27 Sweet And Savory Recipes Using Just A Bag Of Pecans

December is here, and with it comes all the baking, gifting, and eating that make the season feel so festive. Pecans are the MVP of holiday kitchens, bringing their buttery crunch to everything from cookies and pies to salads and stuffing. Whether you’re decking the halls with tins of treats or prepping crowd-pleasers for family gatherings, pecans are a perfect fit for the season. They add that something special to both sweet and savory dishes, making them a must-have for all your holiday cooking. Grab that bag of pecans and get ready to bake, roast, and toast your way through December with these recipes that are as versatile as they are perfect for the season.

Cinnamon Sugar Banana Pecan Bread

This banana bread gets a boost from chopped pecans and a cinnamon sugar topping. Moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or as a snack, it’s a great way to use ripe bananas and extra pecans in one recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Banana Pecan Bread

Pecan Crusted Chicken

This crispy chicken recipe uses a pecan crust for added crunch and flavor. Serve it with a honey mustard sauce for a quick dinner that’s great for weeknights or casual entertaining. Pecans make the crust a standout feature that’s both easy and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Chocolate Pecan Tart

This tart combines the richness of a brownie with the nutty crunch of pecans in a flaky crust. Perfect for holidays, it’s a dessert that feels special without being difficult to make.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Tart

Roasted Almond Pecan Butter

This nut butter blends roasted almonds and pecans for a smooth, spreadable treat. Great for toast, oatmeal, or straight from the spoon, it’s a versatile way to enjoy pecans any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Almond Pecan Butter

Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Spiralized beets and parsnips meet toasted pecans, dried cranberries, blue cheese, and balsamic vinegar for a salad that screams winter. It’s a great way to use seasonal produce and pecans for a dish that’s hearty enough to stand on its own or serve as a side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Sheet Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes & Pecans

This easy one-pan dinner combines juicy chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and caramelized pecans for a meal that’s as simple as it is flavorful. Toss it all on a sheet pan, pop it in the oven, and you’ve got a fuss-free dinner ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes & Pecans

Pecan Cobbler

This cobbler layers a buttery crust with sweet pecan filling for a dessert that’s comforting and easy to make. A great option for family dinners or potlucks, it’s all the best parts of pecan pie in a scoopable form.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Cobbler

Cranberry Pecan Spiced Skillet Granola

This stovetop granola brings together crunchy pecans, tart cranberries, and a blend of warm spices for a snack or breakfast that’s quick and easy. Made right in a skillet, it’s great for snacking on its own or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. Perfect for using up a bag of pecans and adding some festive flavor to your day.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Spiced Skillet Granola

Christmas Caramel Pecan Turtles

These caramel pecan turtles combine gooey caramel, toasted pecans, and smooth chocolate for a holiday classic that never disappoints. Easy to make and endlessly giftable, they’re great for adding to cookie platters or as a crowd-pleaser during Christmas celebrations. They’re a timeless way to show off the flavor of pecans.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Caramel Pecan Turtles

Pecan Bars

Pecan Bars deliver the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie in an easy-to-eat format. The buttery shortbread crust holds up the gooey pecan topping for a handheld dessert that’s great for potlucks or family gatherings. These bars make a perfect addition to any holiday spread without the extra work of a full pie.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Bars

Maple-Bourbon Pecan Pie Puffs

These puffs are a lighter, bite-sized take on pecan pie, with the flavors of maple syrup, bourbon, and buttery pecans tucked into flaky pastry. They’re easy to prepare and serve, making them perfect for holiday dinners or parties when a full dessert feels like too much. Pair with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
Get the Recipe: Maple-Bourbon Pecan Pie Puffs

Pecan Pumpkin Pie Cobbler with Spice Cake Mix

This cobbler layers a creamy pumpkin filling and crunchy pecans under a spiced cake topping, all baked into one easy dessert. It’s a quick go-to for fall parties or weeknight treats, using simple ingredients and packing in the flavors of the season. It’s also a great way to finish up that bag of pecans.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pumpkin Pie Cobbler with Spice Cake Mix

Sweet Potato Pie With Pecan Topping

This pie combines a creamy, spiced sweet potato base with a crunchy pecan topping, all sitting on a buttery, flaky crust. The pecans add texture and flavor, making this dessert stand out at any holiday table. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, this pie is a great way to showcase pecans while keeping things festive and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie With Pecan Topping

Pecan Pie Tart

This tart delivers everything you love about pecan pie in a sleeker, more elegant format. The buttery pecan tart crust holds a rich, nutty filling that’s great for dinner parties or special occasions. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for showing off pecans in a holiday dessert with a touch of sophistication.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Tart

Pecan Sticky Buns

These sticky buns feature a gooey maple pecan topping over soft brioche dough, making them a great make-ahead option for holiday mornings. Prep the dough the night before, and enjoy fresh, fragrant buns right out of the oven. Perfect for Christmas brunch or any special breakfast where you want pecans to shine.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Sticky Buns

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

These chewy cookies combine rich chocolate chips and crunchy pecans in a simple one-bowl recipe. They’re perfect for holiday baking, bake sales, or everyday treats. The pecans add a nutty depth of flavor that makes these cookies stand out from the usual chocolate chip batch.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Pumpkin Pecan Bars

These bars layer a creamy pumpkin filling with a sweet pecan topping on an easy-to-make crust. Combining the best of pumpkin pie and pecan pie, they’re a great dessert for fall gatherings or anytime you want a dessert that feels festive but doesn’t take hours to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Bars

Chocolate Pecan Pie

This pie is a rich blend of chocolate and pecans baked into a flaky crust. It’s a great choice for holiday desserts, offering a decadent twist on the classic pecan pie. Perfect for sharing with family or indulging in a little extra holiday cheer.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Pie

Pecan Blueberry Scones

These scones mix fresh blueberries with nutty pecans for a breakfast treat that’s flavorful and not overly sweet. The pecans add crunch, making them a great choice for brunch or a lazy weekend morning. For an extra treat, drizzle with glaze or enjoy as is with coffee.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Blueberry Scones

Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans

These cookies take the classic chocolate chip recipe up a notch with the addition of chopped pecans and pecan flour. The result is a nutty, flavorful cookie that’s great for holiday baking or just enjoying with a glass of milk. Perfect for putting pecans front and center in a dessert everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans

Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Maple Candied Pecans

This salad balances sweet and savory with crisp pears, tangy gorgonzola, and crunchy maple candied pecans. It’s a great side dish for holiday dinners or a light lunch that still feels special. The pecans add texture and a touch of sweetness that ties everything together.
Get the Recipe: Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Maple Candied Pecans

Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

These bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a gooey pecan pie filling and a hint of bourbon. They’re easy to cut and serve, making them great for holiday parties. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

Sweet Potatoes with Candied Maple Pecans

This dish combines soft roasted sweet potatoes with a crunchy, streusel-like topping made from candied maple pecans. It’s a step up from the classic sweet potato casserole, adding flavor and texture while still feeling familiar. A great addition to any holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes with Candied Maple Pecans

Pecan Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies blend brown sugar, molasses, and chopped pecans for a rich, nutty flavor in every bite. They’re a great recipe for holiday cookie swaps or just keeping around for snacks. Easy to make and melt-in-your-mouth good.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Sugar Cookies

Bacon & Pecan Stuffing

This stuffing pairs tangy sourdough bread with the crunch of pecans and smoky bacon for a flavorful side dish. It’s a great upgrade from the usual boxed mix and perfect for rounding out any holiday meal. Easy to prep and bake, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Bacon & Pecan Stuffing

Pecan French Toast Casserole

This casserole layers thick bread with a rich custard and a pecan topping for a breakfast dish that’s great for feeding a crowd. Prep it the night before, and bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free holiday brunch centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Pecan French Toast Casserole

Candied Pecans

These sweet, crunchy candied pecans are easy to make and perfect for snacking or using as a topping for salads, desserts, or even roasted veggies. A simple way to use up a bag of pecans and keep some on hand for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Candied Pecans