You could go to your favorite grocery store to buy a can of seasoned nuts — or, you can fire up the grill and make your very own!
These sweet-and-spicy smoked nuts are packed with flavor and ridiculously easy to make, and that’s a good thing since they are supremely addictive and such a crowd pleaser. I like to have a stash of these in the pantry for a protein-packed snack, as well as to use as a garnish for my favorite tailgate recipes.
While this recipe calls for pecans, the combo of delicious brown sugar, paprika, coriander, chipotle powder and BBQ rub would also be decadent over cashews or almonds.
With the holidays coming up, a jar of these smoked nuts are easy to whip up as a gift for coworkers or to present to the host at the next dinner party you’re invited to. Just slap a bow on it and prepare for a round of applause.
Have I convinced you yet? Give this recipe a try and even put your own twist on it. be sure to share on Instagram at @grillgirlrobyn, I want to see what you come up with! When you’re done, I dare you to only eat one handful (spoiler alert, not possible).
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Sweet and Spicy BBQ Smoked Pecans
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8-10 1x
Description
Smoked nuts can be made in your pellet smoker, grill or electric smoker for an epic sweet and spicy batch of smoked nuts that is epic on it's own or perfect added to salads, side dishes and even ice cream! These are great for gifting at the holidays!
Ingredients
- 3 cups pecans (or nuts of your choice — almonds or cashews are also great smoked)
BBQ Rub Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon smoked sugar OR brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1.5 tablespoon smoked sea salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked coarsely ground black pepper
- ½ tablespoon ground coriander
- 1/2 tablespoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Soak nuts in water for 10 minutes, then remove and lightly pat dry (getting the nuts wet helps the smoke adhere to their surface).
- Combine the rub ingredients in a large bowl.
- Toss the nuts in the rub so that all the nuts are covered in seasoning.
- Place the nuts on a frog mat and smoke for 45 minutes at 250 degrees for an hour until the nuts have begun to lightly brown.
Notes
TIP: To keep the nuts lower carb look for brown sugar replacements such as Truvia brown sugar blend with only 15 calories per serving, Sukrin, or a mixture of ethyritol or stevia paired with maple extract.
TIP: Smoked nuts are great on their own but an awesome addition to ice cream, desserts, and appetizers like smoked pimento cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45
Want other ideas for cool grilling items for gifting?
Should the nuts be raw?
Yes, start with raw. Cheers, Robyn
Number 4: clarify, smoke for 45 minutes at 250 degrees for an hour
Should this say “smoke for 45 minures to an hour” ?
YES thank you for pointing this out I have updated the recipe. Cheers, Robyn