Southern-Style Boiled Peanuts with Cajun Seasoning

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-10 · Updated 2026-07-10

A classic Southern snack of boiled peanuts infused with smoky Cajun spices, perfect for casual gatherings. This Southern-inspired recipe, ready in about 250 minutes, turns raw green peanuts in shell, water, kosher salt into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs raw green peanuts in shell
• 8 cups water
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 2 lbs raw green peanuts thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt.
2. Step 2: In a large pot, combine 8 cups water, 1/4 cup kosher salt, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 4 smashed garlic cloves, and 2 bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Step 3: Add the peanuts to the boiling seasoned water. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until peanuts are soft and flavorful.
4. Step 4: Taste test a peanut every 30 minutes after the 3-hour mark to ensure softness. Once done, drain and serve warm or at room temperature.