Name: Southern Boiled Peanuts Recipe with Cajun, Lemon Pepper, or Salt and Vinegar Flavoring Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern United States
Ingredients: 1 lb green raw peanuts; 4 cups water; 2 Tablespoons Old Bay seasoning; 2 Tablespoons kosher salt (or to taste); 2 teaspoons garlic powder; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 3 Tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning; 2 Tablespoons kosher salt (or to taste); ¼ cup kosher salt; 2.5 cups apple cider vinegar

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s comfortingly salty, a little spicy, and just downright addictive, you’re going to want to try this Southern Boiled Peanuts Recipe with Cajun, Lemon Pepper, or Salt and Vinegar Flavoring Recipe. Whether you’re reminiscing about summer road trips down South or craving a unique twist on peanuts, this recipe hits all the right notes. I absolutely love how each flavor packs its own punch, giving you options to switch things up without reinventing the wheel. Trust me, once you make these, your snack game will never be the same!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Southern Snack: You’ll get that true Southern boiled peanut flavor that feels like a warm hug from the South.
Versatile Flavor Choices: Choose between Cajun, lemon pepper, or tangy salt and vinegar to satisfy different cravings.
Simple Ingredients: No complicated prep or rare spices — just what you likely have in your pantry or can easily find.
Perfect for Snacking or Parties: These boil-ups are great on their own or as a unique appetizer when guests come over.

A close-up of a woman's hand holding an open peanut shell with two light beige peanuts inside, showing smooth texture, in front of a white pot filled with many whole peanuts in brown liquid. The white pot has brown stains near the rim, with a slightly worn look, placed on a white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred to keep focus on the woman's hand and the peanut shell photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of boiled peanuts comes from fresh green peanuts soaking up bold seasonings during a gentle boil. You’ll find these ingredients blend beautifully to create the rich, flavorful snack that Southern food fans swear by.

Green Raw Peanuts: Freshness is key here—the green peanuts are softer and soak flavors way better than dried ones.
Water: The boiling base that cooks the peanuts and carries the seasoning into their shells and down to the nut inside.
Old Bay Seasoning: Brings that classic Cajun-style zip easily, so don’t skip it if you want that punch.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the water just right—balances the peanuts’ natural sweetness.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Cayenne Pepper: Just enough heat to wake up your taste buds in the Cajun mix.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Bright and tangy with a peppery finish, perfect for a lighter, citrus twist.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Used in the salt and vinegar variation to give that classic tangy crunch sensation.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love switching up these flavors depending on the mood or occasion. Feel free to experiment with what spices you already love—we’re just using these seasonings as a base because they work so well with boiled peanuts. Your snack, your rules, right?

Cajun Variation: I discovered this trick when I added just a pinch of extra cayenne for some zing, and my family goes crazy for the slight spice kick.
Lemon Pepper Variation: The citrus brightness really cuts through the saltiness, perfect for hot summer afternoons when you want something refreshing but salty.
Salt and Vinegar Variation: Adding apple cider vinegar gives a tart tang that wakes up your taste buds—it’s like eating a crunchy chip but softer and heartier.
Herb-Infused: Try tossing in fresh rosemary or thyme for a unique herbaceous twist; a little unusual but surprisingly delicious.

How to Make Southern Boiled Peanuts Recipe with Cajun, Lemon Pepper, or Salt and Vinegar Flavoring Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Peanuts for Maximum Flavor

Start by rinsing your green raw peanuts thoroughly under cool running water. This step is crucial to get rid of any dirt or dust from the harvest. I usually soak mine for an hour or so just to let the shells soften up a little before boiling—trust me, it helps the flavors absorb better.

Step 2: Choose Your Flavor and Season the Water

This is the fun part where you personalize your batch! For the Cajun flavor, combine old bay seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in your water. For lemon pepper, just lemon pepper seasoning and kosher salt do the trick. For the salt and vinegar, add a good amount of apple cider vinegar and kosher salt. The salty, spicy, or tangy water will infuse the peanuts as they boil—so don’t skimp here.

Step 3: The Boiling Magic

Add your rinsed peanuts to the seasoned water and bring it to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer and cover the pot. You’ll want to cook these gently for about 2 hours, but keep an eye on them—if the water level gets low, add more hot water so your peanuts stay submerged. When done, the peanuts should be soft and tender inside but not mushy. I like to test by cracking one open—it’s a quick way to check doneness.

Step 4: Drain and Enjoy (or Cool for Later)

Once your peanuts are perfectly cooked, drain them well. You can snack on them warm — that’s how I usually do it — or wait until they cool to room temperature. Either way, these guys are a fantastic treat to have on hand during movie nights, backyard gatherings, or just when you want a Southern-inspired snack.

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Pro Tips for Making Southern Boiled Peanuts Recipe with Cajun, Lemon Pepper, or Salt and Vinegar Flavoring Recipe

Test for Doneness Often: Keep checking the texture after the first hour — peanuts can go from perfectly tender to mushy if left too long.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Don’t be afraid to tweak the salt or vinegar levels during cooking based on your flavor preference.
Use a Heavy Pot with a Lid: This helps heat distribute evenly and keeps the water from evaporating too quickly.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pot: Give your peanuts enough space to cook uniformly — I do mine in batches if I’m making a lot.

How to Serve Southern Boiled Peanuts Recipe with Cajun, Lemon Pepper, or Salt and Vinegar Flavoring Recipe

Three clear plastic containers filled with boiled peanuts sit side by side on a white marbled surface in front of a wall with white tiles. Each container is filled with two layers: a brownish, slightly wet layer of liquid at the bottom, and a layer of light to dark tan boiled peanuts on top. The peanuts in the left container are labeled

Garnishes

I usually skip fancy garnishes here because the peanuts themselves carry a bold flavor, but if you want, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on lemon pepper peanuts adds a lovely fresh note.

Side Dishes

Southern boiled peanuts pair wonderfully with cold drinks like iced tea or beer. They also make a fun snack alongside classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, corn on the cob, or even a light picnic spread with cold cuts and pickles.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like serving boiled peanuts in small bowls lined with paper towels or cheesecloth to catch drips. You can also place little bowls of complementary dipping sauces nearby—like spicy aioli for the Cajun version or a honey-mustard dip for salt and vinegar peanuts—to surprise and delight guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, store boiled peanuts in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found they keep well for up to 5 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making the snack even better the next day!

Freezing

If you want to save boiled peanuts long-term, freezing works great. Just portion them into freezer bags, squeeze out excess air, and freeze. When you’re ready, thaw and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers by placing the peanuts back into simmering water for about 10-15 minutes or microwaving them with a damp paper towel covering to keep the shells moist. This brings back that fresh-from-the-pot softness and flavor instantly.

FAQs

Can I use dried peanuts instead of green raw peanuts for this Southern boiled peanuts recipe with Cajun, lemon pepper, or salt and vinegar flavoring recipe?

Great question! I’ve tried using dried peanuts before, but they never quite get as soft or flavorful as green raw peanuts. The green peanuts have higher moisture content and absorb the seasonings much better when boiled. If you only find dried peanuts, you might need to boil them longer—sometimes 4 to 6 hours—but the texture will be different from the classic boiled peanut experience.
How do I know when the boiled peanuts are done?

The best way is to taste test! Crack open a peanut shell and check if the peanut inside is soft and creamy, not crunchy. The shells themselves should give easily when squeezed between your fingers. Cooking time can vary depending on peanut size and freshness, so start checking after about 1.5 hours.
Can I make this Southern boiled peanuts recipe with Cajun, lemon pepper, or salt and vinegar flavoring recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! Both appliances work well. For a slow cooker, cook low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours until peanuts are tender. An Instant Pot can speed things up—pressure cook for about 1 hour and use natural release. Adjust seasonings accordingly, and be sure to add enough water to cover the peanuts completely.
How spicy is the Cajun version in this recipe?

The Cajun flavor has a mild-to-medium heat level, thanks to the cayenne and Old Bay seasoning. It’s spicy enough to be flavorful but generally not overwhelming. You can easily increase or decrease the cayenne to suit your heat tolerance—start small and add more later if you want that extra kick!

Final Thoughts

I used to struggle with finding Southern boiled peanuts outside the South, but now I make them at home whenever nostalgia hits. This Southern Boiled Peanuts Recipe with Cajun, Lemon Pepper, or Salt and Vinegar Flavoring Recipe is my go-to because it’s customizable, comforting, and surprisingly simple. I’m sharing it with you because I know you’ll love that rich flavor and the satisfying chew. Whether you’re making a batch for yourself or gathering friends for a Southern-style snack party, this recipe is sure to bring smiles around the kitchen table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite snack!