Name: Cajun Boiled Peanuts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 485 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds raw peanuts ( in their shells); 4 quarts water (plus additional for rinsing the peanuts); ¼ cup salt; ¼ cup Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning (adjust to taste)); 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder

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These Cajun Boiled Peanuts are the perfect salty, savory, totally addictive snack. Raw peanuts are simmered for hours in a flavorful mixture of water and cajun seasoning to create an irresistibly soft texture and mouth watering flavor.

Easy Recipe for Boiled Peanuts

Don’t wait for the next game day or long road trip to indulge in this salty snack. These Cajun Boiled Peanuts are your favorite stadium snack made right in your own kitchen.

This recipe requires next to no hands-on time…just rinse, season, boil, and dig in! These peanuts are perfect for snacking, for sharing at your kid’s little league game, or for your next summer BBQ.

How to Make Boiled Peanuts

While the actual cooking process takes some time, the hands-on time needed for this recipe is super minimal! Just 5 minutes needed!

Scroll to the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and full instructions.

Add the peanuts to a large stockpot, then cover with water. Use your hands to mix and loosen any dirt or debris from the peanuts. Drain and repeat the process.
In the same stockpot, combine fresh water with the peanuts along with the seasonings you’re using. Stir to combine, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover.

Simmer the mixture for 6-8 hours or until the peanuts are tender, then drain the water and serve.

Tips and Notes

Use a big pot. It should be big enough that it can hold the peanuts and all of the water.
Make sure the peanuts are covered. Add enough water to the pot so that the peanuts are completely submerged. This is key to making sure they cook evenly.
You may need to add more warm water as the peanuts simmer if the water level starts to go down. Just check every once in a while to make sure.
Stir every 30 minutes. This redistributes the peanuts and helps them cook evenly.
Don’t be alarmed when the peanuts sink to the bottom. As they get more and more saturated with the liquid, they will start to sink to the bottom of the pot. This is normal.
Customize! I love the cajun seasoning or creole seasoning, but you could also use old bay, lemon pepper, blackened seasoning, or just plain salt.
If you use seasoning that doesn’t have salt in it, add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of kosher salt for flavor.
Prefer to use raw green peanuts? Those can be used as well! They will only need about 2-3 hours to cook, but are perishable before boiling. Be sure you’re following their specific storage instructions.

Serving Suggestions

I love to enjoy a salty and sweet snack by enjoying a generous helping of these alongside a strawberry soda or blueberry soda.

They’re also a great addition to a baseball snack board or as part of a larger snack spread for your next party! Here are a few other snack ideas you’ll love:

Top down view of a bowl of cajun peanuts.

Storage

Refrigerator: I love these homemade boiled peanuts fresh and hot, but any leftovers will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. They can be stored in the cooking liquid or drained, then stored.

Freezer: Drained boiled peanuts can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge.

Reheating: Boiled peanuts can be served cold, at room temperature, or they can be warmed up before serving. To reheat, warm in the microwave until heated through. If you’re storing the peanuts in the cooking liquid, heat them on the stove by bringing the mixture to a simmer until warmed through.

Nope! Soaking the peanuts before boiling can cut down on the cooking time, but it isn’t necessary. I prefer to just follow the recipe as-is and skip the extra step.

We love to eat boiled peanuts just after they’ve finished cooking while they’re still warm. However, they’re good either way, warm or cold.

Yes, most definitely. If peanuts cook too long, however, they can become extremely soft and mushy.

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