Savory Spiced Buttery roasted Pecans, Vegan Friendly (2024)

Savory and buttery with just enough spice, these savory roasted pecans are a delicious bite of lightly spiced, buttery, nutty flavor. They are perfectly used on a plant-based board, as a quick pick-me-up snack, or sent as an elegant and tasty gift.

Savory Spiced Buttery roasted Pecans, Vegan Friendly (1)

You are absolutely going to love these savory roasted pecan halves. They were inspired by rosemary spiced mixed nuts which are super delicious too but these buttery pecans focus on the more savory spicy side of things.

I’ve had spiced roasted pecans before that set my taste buds on fire! These are not those pecans. The spices are subtle enough that you will still know you are eating a handful of pecans but very much present enough that you will know you are eating a handful of deliciously seasoned spiced pecans. For sure!

For a sweeter less savory candied nut try oven roasted vegan candied pecans with maple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Or for a less complicated but equally sweet option, consider stovetop candied pecans. Both winners in my book!

This savory roasted pecans recipe is perfect for snacking, as an appetizer, for a holiday gift, as part of a plant-based charcuterie/snack board, or to top salads.

Reasons you will want to make these delicious roasted pecans

  • delicious served fresh, warm, and toasted from your oven…
  • yet perfectly served at room temperature as a snack, days later
  • a wonderful balance of seasonings
  • buttery taste – I use vegan butter
  • perfect for holiday gift giving
  • add a delicious depth of flavor to salads
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Ingredients needed to make buttery seasoned roasted pecans

  • pecan halves
  • butter– I use plant butter
  • brown sugar
  • Worcestershire sauce(more about the vegan brand I use below)
  • chili powder
  • salt
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • smoked paprika
  • cayenne pepper
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A special note about the vegan-friendly ingredients

If you are here for the savory roasted pecans, then obviously use what you normally do. However, if you are here for the vegan-friendly aspect of this recipe then read on. We are lucky to be living and eating at a time when there are so many options available to us!

The melted butter

Choose a plant butter that tastes delicious enough to eat on its own. And I do recommend stick rather than tub butter for this recipe.

My favorites are Country Crock with Avocado Oil, Myokos Cultured, and Earth Balance. They are all tasty buttery sticks with the right amount of fat to make this savory roasted pecans recipe super tasty.

You could use olive oil instead of melted butter for the fat but you will be missing out on the buttery taste. Olive oil would be delicious and one day I’ll develop a recipe for roasted pecans with olive oil.

Vegan buttery sticks are not unsalted butter, so if you use dairy butter then use regular salted butter.

This is not an oil-free recipe. If you choose to go oil-free you will need to dip the pecan halves into something that will hold the seasonings on during roasting. I suggest aquafaba (the liquid from a can of beans like chickpeas). And be aware that they will not be as toasty. But they will be oil-free:)

Is Worcestershire sauce vegan?

Well, not normally. Worcestershire sauce typically contains anchovies – so no, it is not vegan. You can read more about what goes into Worcestershire sauce in this article by Bon Appetit.

Luckily for us, there are several vegan brands that do not include anchovies or any other animal product. One that I can buy at my grocery store is Organics Brand. As of this writing in the USA, Organics does not contain animal products. This was confirmed by a quick phone call to customer service.

Two brands that you can buy on Amazon that I have personally used and enjoy are Annies, and The Wizards Sauces. There are other brands as well. I would read the reviews and comments section and pick one that works for you.

How to make the best savory roasted pecans

Let’s get to it, shall we? This is a super easy recipe to follow and make. Soon, you’ll be eating your own savory roasted pecans by the handful!

step 1: Prepare

Preheat oven to 255° degrees Fahrenheit. This is a low slow roast. If you cook at a higher temperature the roasted pecans might be done sooner, but there is a chance the seasonings and pecans will have a burned taste.

Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone mat. I personally prefer parchment paper for a super easy clean-up.

You could use foil to line your baking sheet as well. BUT the shine from the foil might affect the baking time and temperature even. If you choose to use foil, check and turn more often than recommended in the recipe card below.

Melt the butter in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. I use the same bowl I will use to mix the other ingredients and toss in the pecans. I start with one minute and then in 20-second increments after that.

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Step 2: Mix in the other ingredients

Whisk or stir together the other ingredients. Add the brown sugar while the melted butter is still hot from the microwave. Then add in the Worcestershire sauce, and the other seasonings, the chili powder, salt, garlic and onion powders, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Stir together until everything is mixed well before adding the pecan halves.

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Add the pecans and toss to coat. I strongly suggest you use the best quality pecan halves you can get. The flavor of the roasted nuts is going to come through and if you have low quality or expired nuts, that flavor will come through as well.

Step 3 Roast the pecans

Remember, to avoid a burnt taste, the best-roasted nuts are roasted low and slow. Make sure your oven is already preheated to 255° and that your baking sheet is prepared.

Once coated, spread pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread out evenly into one layer. Place in the preheated oven and set the timer for 15 minutes. You will be baking the pecans for a total of one hour but will need to check and turn them in every 15 minutes.

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I realize this is a little labor-intensive to check and turn the coated pecan halves every 15 minutes but it will ensure even roasting time and the best flavor.

When the timer goes off, actually take the pecans on the baking sheet out from the oven and place them on a surface you can work on.

With a spatula, turn the pecans and stir them around. The pecan halves on the edges will start to cook before the ones in the middle so try to change their position around.

Return the baking sheet with the partially roasted pecans to the oven and set the timer again. You will continue to cook and do this two more times.

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Final step: Remove from the oven

Take out of the oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet. It is not necessary for these savory roasted pecans to cool completely – oven enough to handle and eat without burning yourself.

These are delicious eaten warm, but as they cool to room temperature and sit the flavors will continue to get better.

Serving suggestions for savory roasted pecans

Go ahead and enjoy some now! If you had plans for using this gently spiced pecans recipe for a special purpose, you may wish you had made a double batch! This recipe would actually be easy enough to double. Just make sure your baking sheet is large enough to handle all of the pecans in a single layer.

If you manage to have any leftovers then store them in an airtight container. You can place your airtight container on the counter or in a cupboard; it doesn’t need to be placed in the refrigerator.

These roasted pecans would make a great little party appetizer or a salad topping. Place in a bowl on a plant-based snack board or give as a gift.

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As long as your store your roasted nuts in an airtight container, they should stay fresh for at least a week. Truth be told, they’ve never lasted that long in my house!

For some other easy and tasty snacks from Veggie Fun Kitchen, try

  • Cinnamon Apple Dumplings Made in the Instant Pot
  • Everything Bagel Popcorn
  • Crunchy Granola with Cashews and Coconut
  • Pesto Dinner Rolls
  • Fresh Fruit Salsa with Watermellon and Mango
  • Easy Texas Caviar

The printable recipe card for Savory Savory Roasted Pecans

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Savory Roasted Pecans

Savory and buttery with just enough spice, these savory roasted pecans are a delicious bite of lightly spiced, buttery, nutty flavor. They are perfectly used on a plant-based board, as a quick pick-me-up snack, or sent as an elegant and tasty gift.

from 53 reader reviews

Print Pin Rate

Course: party food, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: roated pecans, savory pecans

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 206kcal

Author: Cindy Rainey

Equipment

  • oven

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pecan halves
  • 3 Tablespoons vegan butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce see comments for vegan brand
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ¾ teaspoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 255°

  • Prepare a large baking sheet with a silicone mat, parchment paper, or foil.

  • Melt the butter for about one minute in a microwave-friendly bowl.

  • Add in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, onion and garlic powders, smoked paprika, and powdered cayenne pepper. Whisk till mixed well.

  • Stir in the pecan halves and toss till well covered.

  • Spread onto a large prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Put in the 255° oven for one hour. See important next step.

  • You will bake this for one hour. Every 15 minutes remove from the oven and stir around for even baking. Move the pieces in the center to the outside sections and the pieces at the outside to the center. Place back in the oven for the next 15 minutes. Watch so that it doesn't begin to burn toward the end.

  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before eating.

Notes

I use vegan stick butter for this recipe. Make sure you enjoy the flavor of the brand used because it will affect the final product.

If you are not vegan and choose to use dairy butter, use salted butter.

I use this brand of vegan Worcestershire sauce. There are lots of different vegan brands on Amazon. In addition, some store brands are also vegan. Read the label.

The serving size of this recipe is a measly quarter cup. I don’t know about you…but I’ll be eating more! Adjust the nutrition information accordingly.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 191mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 346IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Savory Spiced Buttery roasted Pecans, Vegan Friendly (2024)

FAQs

Are pecans vegan? ›

Easy stovetop candied pecans made with just 4 simple ingredients! Crispy, crunchy, and perfectly sweet, they make a fabulous vegan and gluten free snack!

What is the difference between roasted and toasted pecans? ›

Now, some of you may be wondering, “What's the difference between roasting and toasting a pecan?”. The answer is simple. Roasting is when the nut is cooked fully through, and is usually done in an oven. Toasting means to brown the nut on the outside, and is usually done over a fire or on the stove.

Why are roasted pecans so good? ›

Roasting the pecan nuts helps draw out the natural oils, creating that nice crunchy texture. If you are worried about excessive oils, don't be. Most nuts contain enough oils which prevent them from absorbing more. Pecans contain monounsaturated fats which some studies indicate can lower your cholesterol levels.

Which nut is not vegan? ›

Nuts. Nuts are a nutritious food that many vegans eat. However, some varieties, such as Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts, contain gelatin. Gelatin is a protein that comes from collagen, a material that makes up bone, cartilage, and skin.

What are the best nuts for vegans? ›

What nuts are vegan? Any and all types of nuts are vegan! Since nuts come from plants and aren't derived from animals, vegans can safely eat any kind of nut. This includes nuts like walnuts, almonds, peanuts, Brazil nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, pecans, and more.

Why do you soak pecans before roasting? ›

Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.

Are pecans healthier roasted or raw? ›

Both raw and roasted nuts are good for you and provide health benefits. Both varieties contain similar amounts of calories, protein, carbs and fiber. However, roasting nuts may damage their healthy fat, reduce their nutrient content and lead to the formation of a harmful substance called acrylamide.

How healthy are roasted pecans? ›

Pecans provide phytonutrients, plant-based compounds that have powerful antioxidant benefits. They're also a good source of the mineral zinc, crucial for immune-cell development and function. Diets high in zinc are linked with a lower risk of many diseases, particularly those related to age and lifestyle.

Why do pecans taste buttery? ›

Pecans have a sweet nutty and buttery flavor. The flavor is quite unique and scrumptious due to the high oil content in the pecans. The crisp and crunchy texture of the nut along with its healthy benefits makes it a perfect snack.

Why are pecans so buttery? ›

Pecans are already flavorful because of their high oil content, so the butter is just going to add this already rich and delicious flavor. Because of the high oil content, you can also get away with roasting the pecans without the added butter or any additional oil.

Why are my roasted pecans bitter? ›

I started doing some research, and I found a little-known trick to making pecans taste sweeter: Soaking and rinsing the shelled nuts in lukewarm water before roasting removes the tannins and pieces of corky material that can cause pecans to taste bitter.

Can you eat too many pecans? ›

Like many other nuts, pecans contain a high percentage of fat and can lead to diarrhea if too many are eaten in a short amount of time. Over-consumption may also lead to digestive issues like gas and bloating. Recommendation: One ounce (15-19) pecan halves per day.

What is the number one healthiest nut? ›

1. Almonds. Relatively low in calories, almonds are an excellent food for health due to their protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

What nuts are vegan? ›

The most popular nut varieties are:
  • Peanuts (which are botanically not nuts, but legumes)
  • Almonds.
  • Pistachios.
  • Cashews.
  • Walnuts.
  • Brazil Nuts.
  • Hazelnuts.
  • Pecans.

Can vegans eat all nuts? ›

Peanuts and tree nuts are a great source of fatty acids and protein, which are especially important if you're on a vegan diet as you won't get those from animal products. But if you have to avoid peanuts or tree nuts, there are plenty of other plant-based sources to explore.

Are pecans plant-based? ›

Sollid notes that pecans are a plant-based source of protein, providing three grams of protein per ounce. Bay Health explains that plant-based protein sources are easier to digest, are less inflammatory, and contain more vitamins and minerals than animal-based proteins.

Why is a pecan not a nut? ›

Almonds, cashews and pecans, on the other hand, are actually seeds inside a drupe, or a stone fruit. Instead of the hard outer shell of a true nut, a drupe has a fleshy outer layer surrounding a pit that contains the seed, just as a cherry or a peach does.

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