40 Delicious Pecan Recipes To Up Your Cooking Game

When I mention pecan recipes, people immediately think of pies, cookies, or brownies. Boring. Pecan has an amazing flavor profile – sweet, nutty, and rich, and it would be a waste to use it in dessert only.

But why pecans, you ask? They are very nutritious, and scientists claim that these nuts contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals. They can improve your heart health, improve digestion, maintain your weight, and more. Eat more pecans, my friend!

Another equally nutritious ingredient you can incorporate into your meal is walnut, which is often compared with pecan. And I’d agree, although when you compare pecan against walnut, you’ll spot many differences, there’s no denying that these two are both great additions to your meal.

40 Tasty Pecan Recipes That Are The Cream Of The Crop

If you are new to cooking with pecans, especially savory dishes, let me give you a helping hand. To begin with, check out the list of the best pecan recipes I have rounded up for you below.

Savory Pecan Recipes

Pecan Appetizer Recipes

1. Pecan and Veggie Mini Frittatas
2. French Quarter Pecan Cheese Spread
3. Pecan Stuffed Mushrooms
4. Louisiana Pecan Bacon Bread
5. Pecan-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
6. Pecan Deviled Eggs

Pecan Main Course Recipes

7. Pecan Crusted Salmon With Lemon Glaze
8. Pecan-Crusted Tilapia
9. Maple Pecan Pork Chops
10. Cajun Pecan Catfish

Other Savory Pecan Recipes

11. Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
12. Pecan Cheese Crisps
13. Goat Cheese Salad With Apple, Arugula, and Pecans
14. Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
15. Kale Pecan Pesto
16. Green Beans With Caramelized Pecans
17. Pecan Butter
18. Savory Spiced Pecans

Sweet Pecan Recipes

Pecan Pastry Recipes

19. Honey Pecan Pie
20. Butter Pecan Cake
21. Cinnamon Pecan Waffles
22. Cinnamon Raisin Pecan Bread
23. Blueberry Pecan Galette
24. Date Pecan Tea Bread

Pecan Cookie Recipes

25. Pecan Coffee Meringues
26. Pecan Squares
27. Coconut Pecan Cookies
28. Pecan Tassies
29. Turtle Brownies
30. Pecan Energy Bars
31. Pecan Meltaways

Other Sweet Pecan Recipes

32. Candied Pecans
33. Butter Pecan Ice Cream
34. Pecan Bourbon Balls
35. Pecan Pie Overnight Oats
36. Southern Pecan Pralines
37. Maple Pecan Granola
38. Pecan Praline Popcorn
39. Pecan Buttermilk Fudge
40. Pecan Praline Semifreddo With Bourbon Caramel

Is your stomach growling? If so, let’s get started!

Delightful Savory Recipes With Pecans That Wow You

Pecans are far and beyond cakes and cookies. Astonishingly, they can be used in various savory dishes, salads, and even condiments. Don’t you ever underestimate these little guys!

Supreme Pecan Hors D’oeuvres To Begin Your Meal 

Pecan is a great intro to a tasty, filling meal. With these appetizers, your guests are sure to be pleased until the main course is served. From bread, mushrooms to chicken nuggets, pecan is highly welcomed. 

1. Pecan And Veggie Mini Frittatas

Think of frittata as a quiche but crustless. It is great for breakfast, lunch, or any time of the day, and it’s always open to options when it comes to the mix-ins: from veggies like zucchini and tomato to nuts like pecans, which is a top-notch choice, in my opinion.

2. French Quarter Pecan Cheese Spread

There’s nothing in this world like this appetizer, which is an odd blend of ingredients that initially seem to clash with each other regarding the flavor – until you taste it. The delicious final result is a seesaw of sweet and savory that runs through your mind all day. 

3. Pecan Stuffed Mushrooms

What can you stuff inside mushrooms? If your answer is nothing but cheese, here’s something new, even better – pecans are toasted with shallots and garlic to release their full flavor potential, stuffed inside the mushrooms with creamy goat cheese, and baked.

4. Louisiana Pecan Bacon Bread

When coming out of the oven, this bread won’t stand a chance to cool down, as people will scarf down immediately. With that fragrant smell, it’s hard to blame them – in every slice, you can relish the sweet and savory finish of pecans, bacon, and bell peppers.

5. Pecan-Crusted Chicken Nuggets

The chicken nuggets of your dreams are here, and they are designed to bring fun to any summer cookout. Don’t be concerned about the greasy oil residue as they are baked to perfection: the exterior made with pecans is crispy while the chicken meat is tender.

6. Pecan Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are usually garnished with a pinch of paprika, but pecans do wonders, too. Together with mustard and chives, these eggs look absolutely gorgeous, and they would make a great brunch dish or picnic snack.

Exceptional Main Dishes Featuring Crunchy Pecans

If these dishes were a blockbuster, pecan would be a surprising cameo that you did not expect to make an appearance. I’m positive that it will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

7. Pecan Crusted Salmon With Lemon Glaze

Here goes a suggestion for a quick Wednesday dinner that you will love to have on repeat. Supple salmon fillets are coated thoroughly with a pecan mixture, seared until golden brown, and brightened with a refreshing lemon glaze made with lemon juice, honey, and other spices.

To avoid everyone fighting over the salmon (which is a possibility, considering how delicious it is), you should calculate how much salmon a person can eat on average. Otherwise, the whole salmon dish will be gone within a flash.

8. Pecan-Crusted Tilapia

Tilapia is one of those fresh-water fishes that are low in calories, and it’s also an excellent source to boost your protein intake. In this recipe, its juicy fillets are encrusted with a nutty mixture made with pecans and fried until golden brown. If desired, serve with honey glaze.

9. Maple Pecan Pork Chops

Show off your cooking skills in just fifteen minutes with these impressive pork chops, which are glazed with sweet maple syrup or honey and cooked until desired tenderness. Garnish with chopped pecans. Who said that mixing sweet and savory is impossible?

When cooking pork chops, it can be slightly hard to get the timing right. That’s why it’s essential you know the indications that pork chops are done; else, it’s easy for them to be undercooked or overcooked.

10. Cajun Pecan Catfish

Cajun seasoning is famous for its spicy notes, which have the ability to wake up your appetite at the very first whiff. Here, catfish fillets are coated in a pecan mixture, seasoned with the celebrated Louisiana spice, and perfumed with dried thyme.

Other Savory Recipes Made With Pecans You Must Try

Tossing some pecans into a bowl of salad is nothing new, but have you ever heard about pecan cheese crisps or pecan butter? I bet you haven’t. Discover more creative recipes with pecan in this section. 

11. Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

If spring were in a salad form, this would be it. Sweet apples are mingled with juicy cranberries for a classic sweet-and-sour combination, followed by pecans and bacon bits for a full-bodied flavor. Lightly blanket the mixture with balsamic vinaigrette and enjoy.

After making this salad for so long, I find that this taste best when the ingredients are all fresh. In other words, regardless of whether you can freeze cranberries and apples, it’s much better if you opt for the fresh ones, as they will provide a better taste and texture.

12. Pecan Cheese Crisps

With toasted pecans, even the laziest snacks turn into something special. In this recipe, they pair up with cheese (cheddar or parmesan, it’s your choice) for a scrumptious snack, and for a bonus, these crisps are spiced with cayenne pepper and garlic powder.

13. Goat Cheese Salad With Arugula, Apple, And Pecans

There’s a party of flavors in here, and you are invited. Arugula carries a spicy kick, a refreshing riff on your regular green bowl, while apple and pecans add a nice crunch to the healthy blend. Finally, the salad receives an earthy touch from first-rate goat cheese.

Although you can use many ingredients to substitute arugula, they might not be able to achieve the same effects in this specific recipe. Hard as it may be for you to get your hands on arugula, it’s better that you stick to the original recipe instead of swapping ingredients willy-nilly.

14. Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Perfected with fall seasonings, pecans, and a splash of maple syrup, roasted sweet potatoes never fail to shine on a cozy feast. The finished product gives out a wonderful smell, and all that magic happens in only twenty minutes. Can you believe that?

You can resist these maple-glazed pecan roasted sweet potatoes, check out this video:

15. Kale Pecan Pesto

From pizza to soup, pesto proves that it takes easily to many dishes. Traditionally, the Italian sauce is made with basil and pine nuts, but I prefer to use kale, which leans a bit on the peppery side, and I also swap expensive pine nuts with pecans.

You might be wondering, “How likely is it for pesto to spoil?”. And to be completely honest, I think that you’ll finish this irresistible pesto recipe in one sitting, so why worry about such impossible things?

16. Green Beans With Caramelized Pecans

Green beans are a true treat as they can be cooked in so many ways – not to mention that they are rich in fiber. My mom always makes me eat more green beans for all these reasons, and she ensures that they go easy on me with some tasty caramelized pecans. 

17. Pecan Butter

Making pecan butter at home is as easy as falling off a log. All you need to do is stir in the toasted pecans in the food processor and power up – that’s it, really! The spreadable goodness tastes even better with a pinch of cinnamon – optional but highly recommended. 

Don’t wait – make some healthy pecan butter now! Let’s see this video:

18. Savory Spiced Pecans

Pecans are yummy on their own, but spiced pecans are indeed a cut above. Worcestershire sauce allows the nuts to shine with its umami flavor, garlic powder balances the taste, and Tabasco sauce provides a slight kick that makes you hooked.

Wonderful Dessert Ideas With Pecans To Finish Your Meal

Come on in if you have big eyes for desserts! With an incredible taste and texture, it’s no surprise to see pecan dominates the dessert scene. The following recipes will drive you nuts – well, in a good way.

Extremely Satisfying Pastry Recipes With Nutty Pecans  

With pecans, every pastry connoisseur is gratified until the very last spoonful. In truth, they won’t leave any crumbs on the table! Classic pecan pie, date-nut bread, or cinnamon pecan waffles – what’s on your mind at the moment?   

19. Honey Pecan Pie

Put a sweet spin on your same old pecan pie this holiday season with a richly indulgent honey base. Every hallmark of your favorite dessert is fully retained, from the sweet, gooey filling to the armload of crunchy pecans scattered on top.

20. Butter Pecan Cake

Back in the day, my mom would make this butter pecan cake every time the holiday’s around the corner. The dessert can be easily put with minimal effort, yet the result always reaches the maximum thanks to the toasted pecans and the mesmerizing cream cheese frosting. 

21. Cinnamon Pecan Waffles

Here’s what you need to add to your morning routine immediately: having a stack of cinnamon pecan waffles with a cup of coffee. They are surprisingly quick and straightforward to make, and they taste a million times better with syrup or butter.

22. Cinnamon Raisin Pecan Bread

Start your day delightfully with a slice of this fantastic bread. The taste is infused with comforting notes of cinnamon, ideal as is, or slather with your homemade jam. Did I mention that inside the loaf hides the toasted pecans and the plump raisins yet?

23. Blueberry Pecan Galette

Frankly speaking, blueberry and pecan are destined to be together. The two ingredients complement each other perfectly, developing a juicy sweetness with an exceptional buttery finish. Devouring this mouth-watering galette is just a matter of minutes, I suppose.

24. Date Pecan Tea Bread

Date and pecan are quite a match made in heaven, and this bread is concrete proof. If possible, you can toast the pecans beforehand to enhance their inherently rich flavor, which goes well with the warm nuances of cinnamon and ginger. 

Pecan Cookies To Kick Off Any Social Gathering

Birthday parties? Check. Weddings? Check. A reunion between old friends? Also check. These pecan-loaded cookies know how to spice up any party, so go ahead and make a big batch – bigger than you have planned because your guests won’t stop at one!

25. Pecan Coffee Meringues

Beloved by the French and later foodies all over the world, meringue has never seemed to lose its ground. With a spirit-lifting kick from cocoa and espresso powder, meringue is certain to hit you right in the spot. For a final touch, place a pecan half on it before baking. 

26. Pecan Squares

These munchies combine a flaky shortbread crust with an ooey-gooey pecan filling, and the results are finished with a rich caramel topping. All the flavors of your favorite pecan pie are now all in one tiny square – the power it has!

27. Coconut Pecan Cookies

Crisp edges with a soft center, these beauties are simply irresistible. They are perfect for serving at any potluck party, and people will become mesmerized with the sweet tropical undertones of shredded coconut, which are perfect against the nutty pecans.

28. Pecan Tassies

These little guys are the cousins to pecan pie but with a more luxurious look. Starting with a crust made with butter and cream cheese, each cup is then filled with a sweet, gooey filling made with butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and pecans. You will have more than just one.

These pecan tassies taste just like pecan pie – fantastic! Let’s see this video to know how to make pecan tassies:

29. Turtle Brownies

Brownies are back to re-established their supremacy in the dessert scene, threatening to replace your favorite sweet treats. They are ultra-moist, enriched with sweet chocolate, and received a helping hand from chopped pecans for a stunning presentation.

30. Pecan Energy Bars

A pecan energy bar can turn your lackluster morning into an exciting one, getting you back on track in no time. Featuring sweet Medjool dates, gluten-free oats, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, this wholesome snack is genuinely a game-changer!

31. Pecan Meltaways

Meltaways are my personal favorite – they are fairly easy to make, and they melt gently as soon as they touch your tongue. You will be amazed to learn that they call for only a few pantry ingredients, but the result is far from disappointing with that delicate sweetness.

This holiday season will be perfect with some pecan meltaways:

More Sweet Pecan Recipes That Send You Straight To Paradise

Only pecans have the power to do such a thing. If you doubt my words, try a scoop of butter pecan ice cream, or knock up some pecan praline popcorn to keep you company while watching Netflix. 

32. Candied Pecans

Sure, you can enjoy pecans straight out of the bag, but wouldn’t that be way too boring? Give them a flavorful makeover with sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, or kick it up a notch with something new such as orange zest, pumpkin spice, or paprika. The choices are endless.

Candied pecans have every making to become your favorite snack. Check out this video to know:

33. Butter Pecan Ice Cream

The perfect summertime treat is here to beat the scorching heat, and rest assured everyone can’t stop licking off their spoons. Finely chopped pecans provide a sharp contrast to the silky texture of ice cream, which tastes richly sweet thanks to brown sugar.

34. Pecan Bourbon Balls

With blissful notes of oak and vanilla, these budget-friendly bourbon balls are an excellent gift idea this holiday season. They are made with chocolate, heavy cream, and bourbon, and rolled over crusted pecans for a decorative touch. Aren’t they cute?     

35. Pecan Pie Overnight Oats

The big question: what can you do with overnight oats? How about turning them into a healthy, vegan-friendly breakfast that costs you only ten minutes? Oatmeal is mixed with almond milk and cinnamon, then stacked atop with a delectable pecan pie layer.

36. Southern Pecan Pralines

I wasn’t kidding when I said that these are the best pralines you have ever had. The South’s heritage is smothered with an intense sweetness from sugar, vanilla, and pecan pieces, and don’t be shy to take the flavor to the top with a sprinkling of flaky sea salt.

Let’s make some Southern pecan pralines for the next party!

37. Maple Pecan Granola

A generous serving of rolled oats, a handful of chopped pecans, and tons of yum – sounds exactly like what you’re looking for! Additional mix-ins are welcome, from crunchy almonds to dried cranberries, and it’s an excellent idea to serve your granola with milk or yogurt.

38. Pecan Praline Popcorn

Movie night is not complete without popcorn, and you know that. Forget the classic butter and salt; this recipe will distract you from the screen with a delectable praline mixture that guarantees to satiate your sweet tooth.

39. Pecan Buttermilk Fudge

This recipe takes the classic fudge recipe and turns it into something creamier with a hint of tanginess from the buttermilk. The flavor is well-balanced with pecans, honey, and sugar, and it’s difficult not to pick up another one after the first try.

40. Pecan Praline Semifreddo With Bourbon Caramel

Semifreddo bridges the gap between frozen mousse and ice cream, which results in a velvety texture that lures you into spooning. In this recipe, the Italian dessert is spiked with a bourbon caramel sauce and served with a simple praline made with pecans and sugar.

These Pecan Recipes Are Not A Tough Nut To Crack

Seriously, not only are these pecan recipes delicious, but they are also super easy to make – there’s no room for failed attempts! So, don’t just stand there – grab a bag of pecans and let’s get cooking now.

Cooking with pecans is a whole lot of fun, and I hope that you feel the same. If you want to share your results with me or any tips and tricks you find helpful, go ahead and comment right below. I’m looking forward to seeing your creations.