Roasting the nuts brings out their nutty flavor and makes them crunchier: you’ll feel the difference! How to Roast Nuts in the Oven and on the Stovetop.
Roasting nuts might seem like an unnecessary extra step in recipes, but you can feel the difference! Many recipes call for toasted nuts, such as toasted pine nuts, pecans, walnuts, and almonds. Why? Toasting enhances the nutty flavor and makes them even crunchier. It’s a bit like adding salt to a recipe: it brings out the flavors and intensifies them! Alex and I toast nuts when we add them to salads, roasted veggies, or even desserts like a sundae! There are two ways to roast nuts: on the stovetop and in the oven.
How to roast nuts on the stove
The quickest way to roast nuts is on the stovetop! This method is nice because it’s quick and easy. Most nuts are cooked in about 3-5 minutes. The only downside is that the nuts can sometimes cook a bit unevenly. Also, in your largest pan, you can only roast as many nuts as will fit in a single layer. Here’s what to do:
- Place walnuts in a dry pan in one layer (do not add oil!).
- Heat the nuts over medium-high heat until fragrant and golden (or a shade darker), about 3-5 minutes. The timing depends on the type of mother (see below for specific timing). Important: Do not leave the stove as the nuts can burn very easily.
- Immediately remove the nuts on a plate to stop the cooking.
How to roast nuts in the oven
Oven roasting nuts is a great method because it’s very consistent. Only downside, you have to wait for the oven to preheat! This method is also ideal for toasting nuts in excess of 1 cup.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake the nuts until fragrant and golden (or a shade darker). The time is about 5 minutes for soft nuts like pine nuts and about 7-8 minutes for almonds, pecans and walnuts. Important: be careful, nuts can burn very easily.
- Immediately remove the nuts on a plate to stop the cooking.
Another use for leftover toasted nuts? Make Homemade Nut Butters!
Roasted Nuts: 4 Ways!
Here’s the method for toasting whole, sliced, or slivered almonds! The result is perfectly crunchy almonds for garnishing salads, soups and desserts.
Cooking time : 4 to 5 minutes over medium heat
Oven duration: 7-8 minutes at 350 degrees
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Here is the method for toasting pine nuts! These hazelnut pieces are perfect for topping pasta or risotto.
Cooking time : 3 minutes on medium heat
Oven duration: 5 minutes at 350 degrees
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Here’s the method for toasting whole pecans or pecan chunks! The result is perfectly crunchy pecans for topping oatmeal, salads and desserts.
Cooking time : 4 to 5 minutes over medium heat
Oven duration: 7-8 minutes at 350 degrees
Continue reading
Here’s the method for toasting whole nuts or nut pieces! This is how crunchy nuts and hazelnuts are made for garnishing vegetables, salad or oatmeal.
Cooking time : 4 to 5 minutes over medium heat
Oven duration: 7-8 minutes at 350 degrees
Continue reading
Ways to use roasted nuts
You can use roasted nuts in many recipes, from savory to sweet! Here are some of our favorite uses:
- Salads: Try strawberry salad, blackberry salad, blueberry salad or lentil salad
- Roasted or Sauteed Vegetables: Add crunch to citrusy green beans, roasted cauliflower, roasted broccoli, sautéed Swiss chard, or Tuscan kale.
- Yogurt or Oatmeal: Throw a handful on Best Oatmeal or Instant Pot Oatmeal.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Top a stack of banana pancakes, Greek yogurt pancakes, sour cream pancakes, or blueberry waffles.
- Dessert: Try them over ice or with berries and whipped cream.
This Roasted Walnuts Recipe is…
Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
The description
Roasting the nuts brings out their nutty flavor and makes them crunchier: you’ll feel the difference! How to Roast Nuts in the Oven and on the Stovetop.
- 1 cup Nuts of any kind (pine nuts, almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.)
- Stovetop method: Place the walnuts in a dry skillet (no oil) over medium-high heat. Heat, shaking the pan and stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the walnuts are fragrant and golden brown or a shade darker, about 3 minutes for the pine nuts and 4 to 5 minutes for the walnuts plus hard like pecans, walnuts, and almonds. Stay close to the stove as the nuts can burn easily! Immediately remove from heat and transfer to a plate to stop cooking.
- baking method: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until fragrant and golden or a shade darker, about 5 minutes for pine nuts and 7-8 minutes for harder nuts like pecans, walnuts, and almonds, stirring once. Don’t stray far from the oven as the nuts can go from roasted to burned quickly. Remove immediately and transfer to a plate to stop cooking.
- Use immediately. Or allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week and refrigerated for at least 2 months. (You can also extend the shelf life by freezing the nuts.)
- Category: Essential
- Method: Cook
- Kitchen: nuts
- Diet: vegan
Keywords: How to Roast Nuts
Other foods to toast!
There are many other foods that taste better grilled! Here are a few:
