Keto Roasted Pecans: Delicious and Easy Recipes for a Low-Carb Lifestyle

For those following a ketogenic diet, finding satisfying and delicious snacks can sometimes be a challenge. Roasted pecans offer a fantastic solution, providing healthy fats, essential nutrients, and a delightful crunch. This article explores various keto-friendly roasted pecan recipes, from sweet and spicy candied pecans to savory spiced nuts, ensuring there's a perfect option for every palate.

The Allure of Roasted Pecans on Keto

Pecans are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them an ideal choice for the keto diet. With only about 1 net carb per ¼ cup, they are packed with nutrients and healthy fats, contributing to overall well-being while adhering to a low-carb lifestyle.

"Everything Bagel" Roasted Pecans: A Savory Delight

If you have "everything bagel seasoning" in your pantry, you'll want to try this incredibly addictive and healthy snack. This recipe for Everything Bagel Roasted Pecans takes just a few minutes to prepare.

What You'll Need

"Everything" seasoning is a combination of toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, roasted garlic, toasted onion, and coarse salt-the same toppings found on an "everything" bagel.

The Secret Ingredient: Egg White

Most spiced nuts contain sugar to bind the spices to the nuts. However, this recipe uses lightly beaten egg white to coat the nuts, acting as a "glue" to bind the seasoning to the pecans. This eliminates the need for sugar, keeping the recipe keto-friendly. In fact, this recipe only includes three ingredients!

Read also: Low-Carb Roasted Beets Recipe

How to Make It

  1. Heat the oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Crack an egg and separate the yolk from the white. Put the egg white in a large bowl.
  3. Add the pecans and mix to coat.
  4. Add "everything" bagel seasoning and mix well.
  5. Spread the pecans evenly on a lined baking sheet, trying to arrange them in a single layer.
  6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and toasty, stirring every five minutes to ensure even browning.
  7. Let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.

These savory spiced pecans are perfect for holiday buffet tables or as thoughtful gifts in cellophane bags.

Keto Candied Pecans: Sweet and Satisfying

For those craving a sweet treat, keto candied pecans are a fantastic option. These crunchy, sweet, and perfectly spiced nuts are ready in just 10 minutes with only 5 simple ingredients.

Ingredients

  • Raw pecan halves
  • Butter (salted or unsalted, to taste)
  • Brown sugar substitute (Swerve or Lakanto Golden Monkfruit)
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a 9x13 inch sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a medium pan over medium heat, add the butter, sugar substitute, and water. Stir to combine.
  3. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 7-8 minutes.
  4. Add the pecans and continue stirring for about 5 minutes or until all the pecans are coated in caramel and smell fragrant.
  5. Remove from heat and add cinnamon and vanilla extract.
  6. Transfer the coated pecans to the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  7. Bake in the oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. The pecans will brown and get crunchy.
  8. Allow the pecans to cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, then break apart.

Tips for the Perfect Keto Candied Pecans

  • Sweetener is Key: Use only erythritol-based sweeteners like Swerve or Lakanto to ensure a crunchy, hard coating. Avoid allulose, xylitol, or BochaSweet, as they will prevent the candy coating from hardening properly.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for a sweet-and-spicy balance.
  • Storage: Store the cooled pecans in an airtight container on the counter for up to two weeks, in the refrigerator for up to a month, or in the freezer for 3 months.

Slow Cooker Keto Candied Pecans: A Hands-Off Approach

For an even easier method, try making keto candied pecans in a slow cooker.

Instructions

  1. Grease a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker.
  2. Place all ingredients (pecans, brown sugar substitute, butter, cinnamon, and optional chipotle powder) into the slow cooker.
  3. Cook on low for 3 hours, stirring a few times during cooking to coat the pecans.
  4. Spread the mixture out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
  5. Break apart any clumps once the nuts are cool.

Savory Spiced Pecans: A Flavorful Alternative

If you prefer a savory snack, these spiced pecans are a must-try.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups pecans
  • 4 tbsp fresh rosemary, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp pink Himalayan salt
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil or melted ghee
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for heat

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine pecans with olive oil or melted ghee.
  3. Add all the spices, except for the lemon zest, and mix well.
  4. Pour the mixture onto a lined oven tray and spread into an even layer.
  5. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until golden and toasty, stirring every five minutes to ensure even browning.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before adding lemon zest.
  7. Store in airtight jars for up to 2 weeks.

Tips for Incorporating Pecans into Your Keto Diet

  • Read Labels: When buying pecans, compare the ingredients of different brands to avoid added preservatives, salt, starch, or sugar.
  • Enjoy in Moderation: While pecans are a healthy choice, moderation is key. Stick to a serving size of about ¼ cup to manage carbohydrate intake.
  • Versatile Ingredient: Use roasted pecans to elevate salads, decorate desserts, or enjoy them as a standalone snack.

Read also: Roasting Keto Vegetables: The Definitive Guide

Read also: Low-Carb Brussels Sprouts Guide

tags: #roasted #pecans #keto #recipe