hot honey pecans

These Hot Honey Roasted Pecans are truly a treat. The honey brings a rich, sticky sweetness that clings to the pecans, caramelizing just enough in the oven to create a satisfying crunch. The hot sauce and cayenne pepper add a kick that’s perfect if you’re a fan of that sweet-heat combo. And if you sprinkle in a bit of smoked paprika? It’s like these pecans went to a backyard barbecue and came back with a whole new attitude. The best part? You can whip these up in under 20 minutes, and they taste like you put in a whole lot more effort than that.

Hot Honey Roasted Pecans are perfect for all sorts of occasions. Picture them on your snack table during a cozy movie night, or as a spicy-sweet addition to a holiday cheese board when you’re entertaining friends. They’re also great for those moments when you want something a little special just for yourself, no special occasion needed. Or, if you’re like me, you might even sprinkle a few over a salad to give it a little kick (trust me, it’s a game changer).

The process is easy, too. Just mix up a quick coating with honey, a bit of melted butter if you want that extra richness, and your favorite hot sauce. Toss in the pecans, spread them on a baking sheet, and pop them in the oven. You’ll want to keep a close eye, though—pecans can go from golden and toasty to burnt in a flash. But once they cool, you’ll have a snack that’s crunchy, sticky, spicy, and utterly irresistible.

If you’re a fan of customizing recipes, this one’s for you. Like it extra hot? Add a dash more cayenne or experiment with different hot sauces. Prefer it on the milder side? Dial back the spice or skip the cayenne altogether. The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it your own!

Hot Honey Roasted Pecans

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These Hot Honey Roasted Pecans are perfect for adding a sweet and spicy crunch to your snack game!

• Author: Amanda MacArthur
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 2 cups (4-6 servings) 1x
• Category: Appetizers

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups raw pecan halves
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)

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Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
• Mix the Coating: In a large bowl, combine the honey, melted butter (if using), hot sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
• Coat the Pecans: Add the pecan halves to the bowl and toss them in the honey mixture until they’re evenly coated.
• Spread & Roast: Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting. Keep a close eye on them, as nuts can burn quickly!
• Cool & Serve: Remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
• Enjoy: Once cooled, transfer the pecans to an airtight container. Enjoy as a snack, sprinkle on salads, or serve alongside your favorite cheeses.

Notes

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Adjusting Spice: If you like things extra spicy, add more hot sauce or cayenne. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne.

So, go ahead and give these Hot Honey Roasted Pecans a try. I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Did you tweak the recipe to make it even more your style? Share your thoughts or any fun twists you came up with—I’m always looking for new ideas to try out. Happy roasting, and enjoy every sweet-and-spicy bite!