If you’re craving a taste of Southern charm that’s both hearty and addictive, this Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts Recipe is exactly what you need. There’s something magically satisfying about sinking your teeth into these warm, salty peanuts cooked right in their shells, soaking up rich flavors and reaching the perfect tender bite. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering boiled peanuts for the first time, using a crock pot makes the whole process so effortless, giving you time back while filling your home with the kind of cozy aroma that invites friends and family to gather around. This recipe transforms simple raw peanuts into a legendary snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this recipe. Each item plays a vital role, from the bold saltiness that flavors every peanut to the vegetable oil that adds a subtle richness and helps achieve that perfect texture while cooking.
- 2 lbs raw peanuts in the shell: The star of the dish, fresh and untreated, for the authentic boiled peanut experience.
- 15 cups warm water: Essential for soaking and cooking the peanuts evenly, ensuring they soften thoroughly.
- 1 cup salt: This generous amount guarantees every peanut is perfectly seasoned, delivering that signature savory punch.
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil: Adds a smooth finish to the cooking liquid and enhances the peanuts’ texture.
How to Make Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanuts
Start by rinsing your raw peanuts under cold water to wash away any dirt or debris. This simple rinse is important because it ensures the cooking liquid stays clean and flavorful as your peanuts absorb the seasoning throughout the long cook time. Once rinsed, discard the dirty water and transfer the peanuts to your crock pot.
Step 2: Mix Your Cooking Liquid
In a large bowl, combine the warm water with the cup of salt and tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved – this salty, slightly oily mix is the magic bath that transforms the peanuts during cooking. Pour this mixture evenly over the peanuts in the crock pot, making sure they’re fully submerged for the best results.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Peanuts
Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to high. The peanuts require a long, slow simmer for about 20 hours. This patient cook time lets the peanuts soften inside their shells and soak up the rich seasoning deeply. If your crock pot lid doesn’t seal tightly, it’s a good idea to check about halfway through to add more water if needed, keeping the peanuts covered and tender.
Step 4: Final Steps and Serving
After the full cooking time, carefully drain the peanuts from the salty water. They should be tender and bursting with flavor, ready to enjoy right out of the shell. This simple finishing step makes sure you’re left with perfectly boiled peanuts every time.
How to Serve Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts Recipe
Garnishes
While these boiled peanuts are delicious as is, you can elevate them with small touches. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a kick, or a dash of smoked paprika lends a subtle smoky warmth. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley can brighten things up when sprinkled on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Boiled peanuts are a fantastic snack that pairs well with casual Southern eats. Serve them alongside cold beer and pickles for a perfect game-day spread. They also complement barbecue dishes, cornbread, or a fresh, tangy coleslaw, creating a wonderfully balanced plate of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts Recipe the centerpiece of a snack board featuring other Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, or pimento cheese. For a rustic touch, serve the peanuts in a cast iron skillet or wooden bowl, inviting everyone to crack open shells, share stories, and savor the moment together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Keeping them in their cooking liquid helps maintain moisture and flavor, so consider saving a bit of the brine as well.
Freezing
Boiled peanuts freeze wonderfully when stored properly. Transfer cooled peanuts along with some of the cooking liquid into a freezer-safe bag or container, then freeze for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy your Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts Recipe anytime you want without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To enjoy your peanuts after storage, simply reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or leftover cooking liquid to keep them moist and tender. Heating slowly preserves their soft texture and brings back that irresistible warm saltiness.
FAQs
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?
Raw peanuts in the shell are essential for this recipe because roasting alters their texture and makes them too hard to soften properly when boiled. Stick with raw for that classic boiled peanut taste and texture.
How salty will these peanuts be with 1 cup of salt?
The amount of salt used is traditional and necessary to infuse the peanuts with the right savory punch. If you’re sensitive to salt, you can reduce it slightly, but this might affect the authentic flavor you expect from boiled peanuts.
Is there a way to speed up the cooking time?
Unfortunately, the long cooking time is what helps the peanuts become tender and flavorful. You could try cooking on low for a longer time or on high for roughly 20 hours as instructed, but shorter times won’t achieve the same result.
Can I add spices or flavorings to this Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts Recipe?
Absolutely! Some love adding Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, or hot sauce to give the peanuts a unique twist. Just add these flavor enhancers to the cooking liquid at the start for the best infusion.
How do I know when the peanuts are done?
The peanuts are ready when the shells are soft and the peanuts inside feel tender when squeezed. If they’re still tough, simply continue cooking and check every couple of hours until they reach your desired softness.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts Recipe truly brings a piece of Southern hospitality into your kitchen with ease and flavor that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them as your own secret snack stash, you’ll love how simple ingredients can come together to create something so comforting and delicious. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with boiled peanuts all over again!
Print
Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 hours
- Total Time: 20 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern United States
Description
This Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts recipe offers a deliciously salty and tender snack made by slow cooking raw peanuts in a salted water brine. Easy to prepare and perfect for serving at gatherings or as a flavorful treat to enjoy any time.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 lbs raw peanuts in the shell
- 15 cups warm water
- 1 cup salt
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Rinse Peanuts: Rinse the raw peanuts thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Discard the rinse water and transfer the cleaned peanuts to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Prepare Brine: In a large mixing bowl, combine 15 cups of warm water with 1 cup of salt and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir well until the salt dissolves completely to create the brine.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared brine over the peanuts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on high for 20 hours.
- Monitor Water Level: If the slow cooker lid does not fit tightly, check the peanuts about halfway through the cooking time. Add more water if necessary to keep peanuts covered to prevent drying out.
- Drain and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, drain the peanuts from the brine and serve them warm or at room temperature as a flavorful snack.
Notes
- Use raw peanuts in the shell for authentic taste and texture.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on slow cooker temperature variations.
- Add more water during cooking if the peanuts are not fully submerged to ensure even softening.
- Boiled peanuts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust salt quantity according to your taste preference for saltiness.
