Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts

Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts is one of the easiest ways to boil peanuts. Fill up the crock pot, turn it on, and let it go.

Welcome to the Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts world, where Southern comfort and easy slow-cooking collide to create a snack that’s delicious and addictive. This boiled peanuts recipe will have you making your very own batch of these mouthwatering morsels, perfect for game day, movie night, or an irresistible Southern-style indulgence.

Tender, salty nuts boiled in large pots, popping right out of their shell into your mouth, is an irresistible treat us Southerners have grown to love. Yep, I am talking about boiled peanuts.

Farmers’ markets, flea markets, road trips, ball games, and sometimes a few gas stations will have boiled peanuts for sale during the summer and fall seasons. And they are most definitely hard to resist– at least for me, that is.

I have found that people either like them or don’t, and there seems to be no middle ground. They are absolutely addictive, and I bet you can’t eat just one. Soft, salty nuts are the perfect little snack for your weekend trips, ball games, or get-togethers. Just set out a large bowl and watch how fast they disappear.

Why This Recipe Is Fabulous

Making Southern Boiled Peanuts is not just about preparing a delicious snack; it’s about embracing Southern culture and enjoying a unique flavor experience. So, why should you make this recipe? Because it’s a delightful, versatile adventure waiting to be enjoyed.

Southern Tradition: Enjoy the taste of the South with each mouthful of salty and spicy boiled peanuts.

Flavorful Delight: Tender and flavorful peanuts infused with spices and flavor. A unique and satisfying experience.

Fantastic Snack: Whether you’re hosting an afternoon of watching football games or just needing the perfect snack, boiled peanuts would be a great addition to the grazing table.

Easy Preparation: This is a great recipe that is surprisingly simple, especially when a crock pot is used. You can expect delicious results every time.

Nostalgia: This recipe takes me back to my childhood, making this recipe a nostalgic experience.

Plenty to Share: This makes a crock pot full of peanuts. This is the easiest way to make boiled peanuts, with plenty to share with everyone.

How to Make Boiled Peanuts at Home

There is no need to drag out a large pot or watch boiling peanuts on the stovetop.

For complete instructions, see the printable recipe card below—an easy way to enjoy a southern delicacy and a fun snack. 

If you’ve never made boiled peanuts at home, you will be surprised at how easily they come together, especially when using your crockpot. Just grab your largest crockpot and place peanuts inside, add enough salt, and seasonings, add cold water to the top, and cover with the lid. Add enough water to cover and submerge the nuts entirely.

I usually start my peanuts sometime in the afternoon. I set the crockpot to low and let them go for about 18 hours. You can adjust the cooking time depending on how soft or firm you like your peanuts. I check on them before I go to bed and again in the morning. I add more water each time to make sure they are fully submerged. The crockpot does all of the work for me—the perfect salty snack. The hardest part is waiting for them to get done so you can enjoy them.

How to Season Peanuts

There are countless possibilities to elevate the flavors of boiled peanuts. Some of my favorites are jalapenos, salt, cajun spices, and a zesty kick of spice. Choose flavors that you love, add them to the pot, give it a good stir, and let them cook and simmer in all of those delectable seasonings and spices.

Ingredients Needed for The Best Boiled Peanuts

If you want to try mastering this delightful treat, gather your supplies, and let’s get busy.

Southern Boiled Peanuts only require a few ingredients and will be a delicious, salty, and slightly spicy snack with a touch of Southern flair. They are perfect for sharing and enjoying on various occasions—a proper Southern snack.

Raw Peanuts: The star of the show! Look for raw peanuts (not green peanuts). You can find them at local grocery stores in the produce department. I love to grab them during the harvest season.

Salt: Salt is an essential ingredient for boiled peanuts. It provides a salty flavor that is a characteristic of this snack. You can adjust the salt to your preference, but it’s usually a good amount. I use regular table salt for this recipe.

Sliced Pickled Jalapenos: I buy these in a jar at the grocery store. They are sliced and ready to go, making this an easy recipe. They add a touch of heat and give a zesty kick.

Seasonings: The seasonings are flexible, allowing you to customize this recipe to your taste preference. Common seasonings used in boiled peanuts include garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, Old Bay seasoning, crab boil seasoning, and a dash of cayenne pepper. The choice of seasonings is where you can get creative and experiment to create a flavor profile that suits your preferences.

Raw Peanuts vs. Green Peanuts

Raw or Green, and what is the difference? Raw peanuts are air-dried peanuts and have a longer shelf life. So you can leave these out on the counter, and they will last for weeks.
Green peanuts are freshly harvested peanuts- basically from farm to table. They are not air dried and are more perishable because of the water content.
I used raw peanuts for this recipe, as I always have in the past.

How Long Will Boiled Peanuts Last in the Refrigerator?

Boiled peanuts will usually last at least 2 weeks in the refrigerator–if they don’t disappear before that time. These make a wonderful snack and are super filling. I like grabbing a cup full on my way out, a handful to eat between meals, and sometimes for breakfast. Yep, don’t knock it.

Should You Eat Boiled Peanuts Hot or Cold

Boiled peanuts are traditionally served hot or warm. The heat helps to bring out the seasonings’ flavors, which is when they are most tender. When served hot, they are a comforting and savory snack, making them perfect for sharing on game day or various occasions.

Some people enjoy peanuts at room temperature or even cold. Some find boiled peanuts refreshing on a cold day. So the choice depends on your taste, personal preference, and how you serve them.

How to Eat Boiled Peanuts

Eating boiled peanuts can get a little messy. They are filled with salty water and could possibly squirt out on you and the person next to you while eating. Most people eat them while standing around a fire, watching a ball game (outside), or walking around a flea market.

Remove the warm peanuts from the crockpot with a slotted spoon, crack open the peanut shells,  remove the peanuts, and enjoy. Repeat until you are full and satisfied. Have plenty of napkins and paper towels handy because these are a messy snack but so tasty.

Of course, you can enjoy these delicious little babies inside; just grab a handful of napkins before eating.

How to Store Cooked Peanuts

Storing your peanuts in the refrigerator will ensure you can enjoy them for days. They are great the next day. Remove the peanuts from the salty brine, allow them to cool to room temperature, place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate them. They also freeze well. Store them in zip-top bags and place them in the freezer. They will last for at least six months. Thaw them in the refrigerator. Eat cold or reheat slightly in the microwave.

For more Snacks and Appetizer recipes, be sure to check out:

Pepperoni Party Dip

Rotel Party Dip

Sausage Balls

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Oven Roasted Peanuts

Recipe Tips and Variations

For this recipe, I used a 4-quart crockpot. If you have one larger, that will work, but anything smaller will not hold 2 pounds. Of course, you can make a smaller batch if so desired, but the cooking time is the same, so I always make a big batch.

Making Southern-style boiled peanuts gives you the opportunity to get creative and tailor the recipe to your taste preference. These tips and variations are to inspire you to create a crockpot of peanuts to your liking. You’ll pass by those roadside stands and make peanuts in your home from now on. A southern favorite that seems to bring a smile to all who enjoy them.

Tips:

1. Select Fresh Raw Peanuts.  Look for fresh, unroasted, and unshelled raw peanuts. These will absorb the flavors and seasonings properly during cooking. You will have tender peanuts in no time.

2. Rinse the peanuts to remove any dirt.

3. Add enough salt and seasonings to flavor the peanuts.

 4. Test for doneness by simply tasting them. They should be tender and flavorful but not mushy.

Variations:

1. Spicy Cajun Boiled Peanuts: Add enough cajun spice to give these peanuts tremendous flavor. Add more seasoning and extra jalapenos.

2. Garlic Peanuts: Add fresh garlic and more garlic powder for garlic-infused peanuts.

3. Ranch Dressing Boiled Peanuts: Add a packet of dry ranch seasoning mix to your peanuts. Stir the mixture into the water and let them go. 

4. Hot Peppers: Add various hot peppers to the peanuts. This will certainly give them more heat and kick.

FAQs

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