Creole Boiled Peanuts
Tender, salty, and packed with bold Creole flavor, these homemade Creole Boiled Peanuts are a classic Southern snack that's perfect for game day, tailgating, road trips, cookouts, or anytime you're craving something savory. They're easy to make with just a handful of pantry staples and taste even better the next day!
Servings: 12 servings
Equipment
- large stock pot (8-quart or larger) with lid
- colander
- Long-handled spoon or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 pounds raw peanuts in the shell
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- ¼ cup Creole seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 quarts water or as needed to cover the peanuts
Instructions
- Place the raw peanuts in a large stockpot. Cover with water, stir with your hands, then drain. Repeat once more to thoroughly wash away any dirt or debris.2 pounds raw peanuts in the shell
- Add the kosher salt, Creole seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and enough water to cover the peanuts when they're pressed beneath the surface. The peanuts will float at first.¼ cup kosher salt, ¼ cup Creole seasoning, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 4 quarts water
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 6 to 8 hours.
- Stir every 30 minutes and add additional warm water whenever needed to keep the peanuts submerged.
- Begin checking the peanuts around the 5-hour mark. Continue cooking until they're soft throughout and have reached your preferred texture.
- As the peanuts absorb the cooking liquid, they'll naturally sink to the bottom of the pot.
- Serve immediately, or allow the peanuts to cool in the cooking liquid for even more flavor.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
- Store cooled Creole Boiled Peanuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Store them with or without the cooking liquid. Keeping them in the liquid helps maintain their moisture and flavor.
♨️ REHEATING
- Microwave individual servings until warmed through.
- To reheat a larger batch, place the peanuts and a little of the cooking liquid in a saucepan over medium-low heat until hot.
- These peanuts are also delicious served cold or at room temperature.
❄️ FREEZING
- Freeze in airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving or reheating.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Wash the peanuts thoroughly before cooking.
- Use a stockpot large enough to allow plenty of room for stirring.
- Keep the peanuts submerged throughout cooking for even seasoning.
- Add warm water instead of cold water whenever the liquid level drops.
- Taste-test before ending the cooking time since every batch cooks a little differently.
- Allow the peanuts to rest in the cooking liquid for at least 30 minutes before serving for even more flavor.
- Refrigerating them overnight in the seasoned broth produces the best flavor.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Slow Cooker
- Pressure Cooker
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Enjoy leftover boiled peanuts hot, warm, room temperature, or cold.
- Peel the peanuts and add them to salads, grain bowls, or homemade snack mixes.
- They're also a great protein-rich afternoon snack.
📝 NOTES
- Traditional Southern boiled peanuts are intentionally salty.
- Cooking time varies with the peanuts' age and freshness.
- Green peanuts cook much faster than dried raw peanuts.
- For extra heat, stir in cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce.
- Don't rush the cooking process. Properly cooked boiled peanuts should be soft throughout.
- The flavor continues to improve as the peanuts rest in the seasoned cooking liquid.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Sodium: 2392mg | Potassium: 677mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2215IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 3mg
