Hot Honey Roasted Pecans
Hot Honey Roasted Pecans are the snack that disappears from the table faster than you can say "I only made a little". Crisp pecan halves are coated in spicy honey, roasted to a caramel shine and turn sweet, spiced, fragrant and genuinely dangerous — in the best way. First the nutty crunch, then the honeyed sweetness, and finally a gentle warm finish. The perfect snack for a film night, a cheese board, a salad, ice cream, or simply "something to nibble, but make it wow".
Preparation
- 1
Heat the oven. Preheat to 175°C. Line a baking tray with parchment so the pecans do not stick while roasting.
- 2
Coat the pecans in honey. Put the pecans in a bowl, add the spicy honey and stir well. Every nut should be covered in a thin layer of honey — that is what makes them glossy, fragrant and caramelised after roasting.
- 3
Add the sugar. If you like, sprinkle the pecans with sugar: it helps build a crisper sweet crust. For a more balanced flavour, add a pinch of sea salt as well.
- 4
Roast. Spread the pecans on the tray in a single layer and roast for about 15 minutes, keeping an eye on them. The nuts should turn fragrant, slightly darker and glossy — but not burnt.
- 5
Cool. Take the pecans out of the oven and let them cool completely on the parchment. While they are hot the honey glaze is still soft; once cooled it turns crisp and caramelised.
- 6
Break apart and serve. Once cool, gently separate any pecans that have stuck together. Serve immediately or store in an airtight jar.
Chef's tips
- —Let the pecans cool completely — they only turn properly crisp once cooled.
- —Do not leave them unattended in the oven: honey caramelises quickly, so the nuts can burn in moments.
- —Want more aroma? Add a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of vanilla. For a savoury version, add sea salt and finely chopped rosemary.
- —Want more heat? Drizzle the pecans with a few more drops of spicy honey after roasting.
- —Make a bigger batch — these nuts disappear fast.
- —Keep a stash: they are perfect for salads, desserts, cheese boards and quick snacks.
