If you’re craving a uniquely Southern snack that packs incredible flavor and a fun, hands-on eating experience, you’ve got to try my Southern Boiled Peanuts with Cajun, Lemon Pepper, or Salt and Vinegar Flavors Recipe. These tender, flavorful peanuts are boiled to perfection and soaked up with bold seasonings that will have you hooked fast. Whether you love a spicy kick with Cajun, the bright zing of lemon pepper, or the tangy punch of salt and vinegar, this recipe covers all the bases – and trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Southern Flavor: I’ve captured the real-deal taste of Southern boiled peanuts with a flavorful twist that feels fresh and exciting.
Three Flavor Options: You can easily choose between Cajun spice, tangy lemon pepper, or salt and vinegar to suit your mood or occasion.
Simple Ingredients: Mostly pantry staples, which means you can whip these up anytime you want without hunting for special items.
Perfect Snack Experience: These peanuts are soft and savory with a touch of spice or tanginess that makes snack time fun and satisfying.

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

These ingredients work together beautifully to infuse the peanuts with incredible flavor. A quick tip: When shopping for raw peanuts, look for green, fresh ones rather than dry roasted—they’re the magic behind the soft, boiled texture.

Green raw peanuts: The star of the show—choose fresh green peanuts for that signature soft, buttery texture.
Water: Used for boiling the peanuts until tender.
Old Bay seasoning: Adds a savory, slightly herbal Cajun flair.
Kosher salt: Adjust to taste—essential for flavor balance and, in the salt and vinegar version, key for tangy zing.
Garlic powder: Boosts umami and depth, especially in the Cajun and lemon pepper versions.
Cayenne pepper: For spice, just enough to tickle your palate without overpowering.
Lemon pepper seasoning: Provides a bright, citrusy zing that pairs perfectly with the peanuts’ earthiness.
Apple cider vinegar: The magic ingredient for the salt and vinegar flavor—the acidity tenderizes and flavors the peanuts.

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 how flexible this recipe is, so feel free to customize it! Whether I’m in the mood for extra heat or something lighter, I’ve found simple tweaks that make a big difference. Don’t be shy about experimenting with the seasoning levels until you find your perfect balance.

Cajun Style: I discovered that adding a pinch more cayenne pepper really wakes up the Cajun flavor, but if you’re spice-sensitive, dial it back a bit.
Lemon Pepper: For a fresh twist, sometimes I toss in a little cracked black pepper at the end to deepen the lemon pepper profile.
Salt & Vinegar: Some days I swap apple cider vinegar for malt vinegar, and it adds a sharper tang that my family adores during summer cookouts.
Vegan Variation: This entire recipe is plant-based and naturally vegan, so it’s perfect for everyone at your table.

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

Step 1: Rinse and Prep Your Peanuts

Start by giving your green peanuts a good rinse under cold water—I like to scrub them lightly to remove any dirt or debris. Set them aside while you gather your seasonings to keep everything handy. Pro tip: Rinsing well helps the flavors penetrate during boiling, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Choose Your Flavor and Boil

Now comes the fun part. You’ll boil the peanuts in water combined with your chosen seasoning blend. For Cajun, stir in Old Bay, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper. For lemon pepper, it’s lemon pepper seasoning and kosher salt. For salt and vinegar, mix apple cider vinegar and kosher salt evenly into the water.

Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the peanuts cook for about 2 hours or until perfectly soft—this tenderizes the peanuts and infuses that mouthwatering flavor. During cooking, give them a stir and taste test to adjust salt or seasoning if needed. I usually start tasting after 90 minutes to avoid over-salting.

Step 3: Drain, Cool, and Enjoy

Once the peanuts are tender (you’ll know when one shells easily), drain them thoroughly. I like to let them cool just enough so I can handle them without burning my fingers because part of the charm is cracking open the shells warm and popping those soft peanuts straight into your mouth. It’s such a cozy, satisfying snack that you’ll find hard to stop munching!

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

Use Fresh Green Peanuts: I’ve learned that fresh peanuts give the best texture—avoid dry roasted ones for this recipe.
Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste midway through boiling to tweak salt or spices, so it’s just right.
Don’t Rush the Boil: The magic happens when peanuts soften slowly; rushing with high heat can leave them tough.
Drain Well: I always make sure to drain thoroughly so the snack isn’t soggy, preserving that perfect bite.

How to Serve Southern Boiled Peanuts with Cajun, Lemon Pepper, or Salt and Vinegar Flavors 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 keep it simple—just a sprinkle of extra seasoning on top if I want a bigger flavor pop right before serving. For Cajun, a little fresh chopped parsley adds a nice contrast and freshness. With lemon pepper, a sliver of fresh lemon zest can brighten the experience. Salt and vinegar lovers might enjoy a light dusting of cracked black pepper or even a few chili flakes if you want a spicy surprise.

Side Dishes

These boiled peanuts shine as a snack on their own, but my family also loves them alongside cold, crisp coleslaw or as part of a casual Southern picnic spread with fried chicken and cornbread. They’re fantastic paired with cold beer or iced tea, making them the perfect snack for gatherings or a relaxed weekend at home.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or parties, I like to serve the peanuts in rustic burlap sacks or simple wooden bowls to give a Southern street fair vibe. You can also provide small bowls of each seasoning blend for guests to sprinkle more flavor on their peanuts. It’s interactive and fun—and lets everyone customize their snack just how they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover boiled peanuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just bring them to room temperature or warm slightly before enjoying again for best texture.

Freezing

If you end up with a big batch, freezing works great. I portion the peanuts into freezer bags, squeeze out the air, and freeze. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The texture holds up surprisingly well, which makes freezer storage super convenient.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers by steaming them gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or warming in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. This keeps the peanuts moist and soft instead of drying them out. Avoid high heat or long reheating times to preserve that perfect boiled peanut tender bite.

FAQs

Can I use dried peanuts instead of green raw peanuts?

Dried peanuts won’t give you the same tender, soft texture typical of Southern boiled peanuts. Green raw peanuts are fresh and have higher moisture content, which is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How long should I boil peanuts to get them soft?

Boiling time usually ranges from 2 to 3 hours depending on peanut freshness. Start tasting after 90 minutes and then every 15-30 minutes until the peanuts shell easily and have a soft, tender bite.
What’s the best way to season boiled peanuts?

Season evenly in the boiling water with salt and your preferred spices. Taste testing during cooking allows you to adjust and get that perfect flavor balance without overpowering or being bland.
Can Southern boiled peanuts be made vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan since it features only peanuts, water, and seasonings—all plant-based ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Southern Boiled Peanuts with Cajun, Lemon Pepper, or Salt and Vinegar Flavors Recipe brings a little piece of Southern charm right into my kitchen. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so satisfying to snack on—plus, you get to pick the flavor that suits your mood. Trust me, once you try making your own boiled peanuts, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them at the store. It’s one of those simple pleasures that’s truly worth the time. So grab some peanuts, pick your favorite seasoning, and get boiling—your new favorite snack awaits!