These Cajun Boiled Peanuts are just like the ones sold at your local country roadside gas station or convenient shop. Boiled peanuts are a traditional Southern snack and delicacy. Raw peanuts are boiled until tender in a rich and flavor-filled broth full of Cajun spice and more. Crack open each shell and slurp on the broth while enjoying the soft peanuts. They're so nostalgic, flavorful, and easy to make!
Recipe by Quin Liburd on July 21, 2023
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT-498481H52M
Total time: PT-498481H52M
Rating
5 stars ( reviews)
Keywords
boiled peanuts, southern boiled peanuts, cajun boiled peanuts, raw peanuts, best boiled peanuts, slow cooker boiled peanuts, instant pot boiled peanuts
Ingredients
2 lbs raw peanuts, in-shell (or green peanuts)- see notes
¼ cup Creole Cajun Seasoning– homemade or store-bought
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
6 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons hickory liquid smoke
1 (12-ounce) bottle/can of beer- optional
3-4 quarts water, or enough to cover peanuts- see notes
Categories
Appetizers & Snacks
Cuisine
Southern
Steps
Place the raw peanuts into a colander and give them a rinse under cool water, I do this at least 2 times. Pick over and discard any random debris you may find.
Place the peanuts into a large stockpot or dutch oven (about 7-8 quarts). Then add the Creole Cajun seasoning, salt, Old Bay seasoning, crushed red pepper, brown sugar, garlic, liquid smoke, and beer (if using). Pour in enough water to cover the peanuts. Then gently stir all ingredients to fully combine. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot- leaving a little vent for steam to escape.
Let the peanuts cook and gently simmer for 7-8 hours, or longer depending on desired texture. Go back to the pot and check the liquid level every hour or so, making sure the peanuts are submerged under the seasoned liquid. If needed, add warm/boiled water to the pot to replenish any liquid evaporation. Boiled peanuts are good and ready when they’re semi-soft on the outside with a little firmness, and the peanuts inside the shell are extra tender. However, it’s up to your desired preference. Give the peanuts a taste test during the cooking process and go from there until they’re nice and right for you.
After cooking, you can enjoy these Cajun boiled peanuts right away, and enjoy your life. Alternatively, let the boiled peanuts cool to room temperature and then transfer them along with the cooking liquid into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The peanuts will have a chance to steep and soak up all of the flavorful broth (much like the pot likker in a batch of collard greens)…yum! When ready, simply reheat on the stovetop and enjoy!
Reviews
Bill on 2024-06-12 (5 stars): Good recipe. I use pickle juice instead of the water.
Antonio Hughes on 2024-09-14 (5 stars): Great recipe!
Teresa Gaston on 2025-04-19 (5 stars): I have made these 3 times now and they are amazing! I used your recipe for the creole seasoning and it is now a staple in my house! I sent some of the peanuts to work with my husband for his coworkers and let's just say, none of it came home! Today I am making them in my Instant Pot!
Mrs. Leacock on 2025-05-31 (5 stars): This recipe was god sent. I was looking for a cajun recipe but your twist is it. I didn’t follow your exact measurements because I had more than 2 lbs of peanuts but these ingredients together are top tier. I soaked the peanuts for about 12 hours, let them cook for 3 hours and they are delicious. I will definitely use this recipe going forward.
Pay on 2026-06-16 (5 stars): Absolutely delicious, reminds me of childhood! Gone have to make some next time I’m hosting, they made my home smell incredible. I used water & a box of bone broth, delicious and a little extra protein ♡ can’t wait to try more recipes, so happy my boiled peanut craving led me here! (reposting this since I realized I don’t leave a rating!)
