Crock pot boiled peanuts are a Southern classic made simple in the slow cooker [paid link]. This hands-off method creates tender, briny peanuts with deep flavor and the perfect texture.
If you have never made boiled peanuts at home, you will be surprised how easy they are. With just raw peanuts, salt, seasoning, and time, the crock pot does all the work.
This recipe gives you the base method for classic slow cooker [paid link] boiled peanuts, plus an easy Cajun variation if you prefer a little heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- True set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker [paid link] method
- Classic Southern flavor
- Budget-friendly snack for a crowd
- Easy to customize with Cajun or Old Bay seasoning
- Naturally gluten-free
- Great for game day and tailgating
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience
What Is Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts?
Crock pot boiled peanuts are raw, in-shell peanuts simmered slowly in salted water until tender.
Unlike roasted peanuts, boiled peanuts have a soft, bean-like texture and a briny flavor. The slow cooker [paid link] method allows the peanuts to gently absorb seasoning over many hours without constant monitoring.
This base recipe creates traditional Southern boiled peanuts, with optional seasoning variations included below.
Ingredients (& What They Do)
Raw Peanuts (in shells) – The foundation of the recipe. Use raw or green peanuts, never roasted.
Salt – Creates the classic briny flavor boiled peanuts are known for.
Water – Fully submerges the peanuts so they cook evenly and absorb seasoning.
Cajun Seasoning (Optional) – Adds bold spice and heat for a Cajun-style variation.
Old Bay Seasoning (Optional) – A flavorful alternative for a different Southern profile.
How to Make Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts
- Rinse the peanuts
Place raw peanuts in a colander and rinse thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. - Add to slow cooker [paid link]
Transfer peanuts to the crock pot. Add salt. - Cover with water
Pour enough water over the peanuts to fully submerge them by 1–2 inches. - Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 18–24 hours or HIGH for 10–12 hours. - Test for doneness
Remove one peanut and let it cool slightly. The inside should be soft with no crunch. - Adjust seasoning
Taste the cooking liquid. Add more salt if needed and continue cooking briefly to absorb. - Serve warm
Drain and serve, or allow peanuts to rest in the cooking liquid for deeper flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Keep peanuts fully submerged during cooking. Add water as needed.
- Cooking time varies based on peanut size and freshness.
- Let peanuts sit in the brine after cooking for stronger flavor.
- Taste before draining to ensure proper salt level.
Substitutions and Variations
Cajun Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts
Add 2–3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning to the crockpot at the beginning of cooking for bold, spicy flavor.
Old Bay Variation
Add 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning for a milder but savory option.
Spicy Jalapeño
Add sliced fresh jalapeños for a burst of heat.
Extra Salty
Increase the salt slightly and allow the peanuts to rest in the brine before draining.
What Can Go Wrong (and how to fix it)
Peanuts are still hard – Continue cooking. Some batches require the full 24 hours.
Too salty – Add more water and simmer longer to dilute the brine.
Not enough flavor – Let peanuts sit in cooking liquid before draining.
Water level dropped too low – Add hot water to keep peanuts submerged.
What to Serve With Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts
Serve crock pot boiled peanuts as a snack on their own or alongside:
They are ideal for backyard cookouts and game-day spreads.
Storage and Reheating
Store boiled peanuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Freeze in freezer-safe bags with some cooking liquid for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of liquid.
Time-Saving Tips
- Start cooking overnight for next-day serving.
- Use the HIGH setting if short on time.
- Double the batch and freeze portions for later.
How to Repurpose Leftovers
- Shell and toss into salads.
- Add to rice or grain bowls.
- Chop and mix into some cornbread batter.
- Blend into savory peanut spreads.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How long do crock pot boiled peanuts take?
Cook on LOW for 18–24 hours or HIGH for 10–12 hours until tender.
Do you have to soak peanuts first?
No soaking is required. A thorough rinse is sufficient.
Can you use roasted peanuts?
No. Use raw or green peanuts only.
How do you know when boiled peanuts are done?
They should be soft inside the shell with no firm center.
What is the difference between green and raw peanuts?
Green peanuts are freshly harvested and cook faster. Raw peanuts are dried but still uncooked.
Final Thoughts
Crock pot boiled peanuts are simple, traditional, and deeply satisfying. The slow cooker [paid link] method delivers consistent results with very little effort.
Use the base recipe for classic flavor or customize with Cajun seasoning for a bold Southern twist.
Crock Pot Cajun Boiled Peanuts with ham
Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds Green peanuts , in the shell – raw peanuts may be substituted. see recipe notes.
- 1/3 cup Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp Salt season with more or less to taste throughout the cooking process.
- 2 Tbsp Red pepper flakes , more or less to preferred spice level
- 8 cups Water 6-8 cups. Fill until the peanuts start to float off the bottom of the crock.
- 2 – 4 Whole Jalapenos or Habaneros , optional. Canned sliced jalapenos may be used.
- 2 Ham hocks optional
Instructions
For GREEN peanuts – see recipe notes
- Place ham hocks (if using) on the bottom of the 6-qt slow cooker [paid link]. Then add the peanuts, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes. Pour in enough water to cover the peanuts and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 6 to 8 hours or LOW for 12 to 16 hours until peanuts are cooked to your desired softness. Stir occasionally, and test salt level. Add more if you prefer a saltier brine. Add additional water if needed to keep peanuts covered.
- Serve hot or cold.
- Storage: Store cooked peanuts in the refrigerator in zip top bags with brine for up to 7 to 10 days. Freeze peanuts with brine in zip top bags up to 6 months. Allow to defrost and serve warm or cold.
For RAW Peanuts – see recipe notes
- Place ham hocks (if using) on the bottom of the 6-qt slow cooker [paid link]. Then add the peanuts, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes. Pour in enough water to cover the peanuts and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on HIGH 12 to 14 hours or LOW for 24 -26 hours until peanuts are cooked to your desired softness. Stir occasionally, and test salt level. Add more if you prefer a saltier brine. Add additional water if needed to keep peanuts covered.
- Serve hot or cold.
- Storage Suggestions – See recipe notesStore cooked peanuts in the refrigerator in zip top bags with brine for up to 7 to 10 days. Freeze peanuts with brine in zip top bags up to 6 months. Allow to defrost and serve warm or cold.
Notes
Green peanuts vs Raw Peanuts
Raw peanuts are green peanuts that have been dried to remove moisture and can usually be found pre-packaged and shelf-stable almost year-round. Raw peanuts can be used for boiled peanuts but will require more boiling time than green peanuts. Green peanuts, on the other hand, are freshly dug peanuts with very high moisture content. Since the green peanuts have not been dried, they require less boiling time. Green peanuts are highly perishable and should be refrigerated. They are typically only available during the harvest season which varies by region but typically runs from mid-June to November in the southern United States.FAQs
Do Boiled Peanuts need to be refrigerated
Can Boiled Peanuts be Frozen
Can Boiled Peanuts be reheated?
Alternately, reheat peanuts in brine in a small sauce pot over medium low to low heat until the desired temperature is reached.
Nutrition
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Your blog posts are remarkable
Continue your great work!! You are an inspiration
Thank you so much for the wonderful post.
My FAVORITE recipe for cajun boiled peanuts! I reduce the salt to only 1 1/2 – 2 tablespoons per pound, but oh my goodness these turn out amazing! Thank you for the recipe!
Although I had none, my daughter ( right out of Louisiana) swears by throwing in 2 handfuls of garlic cloves
That sounds great! I will have to try it.
I threw a ham hock in with mine and really came out great.