Easy Copycat Planters Heat Peanuts Recipe
You guys. I’m obsessed. Seriously. If you’re a spicy-salty-crunchy snack fiend like me, you NEED these Easy Copycat Planters Heat Peanuts Recipe in your life. They’re like the grown-up, gourmet version of those gas station peanuts, but, like, a million times better. Plus, you know exactly what’s going in them, which is a win in my book.
So, the story with these… My husband, Mark, is a total nut addict (pun intended!). He’s always grabbing those little Planters Heat peanuts at the store. But man, those tiny cans are expensive! So, I was like, “I bet I can figure this out.” And, BAM! After a couple of tries (okay, maybe three or four where I almost set the oven on fire), I nailed it. Now, Mark is convinced I’m some kind of kitchen wizard. The kids even sneak them! I have to hide a jar just for myself now… no shame. These babies disappear FAST.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Copycat Planters Heat Peanuts Recipe
- They’re seriously addictive. Like, “hide them from yourself” addictive.
- You get to control the heat! Want to breathe fire? Go for it! Prefer a gentle warmth? Easy peasy.
- Way cheaper than buying those little cans at the store. Hello, savings!
- They make you feel like a snack-making genius. Because, let’s be honest, you ARE a genius!
- They’re the perfect excuse to lick your fingers. Just sayin’.
How to Make It
Okay, so first things first, crank up your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a big ol’ bowl and toss in your raw peanuts. Make sure they’re raw, okay? Roasted ones won’t work the same.
Now, in a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together all that magical sauce stuff: the cayenne pepper (this is where the HEAT comes from, so add it slowly, unless you’re a pyro!), smoked paprika (because smoky is just BETTER), garlic powder (obvi), onion powder (yep, that too), brown sugar (for that sweet-spicy thing), salt (duh), and a little olive oil to help everything stick.
Pour that saucy goodness over the peanuts and mix it all up real good, making sure every single peanut is coated. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! I mean, you’re gonna lick ’em later anyway, right?
Spread the peanuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. If they’re piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of roast. And nobody wants steamed peanuts.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes from me every week. Yes please!
Pop that baking sheet into the oven for about 20-25 minutes, but LISTEN UP: you gotta stir them halfway through. Otherwise, some will burn and some will be sad and pale. Keep an eye on them; ovens are weird, and yours might be hotter or colder than mine. You want them to be a nice, golden-brown color.
When they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They’ll crisp up as they cool. And try not to eat them all in one sitting. I dare you.
Ingredient Notes
- Raw Peanuts: You need the raw ones, not the roasted kind. Trust me on this. Roasted ones will just burn. I learned that the hard way.
- Cayenne Pepper: This is the heat! Start with a little, taste, and add more if you’re feeling brave. My husband likes his nuclear, I prefer a gentle warmth. Adjust to your liking.
- Smoked Paprika: Don’t skip this! It adds a smoky depth that’s just amazing. Regular paprika will work in a pinch, but it’s not the same.
- Brown Sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice. I’ve used regular sugar before when I was out, and it was fine, but brown sugar is better.
- Olive Oil: Just enough to help the spices stick. You could probably use another oil if you’re out of olive oil, but I haven’t tried it, so don’t blame me if it goes wrong!
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Pour spice mixture over peanuts and toss to coat evenly.
- Spread peanuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Cool completely on the baking sheet.
What to Serve It With
These are amazing on their own, obviously. But they’re also great:
- With a cold beer. The perfect pairing!
- As a topping for salads for a little kick.
- Sprinkled on ice cream… okay, maybe I’m the only one who does that, but don’t knock it ’til you try it!
- As a road trip snack. Way better than gas station junk food.
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Seriously, single layer only.
- Watch them closely in the oven! They can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of minutes.
- Let them cool completely before storing them. Otherwise, they’ll get soggy.
- If you accidentally add too much cayenne pepper, a little extra brown sugar can help balance it out. I’ve been there.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices! Add a little cumin, chili powder, or even a pinch of cinnamon.
Storage Tips
Store these bad boys in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last for a couple of weeks… if you don’t eat them all first. And okay, sometimes I eat them cold, straight from the fridge, for breakfast. Don’t judge me. They’re just that good.
Variations and Substitutions
- Honey instead of Brown Sugar: Works great! Gives them a slightly different flavor, but still delicious.
- Different Nuts: I’ve tried this with almonds and cashews, and it works, but peanuts are definitely the best.
- Less Heat: If you’re not into super spicy, just cut back on the cayenne pepper. You can even leave it out entirely if you’re a total wimp (kidding… mostly!).
- Skipped the Onion Powder: Once, because I thought I had some and didn’t. Honestly, not a huge difference. No need to panic if you’re in the same boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Remember it later
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Copycat Planters Heat Peanuts Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups raw peanuts shelled and unsalted
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika smoked, if preferred
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine peanuts, vegetable oil, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the peanuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until peanuts are golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
