How to Make Boiled Peanuts in the Crock Pot with either green peanuts or raw peanuts! This easy Crock Pot Cajun Boiled Peanuts Recipe is spicy and flavorful. Your family will LOVE the addition of the smoked ham to these Cajun Southern boiled peanuts!
2.5poundsGreen peanuts, in the shell - raw peanuts may be substituted. see recipe notes.
1/3cupCajun seasoning
1tablespoonGarlic powder
2TbspSaltseason with more or less to taste throughout the cooking process.
2TbspRed pepper flakes, more or less to preferred spice level
8cupsWater 6-8 cups. Fill until the peanuts start to float off the bottom of the crock.
2 - 4Whole Jalapenos or Habaneros, optional. Canned sliced jalapenos may be used.
2Ham hocksoptional
Instructions
For GREEN peanuts - see recipe notes
Place ham hocks (if using) on the bottom of the 6-qt slow cooker. 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. 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
Yes. According to the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA), all perishable foods, including boiled peanuts are not safe to eat after sitting at room temperature overnight. This rule holds true whether your boiled peanuts have meat in them or not.
Can Boiled Peanuts be Frozen
Yes. Freeze them in zip-top bags with a little of the cooking brine for up to 6 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight. Serve warm or cold.
Can Boiled Peanuts be reheated?
Yes. Reheat boiled peanuts in the microwave using 50% power in small 30-second time increments until the desired temperature is reached. Be careful of reheating too hot as steam burns can result from opening the wet shells with your hands or in your mouth. Alternately, reheat peanuts in brine in a small sauce pot over medium low to low heat until the desired temperature is reached.