Homemade Roasted Corn Kernel Nuts that taste just like Corn Nuts you buy in the store! This healthy snack is easy to make and only uses 4 ingredients! Bake them in the oven for 30 minutes for a crunchy snack!
Crunchy Corn Nuts Recipe
Roasted Corn Kernel Nuts are popular in our house. When we first started buying them months ago a bag would be gobbled away in 2-3 days tops. The thing I didn’t really like about them was the price and some of the additional ingredients on the bag.
A small bag of roasted kernels from the grocery store runs us about 4 bucks and that is easily 1.5 serving (even if the bag says 4 servings, it’s just not happening), that is way too expensive in my opinion. So now I’m going to show you how to make corn nuts!
Here’s why we love making homemade corn nuts.
- Easy. Besides soaking the corn overnight, these are quick and easy to make.
- Cheap. A 16 oz bag of corn runs about $2.50 in the store, other ingredients like seasonings I always have on hand.
- As healthy as possible. Instead of vegetable oil, I use coconut oil. Coconut oil is starting to become a favorite in so many ways I cook and bake.
I actually like these corn nuts better than the packaged kind because they aren’t so hard on my teeth. Also I like the simple seasoning of salt and sugar.
Looking for more crunchy snacks? Try my Kale Chips, Baked Apple Chips, Roasted Soybeans and Roasted Pumpkin Seeds too!
How to Make Corn Nuts
The challenge was to find the right kind of corn for this. Popcorn kernels were way too tiny, but I found Goya brand Giant White Corn which works perfect for this recipe!
Soak the corn overnight, around 12 hours. Rinse and drain and you’re ready to go.
Place in a bowl and add salt and sugar.
Pour in coconut oil. You can use vegetable oil or sunflower oil if you’d like here instead.
Place them on a baking sheet. I like to put down a piece of parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Now bake and keep an eye on them. Stir them around every 10 minutes. I repeat, keep an eye on them. The corn burns quick so when it’s turning brown it will be done soon!
Mine took closer to the 40 minute mark to be done, but I would start to really monitor it at 20 minutes depending on oven and corn variety.
And when it’s done, you will have beautiful roasted corn kernel nuts! Grab a bowl and enjoy your crunchy corn nuts!
Other Seasonings
Feel free to play around with other seasonings. For sweet, you could add cinnamon and make cinnamon sugar corn nuts. Or if you’re looking for savory, try adding cumin or garlic powder. I made a batch with everything bagel seasoning and they were delicious!
How to Store
Store in a mason jar, airtight container or sealed bag. This recipe fills up about 1 and a half mason jars (32 oz size), so it’s a good amount to snack on.
Pin for later:
Roasted Corn Nuts
PrintIngredients
- 14 ounce bag Giant White Corn also labeled as Maiz Mote Pelado
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
Instructions
- Soak the giant white corn overnight, for approximately 12-14 hours. Rinse and drain.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Toss corn with oil, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
- Place corn in single layer on a nonstick baking sheet. You can put parchment paper down first if you'd like to make it a easier cleanup.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until slightly browned. Every 10 minutes stir corn on the baking sheet. Keep a eye on them and remove immediately when they are brown as they can burn quickly.
- Let cool and enjoy! Store in mason jar or sealed bag.
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
I’ve never had these before! Although as a big fan of corn, I can definitely take it in snackable form. Can’t wait to give it a whirl!
Pamela says
Let me know how you like it Kim! 🙂
Joanne says
I’m going to have to keep an eye out for this giant white corn because these sound like the perfect snack! Salty crunchy delicious.
Pamela says
They are addictive Joanne, enjoy! 🙂
Ashley says
I’ve never had corn nuts before … I feel like I’m missing out! haha My husband talks about them sometimes since he likes them for a snack (I guess he had them when he was younger a lot). I’ll have to make these for him!
Pamela says
I hope you both enjoy these corn kernel nuts! 🙂
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I’ve never heard of a corn kernel nut before but they sound pretty good. I’ll see what I can find around here to give it a try.
Pamela says
Let me know how it works out Maureen. 🙂
Katie says
There was this delicious Peruvian restaurant when I was in grad school that was super cheap and had incredible food. All of the entrees came with 2 sides and you got to pick between fried yucca sticks, grilled plantain, or this corn dish that reminds me of your recipe here. I could never pick and I’d always beg for all three. I ate there a lot, so I usually got my way. 😉
Pamela says
All 3 sounds like the perfect choice to me too! 😉
Melanie Ellsworth says
Ok these look sooo yummy! You are so super creative – it blows my mind. You come up with the best things to eat and they are all so different! I have never heard of these before but seriously they look delish!
thanks for sharing – so love you blog!
Mel
Pamela says
Thanks Melanie, nice to see you here! Hope you are doing well!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Terrific idea!! As usual, your pics and prose make the whole thing even better. I would like to learn more about coconut oil as well – thanks for planting the seed! Great post.
Pamela says
Thanks Dan!
Julie @ Table for Two says
So cool to make these at home!! Best crunchy snack ever!!
Pamela says
Thanks Julie!
ashley - baker by nature says
I love coconut oil, so I’ll definitely use that when we try this out!
Pamela says
Enjoy Ashley!
yummychunklet says
Fun looking snack!
Miss Messy says
I’ve never heard of corn kernel nuts but they sound and look great! Must try by the looks of things!
Pamela says
I hope you try them, if you do let me know! 🙂
[email protected] says
What a perfect snack! Is it like corn nuts snack?
Pamela says
Hi Rika, it’s very much like that. Enjoy!
Ash- foodfashionparty says
I could eat a whole jar of these. Never tried making these at home. Growing up with coconut oil, I just love how it tastes in some recipes.
Pamela says
The jar is almost gone here! 🙂
Nora @ Buttercream Fanatic says
I’ve never tried corn nuts in my life, but they seem like the most perfect snack. I know you said not to use popping corn, but let’s just say – hypothetically – that that’s all you had handy. Would it be terrible? If it’s really not worth it, I’m sure I can find the giant variety…
Pamela says
Honestly Nora, I’m not sure. I think they might be too small and hard to enjoy. I am working on trying some varieties with canned corn and frozen corn, so maybe those would work better for you? If you try it though, let me know!
Winnie says
These are super “dangerous”
I could eat the whole batch -:)
Pamela says
Winnie, I totally know the feeling! 🙂
The Café Sucre Farine says
How fun! You are so smart to make these yourself. And I’ll feel so smart making them myself! Love it Pamela!
Pamela says
Hope you enjoy! 🙂
Simba says
What do u use to soften the ok
Pamela says
Hey Simba, I’m unsure what you’re asking. Can you ask again?
john@kitchenriffs says
Gosh, I haven’t had these in ages, and have never made my own. What a terrific idea! These look wonderful – really good job! And good post – thanks so much.
Pamela says
Thanks John! Hope you give them a shot!
Kim@Treats & Trinkets says
I’ve never tried corn nuts before, but this does look like such a simple and tasty snack. I might have to see if I can find those corn kernels in the store!
Pamela says
I hope you find them! I have some upcoming roasted corn nut recipes using frozen corn, so stay tuned for those. 🙂
marcie@flavorthemoments says
I would absolutely go to town on these! I’m going to have to try them real soon!
Pamela says
Hahaha Marcie, I know the feeling!
Reba - Not So Perfect Life says
I bought a bag of these from Whole Foods and tried to make corn chowder out of them and it was a total fail. This recipe looks like it turned out just fine though 🙂 I love buying this kind of corn from candy stands and such.
Pamela says
Enjoy Reba!
Sophie33 says
This looks like a very special recipe to me! Who thinks of roasting corn kernels?
Nobody in Belgium, would think of that???? But you do,…mmmmm! It looks kind of strange to me but really appetizing too! 🙂
Pamela says
I hope you try them Sophie, they are a favorite snack! 🙂
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
I’ve never had corn nuts before….they look really addicting and delicious!
Pamela says
They are super addicting.. if I eat 2, then I end up with 14. 🙂
Pam says
My corn loving son would dig these! I’ll have to give this recipe a try.
Pamela says
Great to hear, enjoy!
Todd @ HonestlyYUM says
Corn nuts were my guilty pleasure as a kid. Unfortunately, they were the processed, packaged kind. These look freaking amazing!! And as you said, much better for my teeth!!
Pamela says
Definitely Todd, these are perfect for my teeth, not too hard which is important. 🙂
Koko says
Amazing!! I LOVE corn nuts!! But I never eat them because they aren’t healthy. I didn’t even imagine that you could make them yourself! I’m so excited!! haha
Pamela says
Enjoy Koko!
Cathy Pollak ~ Noble Pig says
I absolutely have to try this! It sounds delish and we LOVE corn nuts!!!
Pamela says
Let me know how you like them Cathy!
Jamie G says
Mind blown! We love CornNuts –perfect road trip snack. I never thought about making them before.
Pamela says
They sure are snack perfect aren’t they Jamie?
Jennifer @ Not Your Momma's Cookie says
I’m totally intrigued by this – I don’t think I’ve never tried corn nuts. But, they look like a perfect, munchy snack!
Pamela says
I hope you give them a try, they super addictive! 🙂
Jaclyn says
I LOVE corn nuts, but I’ve never made my own. I’m totally making these. And I hear you on the coconut oil…I use it in so many different ways, it’s amazing stuff. I actually did a blog post awhile back about all it’s benefits. One of my favorite ways to use it actually is on my hair and skin. Thanks for the recipe!
Pamela says
I am all over your coconut oil post right now! 🙂 Enjoy Jaclyn!