper to cool while stirring occasionally so that they don't burn in your skillet.
Gift-Worthy Snack Recipes
Arriving at a party with a small handmade gift for your host is a classy move that will always be appreciated. Here are some other recipes that make giftable snacks:
More Party Snacks
Buttered pecans are perfect for a party snack, but if you need more inspiration try any of these recipes:
Try It and Share
I hope you try these Buttered Pecans with Brown Sugar, Rosemary, and Cayenne and enjoy the recipe as much as I do. I want to see your results! Tag your photo with #planeatpostrepeat and mention me @planeatpostrepeat on Instagram or Facebook. I can give you a virtual high five and thank you for cooking one of my recipes! Comment below with any questions and please leave a review so others can find this recipe more easily.
Recipe
Buttered Pecans with Brown Sugar, Rosemary, and Cayenne
Equipment
- half sheet pan
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoon butter (salted)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (ground)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoon rosemary (finely chopped)
- 4 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter using the microwave or stovetop. Add the brown sugar, cayenne, salt, rosemary, and pecans to the butter and stir well to coat the pecans evenly.
- Spread the pecans out evenly on the sheet pan, making sure to get all of the coating out of the bowl and onto the pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Stir the pecans well, moving ones from the edges to the center. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until deeply toasted (but not burned!).
- Remove the pan from the oven and stir the pecans again. Allow them to cool in the pan completely, stirring occasionally. They will continue to absorb the butter.
- Once cool, stir the pecans and breakup any clusters and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition facts are sometimes provided below and are calculated using an online calculator. With specific brands of ingredients and additions, omissions, or substitutions the nutrition facts may change. We encourage you to use your own nutrition facts calculator to obtain the most accurate nutrition facts for your meal.
Cassie Waltman says
I'll be making these pecans for my holiday party this year!