Sweet & Salty Buttery Roasted Pecans

These Sweet & Salty Buttery Roasted Pecans are made with just pecans, melted butter, salt, and a hint of sugar. Then, they are slow-roasted until crisp and golden. They're the South's favorite nut turned into an irresistible, make-ahead snack that doubles as an easy edible holiday gift.

If you've been around PudgeFactor for a while, you know I have a soft spot for my vintage recipes that have stood the test of time. This one has been in my collection for at least 30 years, and it's still the first thing I reach for when I need an easy, crowd-pleasing nibble.

These Sweet & Salty Buttery Roasted Pecans start with simple pantry ingredients-pecan halves, melted butter, salt, and just a teaspoon of sugar. The pecans are roasted low and slow until they're deeply toasted, crisp, and incredibly fragrant.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients - Here's What You'll Need
• Step-by-Step: How to Make Sweet & Salty Buttery Roasted Pecans
• Chula's Test Kitchen Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Other Edible Gifts Starring Pecans
• Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Short ingredient list, big flavor. Just four ingredients create a deeply buttery, toasty, sweet-and-salty pecan that tastes anything but basic.

• Hands-off roasting. Once the pecans are coated in butter and seasoning, the oven does most of the work. You only need to stir a couple of times.

• Make-ahead friendly. Properly stored, these roasted pecans keep for 10 to 12 weeks, making them ideal for early holiday prep or gifting.

• Perfect for gifting. Package them in pretty jars or treat bags with a simple ribbon and gift tag. They feel special but are incredibly easy to make in big or small batches.

• Versatile year-round. Serve them at cocktail parties, sprinkle over salads, add to cheese boards, or tuck into lunchboxes. They're just as welcome at a summer barbecue as they are on a Christmas buffet.

Ingredients - Here's What You'll Need

Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Sweet & Salty Buttery Roasted Pecans

1. Initial Prep: Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a half-sheet pan with nonstick aluminum foil. Then, melt the butter.

2. Arrange the pecans: Place the pecan halves on the prepared baking sheet and spread them into an even layer. Bake the pecans at 325°F for 10 minutes to begin toasting them.

3. Add the butter: Remove the pan from the oven and pour the melted butter over the warm pecans. Stir until all of the pecans are evenly coated in butter.

4. Add the salt and sugar: Sprinkle the salt and sugar evenly over the pecans. Stir again to distribute the seasoning throughout the pan.

5. Slow roast: Reduce the oven temperature to 250°F. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pecans are golden brown and fragrant. Stir the pecans twice during roasting to promote even browning and prevent the edges from overcooking.

6. Drain and cool: When the pecans are golden and crisp, remove the pan from the oven. Transfer the pecans to a paper towel-lined tray to drain off any excess butter. Let them cool completely. As they cool, they'll crisp up even more.

7. Store for snacking or gifting: Once cool, place the roasted pecans in a sealed glass jar, a Ziploc bag, or package them for gifting. Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they'll keep for 10 to 12 weeks.

These Sweet & Salty Buttery Roasted Pecans are proof that a simple, vintage recipe can still be the star of your holiday table, and your gift list. With just a handful of ingredients and a mostly hands-off roasting process, you end up with a big batch of crisp, buttery pecans that keep for weeks and appeal to just about everyone.

Whether you're filling cellophane bags for Christmas gifts, setting out a bowl for a party, or snacking straight from the container, this recipe is one you'll reach for again and again. Sometimes the classics really are the best. Yum!

Chula's Test Kitchen Tips

• Use fresh, good-quality pecans. Since pecans are the star of the show, start with fresh pecan halves that smell sweet and nutty, not flat or rancid. Stale pecans will taste stale no matter how you cook or season them.

• Don't overcrowd the pan. For even roasting, the pecans should be in a single layer. If they pile up, they can toast unevenly or become chewy instead of crisp.

• Oven times are a guideline. Every oven is a little different. Start checking at the 30-minute mark after you lower the temperature to 250°F. Look for a deeper golden color and a toasty aroma.

• Forks for stirring. I find that using 2 forks works better for stirring the pecans than a turner or spatula.

• Taste and adjust the seasoning. Once the pecans have cooled slightly, taste one. If you prefer a saltier finish, you can sprinkle on a tiny pinch of extra salt while they're still slightly warm.

• Perfect for edible gifts. Pack cooled pecans into half-pint or pint mason jars, tie with ribbon, and add a simple gift tag. Alternatively, use cellophane treat bags or cone bags tied with festive ribbon for Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Edible Gifts Starring Pecans

Pecans are my absolute favorite nut. I can still remember as a kid scouring the yard for the fallen pecans and cracking them in my hands! Anyway, if you're looking for other edible gifts featuring pecans, you've come to the right place!

Recipe