High Protein BBQ Corn Nuts

Crunchy, smoky, and packed with protein, these High Protein BBQ Corn Nuts are the ultimate guilt-free snack! Made with hearty dried hominy, a touch of unflavored protein powder, and a zesty BBQ seasoning blend, this recipe takes classic corn nuts to a whole new level of nutritional value and flavor. Roasted to golden perfection in the oven, these crispy bites are infused with paprika, a dash of cayenne for optional heat, and just the right amount of salt, delivering a satisfying crunch in every bite. Perfect for meal prepping or enjoying on the go, these savory snacks are not only easy to make but also rich in protein, making them ideal for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional chips. Serve them as a high-protein snack, party appetizer, or a crunchy topping for salads and soups!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried hominy (or large white corn kernels)
• 1 tablespoon protein powder (unflavored or lightly salted for snacks)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons BBQ seasoning blend
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried hominy thoroughly under cold water and place it in a large bowl.

Step 2

Add 4 cups of water to the bowl, ensuring the hominy is completely submerged. Cover the bowl and allow the hominy to soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Step 3

Drain the soaked hominy and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained hominy, olive oil, and protein powder. Stir well to coat the hominy evenly.

Step 6

Add the BBQ seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt to the bowl. Mix until all the kernels are evenly coated with the spice blend.

Step 7

Spread the hominy in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking, until the corn nuts are golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Test a corn nut after 45 minutes to see if it's crunchy; if not, continue baking for an additional 15 minutes.

Step 10

Once crispy, remove the corn nuts from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Step 11

Transfer the cooled corn nuts to an airtight container for storage. They should keep for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1418.5 grams (1418.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1789

Total Fat 45.80g	59%
Saturated Fat 6.80g	34%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 3mg	1%
Sodium 3285mg	143%
Total Carbohydrate 318.40g	116%
Dietary Fiber 33.50g	120%
Total Sugars 5.70g
Protein 40.20g	80%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 157mg	12%
Iron 11mg	61%
Potassium 1324mg	28%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.3%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 69.0%