Sweet and Salty Southern Sugared Peanuts Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, y’all! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite southern snacks: Southern Sugared Peanuts. This beloved recipe comes straight from the queen of southern cuisine herself, Paula Deen, and it’s sure to become a staple in your home too.
These peanuts are a mouthwatering combination of salty and sweet flavors that make them irresistibly addictive. Trust me, once you start snacking on these sugared peanuts, you won’t be able to stop!
Not only are these sugary-coated peanuts delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With only five simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and zero cooking skills required, this recipe is perfect for novice cooks or busy families.
So put on your apron and let’s get cookin’!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all food lovers! If you’re a fan of southern-style cuisine, then let me introduce you to one of the most crave-worthy snacks you’ll ever taste: Southern Sugared Peanuts by none other than Paula Deen herself. Trust me; once you try these nuts, you’ll want to swap out every candy bar in your pantry for a jar of these sugary morsels.
First and foremost, this recipe is undeniably addictive. The perfect balance of salt and sugar creates a sweet and savory sensation that keeps you coming back for more, and more, and more. Once you start snacking on these peanuts, it’s hard to stop.
But that’s not all. These sugared peanuts are versatile too. You can definitely enjoy them solo as an on-the-go snack, but they also make an exceptional topping to salads or leftover roasted veggies to add a crunchy texture with a hint of sweetness. They are great as a part at parties too! Trust me, these peanuts will become the star item of any charcuterie board.
And let’s not forget about how easy it is to make this recipe. Only five ingredients (peanuts, water, sugar, and salt) combined in one pot – that’s it! It’s so simple that even the most novice of cooks can tackle it with ease.
Finally, if you’re looking for ways to mix things up in the kitchen or add some Southern charm to your next dinner party menu – look no further. This recipe provides new ideas on how to incorporate peanuts into your meals or desserts such as peanut butter crumble over your morning oats or even peanut brittle as an ice cream topping. Trust me; when someone asks you if you can cook the best Southern food around town like Paula Deen does – say yes and impress them with this scrumptious sugared peanut recipe!
Ingredient List
Before we get started on creating the Southern Sugared Peanuts, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients needed for this delectable snack. You’ll only need a few key ingredients for this recipe, so be sure to have them all ready and measured out before you begin.
Here is what you will need:
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 2 cups of raw shelled peanuts
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Note: If you’re looking to save time, use pre-shelled peanuts to help speed up the process. Also, it’s best to use raw shelled peanuts for this recipe instead of roasted ones since roasted peanuts won’t make for the right texture after cooking. Ensure that your peanuts have their skins on since they lend a lovely flavor and crunch to your sugary treat.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have your ingredients ready, we can dive into the fun part – cooking! Here are the step-by-step instructions for making Paula Deen’s Southern Sugared Peanuts.
Step 1: Boil the Peanuts
First, you need to boil the peanuts. In a large pot, combine 2 cups of raw shelled peanuts, 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of salt, and enough water to cover the peanuts by about 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add Sugar
Once the water starts boiling, it’s time to add sugar. Stir in 1 and 1/2 cups of sugar and reduce the heat to low.
Step 3: Cook and Stir
Cook the peanut mixture on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Make sure to scrape any sugar that sticks to the sides or bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Remove from Heat
After two hours of cooking, check if the sugar has turned into a glaze and the peanuts look glossy. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Spread on a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out the sugared peanuts. While they’re still warm, separate them with a fork to avoid clumps.
Step 6: Let Cool
Allow the sugared peanuts to cool completely before serving, storing or packaging in an airtight container.
Now you have perfect Southern Sugared Peanuts with crunchy skins!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking for some variety in your sugared peanuts, there’s a few substitutions and variations you can try out.
Firstly, you can substitute peanuts with pecans for a Candied Pecans recipe. While cooking time may vary, the process remains the same.
Another fun variation is to turn your sugared peanuts into peanut brittle by leaving out the water in the recipe until you reach the hard crack stage (around 300-310°F). Spread out on a buttered baking sheet and let it cool before breaking apart into individual pieces.
For those who prefer a spicier flavor, try adding a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper along with the sugar.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can even try making butter toffee with your peanuts for a sweet and salty treat. Just follow the same process as you would for sugared peanuts but add in butter towards the end of the cooking process until it coats the nuts completely.
If you don’t have access to raw shelled peanuts, you could use roasted peanuts, just be sure to reduce the boiling time to make sure they don’t become too soft during cooking.
Lastly, vegetarians can substitute honey or maple syrup in place of sugar for a lower calorie version. However, this will result in a different texture and flavor than traditional Sugared Peanuts.
With these variations and substitutions, there’s no limit to what you can create! So grab some peanuts and get ready to experiment.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing Southern Sugared Peanuts, the possibilities are endless. These crunchy and sweet treats can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or used to add texture and flavor to other dishes. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
– Add them as a topping to vanilla ice cream or mix them into a homemade milkshake for a delicious treat.
– Serve them as an appetizer alongside pimento cheese or cheese spread sugared peanuts for a Southern-inspired cheese board.
– Use them as a garnish in salads or on top of roasted vegetables for added crunch.
– Incorporate them into your favorite baking recipes like peanut brittle, pecan brittle or butter toffee peanuts for an extra burst of flavor.
– Pair them with chicken rice dishes like cheesy chicken rice or neck bones.
Southern Sugared Peanuts are versatile and complement many different flavors. However, keep in mind that they are quite sweet, so it’s best to pair them with something that has contrasting flavors such as salty snacks like boiled peanuts and cinnamon pecans. You could also try pairing them with Southern Comforts like sweet tea or lemonade.
No matter how you decide to serve your sugared peanuts, they’re sure to add a touch of Southern charm to your meals and snacks!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about Southern Sugared Peanuts is that they can be made well in advance of when you need them. They store well and can be reheated quickly for a snack on the go.
To make ahead, prepare your boiled peanuts as directed and then coat the shelled peanuts in the sugary mixture. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
If you are planning on storing for a longer period of time, consider placing them in the freezer, where they can last for up to six months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.
For reheating, place your sugared peanuts onto a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until they are warm and slightly crisp. Another way to reheat them is to warm them in a slow cooker at low heat setting for 30-60 minutes.
Keep in mind that reheating should be done gently and slowly as overcooking may cause the peanuts to become chewy instead of crispy.
Overall, these sugared peanuts are perfect for those who love southern style cuisine and are looking for something sweet and satisfying. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you will be able to enjoy this delicious snack anytime you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Southern Sugared Peanuts are perfect every time, follow these tried and true tips:
First, it is important to use raw shelled peanuts with skins. This will provide the most flavor and texture to the finished product. Do not be tempted to use already roasted or salted peanuts as this will affect the sweetness and overall taste.
Secondly, make sure to boil the peanuts for at least 1 hour in order to achieve a soft texture. Boiling the peanuts allows the sugar mixture to seep into each peanut, creating a crunchy outside and a soft inside.
Third, use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the sugar syrup. The syrup must reach 238°F before adding the boiled peanuts.
Fourth, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat before spreading out the sugared peanuts to cool. This will prevent any sticking or breakage during handling.
Fifth, store your Southern Sugared Peanuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They make an excellent snack on their own or as a topping for ice cream or desserts.
Lastly, have fun with this recipe and try adding different flavors such as cinnamon, vanilla extract or even spicy cayenne pepper! The possibilities are endless when it comes to Southern cooking.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, I hope this recipe for Southern Sugared Peanuts has sparked your interest in trying some of the delicious and unique flavors that southern cuisine has to offer. Paula Deen’s recipe is just one example of the many delicious dishes you can find in the southern cooking bible, and it’s a great one to start with if you’re new to this style of cooking.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe by using different spices, adding some heat with cayenne pepper, or even making a batch of boiled peanuts instead. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you can use it as a base to create other treats like candied pecans or peanut brittle.
So fire up your stove, gather your ingredients and get ready to taste some down-home southern comfort food! Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack to munch on or a new addition to your dessert menu, Paula Deen’s Southern Sugared Peanuts are sure to please. Happy Cooking!
Southern Sugared Peanuts (Paula Deen) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups raw shelled peanuts, skins on
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Dissolve sugar and salt in water in saucepan over medium heat.
- Add peanuts.
- Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until peanuts are completely sugared (coated and no syrup left).
- Pour onto ungreased cookie sheet, spreading so that peanuts are separated as much as possible.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
- Let cool and serve.
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Nutrition
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