Delicious and Easy BBQ Roasted Pecans Recipe

ByBrooke Burks Published: Modified:
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This delicious and easy bbq roasted pecans recipe is a savory take on a candied pecan. In just a few easy steps and 5 ingredients, you can have the best little protein filled snack.

A close-up of a glass tray filled with candied pecans, with a few spilled over onto a wooden surface. The pecans are coated in a sugary glaze, giving them a shiny and textured appearance.

Pecans are one of our favorite nuts. We love the simplicity of ROASTED PECANS but there is just something about the texture of CANDIED PECANS. It is like they are wrapped in a coating that gives their natural char flavor a boost of crunch.

Our sweet friends over at PRIESTER’S PECANS sell the best pecans in the world. We get our halves there in bulk for every holiday season. They are a family owned, local business so be sure and give them a visit for the best pecans around.

Ingredients

This is a quick and easy recipe with just 5 ingredients, not counting the salt and pepper! We don’t use melted butter here like with roasted pecans because we want them to have that candied texture.

A glass bowl filled with spiced roasted pecans sits on a wooden surface. A few pecans are scattered next to the bowl. The pecans are coated with a seasoning that gives them a brownish color.

What You’ll Need

  • Egg Whites – for the surprising crunch factor. The frothy egg whites give it that beautiful coating on the outside.
  • BBQ sauce – we like using a low sugar option but feel free to use your favorite here.
  • Brown sugar – you can use full strength or a brown sugar alternative like swerve.
  • Salt and pepper – for added flavor.
  • Garlic powder – it surprisingly, adds sweetness and enhances the BBQ sauce.
  • Raw Pecan halves – you could use chopped pecans and drop them in clusters here but the halves are perfect for snacking and holding on to the bbq candy shell. Make sure you are using raw pecans. Those already cooked will be burnt.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

These BBQ pecans come together in a flash and we bake them up in a low heat oven for about 30 to 35 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 300° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

A person holding a small glass bowl with an egg white over a large white mixing bowl. The kitchen counter has other ingredients such as pecans, brown sugar, and a spice shaker, as well as a baking pan lined with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk 2 large egg whites until frothy.

A person is seen mixing ingredients in a large white bowl on a wooden counter. Nearby are various kitchen items, including a cast iron pan, parchment paper, and a container holding pecans. The person is wearing a watch and a red shirt.

Whisk in BBQ sauce, brown sugar, salt, pepper and garlic powder.

A person mixing pecans into a liquid batter in a white mixing bowl with a black handle. The bowl is on a wooden countertop next to a whisk, an empty glass bowl, a baking tray with parchment paper, and various cooking utensils.

Add in 4 cups of raw pecan halves and fold in to coat them all well.

A hand holding a pair of tongs is spreading candied pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The baking sheet is placed on a stovetop, and nearby are various kitchen items including a wooden cutting board, a glass bowl, and some containers.

Spread in an even layer on prepared sheet pan. Bake 15 minutes, stir and return to the oven to bake 15 to 20 minutes more.

A glass dish filled with glazed pecans sits on a wooden surface. A few glazed pecans are also scattered in front of the dish. The pecans appear to be roasted and have a shiny, caramelized coating.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes and serve.

A person wearing a white chef's hat and gray shirt is smiling and holding two wooden spoons. They are leaning forward over a white table next to a silver laptop displaying the Apple logo. The background is plain white.

Why Brooke loves this recipe!

Recipes are like antiques. They are meant to be handed down from one generation to another. Each one holding a special memory or nostalgic memory. Here is why we love this one!

Logo for "The Buttered Home" featuring a butter churn in the center enclosed by a circular design. The text "EST 2018" is on either side of the churn. Below the circle, the text reads "THE BUTTERED HOME" with the tagline "home cooking made easy" underneath.

Small bites and things like this recipe make perfect food gifts. And at Holiday gatherings these pecans are a really good thing to have on the food table. Recipes that are perfect for any occasion are some of my favorites!

Variations and Substitutions

This delicious and easy BBQ roasted pecans recipe is so good as is but if you wanted to change things up a bit, here are some ideas. Make it your own!

  • Spicy – use a shake of your favorite hot sauce or even cayenne pepper.
  • Smoky – add some chili powder or even smoked paprika to the spice mix to add some smoky flavor to the pecans.
  • Other spices – here is where the sky is the limit. Onion powder, Italian seasonings and other spices can really make this even better. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite flavors.

Equipment

🔧 I love to share recipes that are no special equipment required but here are a few things that would definitely make this recipe easier!

Storage

These delicious and easy BBQ roasted pecans store well at room temperature sealed in an airtight container. They will keep for up to a week.

I would not freeze them prepared as the bbq coating could get mushy after being frozen. However, pecans last for a year in the freezer so that is a good place to store them raw.

A clear glass dish filled with candied pecans sits on a wooden surface. A few pecans are scattered outside the dish on the table. The pecans have a sugary coating, appearing crunchy and caramelized.

⭐ LOVE THIS RECIPE? It would mean so very much to me if you would take a moment to rate this recipe and leave me a sweet comment in the recipe card below! ❤️❤️We hope you love all of the Southern and healthy recipes we share here at The Buttered Home and would love to see you back here often!

A glass dish filled with candied pecans sits on a wooden surface. Several pecans are scattered nearby on the wood. The pecans are coated in a brown, crystalline sugary layer.

Delicious and Easy BBQ Roasted Pecans Recipe

This delicious and easy bbq roasted pecans recipe is a savory take on a candied pecan. In just a few easy steps and 5 ingredients, you can have the best little protein filled snack.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Serving Size 8

Ingredients

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 cups raw pecan halves

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300° F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl whisk egg whites until frothy.
    2 egg whites
  • Whisk in bbq sauce, brown sugar, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
    1/4 cup BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Add in pecans and gently fold in taking care to make sure they all get coated well.
    4 cups raw pecan halves
  • Spread in a single layer on prepared sheet pan. Bake 15 minutes, stir and bake 15 to 20 minutes more until golden brown. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

See How To Make It!

Notes

  • Make sure you are using RAW pecan halves. Those from the nut/snack aisle are already cooked and will not give you the same result.

🍴 PRO TIP!

Make sure you are using raw pecans! I get messages all of the time saying their cooked pecans are burnt. 99% of the time it is because people purchased their pecans in the nut/snack section of the grocery store. Get your RAW pecans from a trusted source or in the baking aisle or deli.

🗹 RECIPE FAQ’S

How long to roast these BBQ pecans?

We like to say as long as it takes for the egg whites to not be wet anymore. In my oven that takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Being sure to stir them halfway thru helps make sure they cook evenly.

Why are they soft out of the oven?

This is why we recommend cooling them for about 5 minutes. As they cool, they will continue to cook a bit and get crispy as they cool.

How do I know if my egg whites are “frothy”?

They should look like bubbly soap. Some small and some large bubbles. We don’t want soft or stiff peaks. While if you do overdo it, it will still work out.

Looking for other great recipes like this? Try these:

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Reader Review

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“I loved the freezer tips and made a double batch so we could enjoy some next week. This easy delicious recipe is a keeper.”

– Karen

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I love this recipe, pecans are my favorite, and I love to snack on them. The bbq sauce is perfect with them too. I really enjoy getting in the kitchen with you on your cooking videos, it’s like cooking with family and best friends at the same time. I appreciate all the cookie recipes, I surely will be making these( not just Christmas , but throughout the year). I especially love the orange cranberry ones. I’m a single mom of a fifteen year old daughter, who loves chocolate! Your treats are perfect. Also, this year we are trying to make some healthier eating choices, so your healthy substitute ideas make it easy and just what we need. We love your stories about memories and families. We love your personality and sense of humor. We wish you and your family a Very Merry Christmas and A Wonderful healthy, happy and Safe New Year.

    Reply