Easy Roasted Peanuts in the Shell

Warm, nutty and ever-so tasty, Roasted Peanuts in the shell are the perfect nostalgic snack for ballgames, movie nights, bonfires and parties!

In the south, we love our peanuts! And a good batch of roasted (or parched, as my Pawpaw used to say) peanuts is hard to beat. Toasty, with deep, rich flavors, and amazing peanutty aroma, there’s nothing like cracking open that shell and popping a few hot peanuts in your mouth (or your coke).

RELATED RECIPE: Honey Spiced Pecans

For us, however, roasted peanuts are all about the memories. The Engineer remembers many a cold football game as a kid, huddled under a stadium blanket, clutching a bag of hot roasted peanuts just to stay warm.

I remember their nutty aroma filling up my Mamaw’s house as my Pawpaw took them from the oven to the hearth for some movie night snacking!

I’m sure you have your memories too. And their couldn’t be an easier or more simple snack to make and enjoy no matter the occasion.

Ingredients for Roasted Peanuts

• raw, shell-on, dried peanuts (not fresh, or green, peanuts)
• rimmed baking sheet

What is the Difference between Raw Peanuts & Green Peanuts

Knowing this difference in “peanut lingo” is important if you want to have roasty, toasty peanuts with a nice crunch. Simply put, raw peanuts are peanuts that have been air dried after harvesting and have a moisture content of only about 10%. Their low moisture content makes them a perfect candidate for roasting in the oven.

On the other hand, Green peanuts aren’t called green because of their color. They are freshly harvested peanuts from which no moisture has been removed. Their moisture content can be anywhere around 35-50%!

Because of their high moisture content, green peanuts are NOT good candidates for roasting and will not deliver that deep flavor and crunch you’re looking for in a good roasted peanut. Green peanuts are best for boiling.

How to Make Oven Roasted Peanuts

Roast. Arrange shell-on peanuts in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 min. Around the 10 minute mark, shake the pan back and forth to rotate the peanuts for an even roast.

Cool. Remove the peanuts from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Peanuts will continue to cook while cooling.

Recipe Variations

Peanuts can be roasted without the shell too! If you want to enjoy the yumminess of toasty peanuts without worrying about the shells, purchase raw shelled peanuts and roast for about 15 minutes. Shelled peanuts can also be tossed in 1-2 Tbsp of canola and sprinkled with salt before cooking.

Why Roast Peanuts?

Roasting peanuts in the oven develops a delicious, rich nutty flavor in the nuts, as well as creating a nice crunch and filling your house with amazing, warm peanutty aromas!

Snacking from toasty bags of roasted peanuts is also a perfect way to create memories with your family or enjoy a special touch of nostalgia at your tailgate, movie night, bonfire or party.

How to Serve Roasted Peanuts

Serve your roasted peanuts in small brown paper bags, fun homemade paper cones, paper snack boxes, small buckets or bowls. Just make sure you have somewhere to put the shells!

Storing Instructions

Any leftover roasted peanuts can be stored in their shells in an air tight container for 4-5 days.

A Fun Gift

Oven roasted peanuts in the shell make great teacher and neighbor gifts! Fill up a jar, a cellophane treat bag or small paper bag, add a little twine or ribbon and a card and you have delicious, thoughtful treat anyone would be happy to receive!

Other Snack Recipes You’ll Love

• Southern Cheese Straws
• Blueberry Muddy Muddy Snack Mix
• Honey Spiced Pecans
• Dill Ranch Snack Crackers
• Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix

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