These Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Peanuts offer the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The rich honey and brown sugar coat each peanut, while the sriracha sauce and cayenne pepper give them a fiery kick.
The slow cooker makes this snack so simple to prepare—just mix the ingredients, set it, and let the magic happen. Once cooled, the peanuts are crispy, crunchy, and utterly irresistible. These peanuts are great for serving at parties, gifting to friends, or snacking on throughout the week!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups raw peanuts (unsalted)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- In a slow cooker, combine the peanuts, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, olive oil, and salt.
- Stir well to coat the peanuts evenly with the sauce mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking.
- After the cooking time is up, remove the peanuts from the slow cooker and spread them out on a baking sheet to cool completely.
- Once cooled, transfer the peanuts to an airtight container for storage.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal
Servings: 4 servings
Background:
Peanuts have been a beloved snack for centuries, offering a satisfying crunch and versatility that can be enjoyed on their own or incorporated into various dishes. This Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Peanuts recipe takes the humble peanut to the next level by blending the richness of brown sugar, the sweetness of honey, and the heat of sriracha and cayenne pepper. The result? A perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that makes for an irresistible snack. The best part is that this recipe requires minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker, which allows you to set it and forget it while the magic happens.
The recipe’s origin draws inspiration from a variety of sweet-and-spicy snack mixes, which have long been popular in various cultures, particularly as party or game-day snacks. This variation uses peanuts as the main ingredient, elevating them to an addictive treat that can be enjoyed at home, at parties, or as a homemade gift.
Why This Recipe is the Best:
This Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Peanuts recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Simplicity:
Making snacks from scratch can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but this recipe is incredibly simple. You only need a few basic ingredients, and the slow cooker does all the work. It’s the perfect recipe for anyone who is short on time but still wants to enjoy a homemade, flavorful treat. Simply mix the ingredients together, set your slow cooker on low, and let the peanuts cook while you go about your day. - Flavor Profile:
The combination of sweet and spicy in this recipe creates a taste experience that is both satisfying and addictive. The brown sugar and honey create a caramelized coating on the peanuts, while the sriracha sauce and cayenne pepper provide just the right amount of heat. The garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth, giving the peanuts a savory, complex flavor that balances the sweetness and spice. This recipe offers the best of both worlds: a snack that’s both comforting and exciting. - Customizable:
One of the greatest benefits of this recipe is that it can be customized to suit your tastes. If you prefer a milder snack, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and sriracha sauce. If you love heat, you can add more of both to really kick up the spice level. The smoky flavor from paprika can be adjusted to your liking, and you can also experiment with other spices like cumin or chili powder to add your own twist to the recipe. - Convenient:
Peanuts are a convenient snack in themselves, but this recipe makes them even more accessible. The slow cooker allows you to prepare a large batch, making it easy to serve a crowd, pack for a trip, or store for later. Once the peanuts are done, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, ensuring that you always have a tasty and satisfying snack on hand. This makes the recipe perfect for busy individuals or families who need a grab-and-go snack that is easy to make and store. - Healthier Option:
While many store-bought snacks can be loaded with preservatives, artificial flavors, and unhealthy fats, making your own snacks at home allows you to control the ingredients. This recipe uses raw peanuts, which are a great source of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Peanuts are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. While the recipe does include sugar and honey for sweetness, it can easily be adapted for those who are looking to reduce their sugar intake by using natural sweeteners or reducing the amount of sugar. - Perfect for Any Occasion:
This recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a movie night, or need a quick snack for your kids, these sweet and spicy peanuts are perfect. The combination of flavors makes them suitable for a range of occasions, from casual hangouts to more formal events. Plus, they’re an excellent addition to a party snack mix or can be paired with drinks during a happy hour. - Great for Gifting:
Looking for a homemade gift idea? These Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Peanuts make for a fantastic gift! Packaged in a cute jar or tin, they make a thoughtful and delicious gift for family, friends, or colleagues. Customize the gift by adding a personal note or even decorating the jar with ribbons and tags to make it feel extra special. - Cost-Effective:
Pre-packaged snacks can often be expensive, especially when looking for quality snacks with natural ingredients. Making this recipe at home allows you to save money while still enjoying a delicious, flavorful treat. By purchasing raw peanuts in bulk, you can make multiple batches without breaking the bank. This cost-effective recipe ensures that you always have a tasty snack on hand without spending too much.
Health Benefits of Peanuts:
- Rich in Protein:
Peanuts are a great source of plant-based protein, making them an ideal snack for those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, making peanuts a great post-workout snack. - Packed with Nutrients:
Peanuts contain healthy fats, which are important for heart health. They’re also rich in vitamins such as vitamin E, niacin, and folate, as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium. - Helps with Weight Management:
Despite being calorie-dense, peanuts can help with weight management when consumed in moderation. They’re high in protein and fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods, preventing overeating. - Promotes Heart Health:
Peanuts contain monounsaturated fats, which are known to help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The antioxidants found in peanuts, like resveratrol, also contribute to heart health by promoting good blood flow.
Conclusion:
The Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Peanuts recipe offers the perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and crunch, all while being simple to make and highly customizable. Whether you’re looking for an easy snack for yourself or a crowd-pleasing treat for your next gathering, these peanuts are sure to impress. Their versatility, health benefits, and cost-effectiveness make them a must-try for anyone who loves a flavorful snack. Plus, with the convenience of the slow cooker, you’ll have a homemade snack ready with minimal effort.
So, the next time you need a quick and satisfying snack, give this recipe a try! Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have a new favorite snack to enjoy anytime.