Spicy Peanuts
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I can’t stop reaching into the bowl once I start eating Spicy Peanuts. The chili powder and cayenne coat every peanut with real addictive heat, while the garlic adds savory depth that balances the spice. They’re crunchy, fiery, and so much better than store-bought. You’ll find yourself making batch after batch.
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I make them for game day parties, tailgates, potlucks, and happy hour spreads because they disappear fast. They stay fresh in an airtight container at room temp for about a week or in the freezer for up to 2 months, making them perfect for prep-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Spicy Peanuts with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
These come together so fast you’ll wonder why you ever bought pre-seasoned nuts.
Prep Your Pan and Spice Mix
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I like using this oven thermometer to make sure my oven is at the right temperature.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. The spice mix smells incredible right away, and you’ll get a little kick just from the cayenne fumes.
Coat the Peanuts
Toss the peanuts in a medium bowl with the vegetable oil and half the seasoning mix. I use a silicone spatula to stir everything together because it helps distribute the spices evenly. Every peanut should look coated with reddish-brown spice dust.
Roast Until Fragrant
Spread the peanuts in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet and roast for 5 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like a bar on game day. I always grab my rimmed baking sheet so nothing rolls off as you spread them out.
Add the Remaining Seasoning
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately toss the hot peanuts with the remaining spice mix. The heat from the peanuts helps the seasonings adhere more effectively. Transfer everything to a large serving bowl and let it cool slightly before digging in.
Serve Warm or at Room Temperature
You can eat them right away while they’re still warm, or transfer them to a container and let them sit overnight. The flavors really meld together after resting, and the heat becomes more evenly distributed. Enjoy!
If you’re bringing them to a party or potluck, pack them in a portable food storage container with a snap-tight lid so they don’t spill in transit, and the spices stay put.
Ingredients
- 3 cups salted cocktail peanuts
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Place the peanuts in a medium mixing bowl with the oil and a tablespoon of the seasoning mix. Stir until all the peanuts are evenly coated.3 cups salted cocktail peanuts, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Spread on the prepared pan and bake for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and toss the peanuts with the remaining seasoning mix.
- You can eat them right away or leave them in an airtight container overnight for the best flavor results.
Notes
- Use the right peanuts: Salted cocktail peanuts work best because they’re already seasoned with salt, so you don’t need to add more. Unsalted peanuts will taste flat, and cashews work too, but need an estimate of 1-2 minutes less baking time since they’re more delicate.
- Don’t skip the oil: The vegetable oil helps the spices stick to the peanuts and keeps them from burning in the oven. Without it, the seasoning just falls off.
- Split the seasoning: Add half the spice mix before roasting and the rest after to achieve better flavor distribution and more intense heat. If you add it all at once, some will burn.
- Adjust the heat level: If cayenne is too spicy for you, reduce it to ¼ teaspoon or omit it. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the chili and garlic powder.
- Let them rest overnight: The flavors really develop after sitting in an airtight container for 8-12 hours. The spices soak into the peanuts, and the heat mellows slightly.
- Flash-freeze for longer storage: Spread cooled peanuts on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer container. This prevents clumping and makes it easy to grab a handful.
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, and they’ll stay crunchy the entire time. I use a glass jar with a tight seal because it keeps moisture out and the spices from losing their punch.
For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes.
They don’t need reheating, but if you want them warm again, spread them on a baking sheet and pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes.
What to Serve With Spicy Peanuts
I serve them with cold beer, margaritas, or whiskey because the heat pairs beautifully with cold drinks. They’re great alongside chips and salsa, guacamole, or a cheese board for game day spreads.
They also make a crunchy topping for salads or grain bowls, adding spice and texture. Toss them into trail mix with dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips for a sweet-and-spicy snack mix, or serve with wings, nachos, and sliders.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
I think you’ll also love these other easy snack recipes perfect for game day and parties.
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
