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Toasting nuts brings out their nutty flavor and makes them crunchier: you can taste the difference! Here’s how to toast nuts in the oven and on the stove.
Toasting nuts might seem like an unnecessary extra step in recipes. But we’re here to say: you can absolutely taste the difference! Many recipes call for toasted nuts like toasted pine nuts, pecans, walnuts and almonds.
Why? Toasting heightens the nutty flavor and makes them even crunchier. It’s almost like adding salt to a savory recipe: it brings out the flavors and makes them more intense! Alex and I toast nuts when we’re adding them to top salads, roasted veggies, or even desserts like an ice cream sundae! There are two basic ways to toast nuts: on the stove and in the oven.
How to toast nuts on the stove
The quickest method for toasting nuts is on the stove! This method is nice because it’s fast and easy; most nuts are done in about 3 to 5 minutes. The drawback is that sometimes the nuts can cook a little unevenly, and they can burn very quickly. Also, you can also only toast as many nuts as fit in a single layer in your largest skillet. Here’s what to do:
- Place the nuts in a dry skillet in a single layer (don’t add oil).
- Heat the nuts medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, until fragrant and golden. The timing will depend on the type of nut (see below for the specific timing). Important: Do not leave the stove, because the nuts can burn very easily.
- Immediately remove the nuts to a plate to stop the cooking.
How to toast nuts in the oven
Toasting nuts in the oven is a great method because it’s very consistent. The only drawback is that you have to wait for the oven to preheat. This method is ideal for toasting quantities of nuts larger than 1 cup.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake the nuts until fragrant and golden (or one shade darker). The timing is about 5 minutes for soft nuts like pine nuts and about 7 to 8 minutes for almonds, pecans and walnuts. Important: Stay attentive because the nuts can burn very easily.
- Immediately remove the nuts to a plate to stop the cooking.
Another use for leftover toasted nuts? Make Homemade Nut Butter!
Toasted nuts: 4 ways
Here's the method for how to toast whole, sliced or slivered almonds! It results in perfectly crunchy almonds to top salads, soups, and desserts.
Stove timing: 4 to 5 minutes on medium high heat
Oven timing: 7 to 8 minutes at 350°F
Here's the method for how to toast pine nuts! These nutty morsels are great for topping pasta or risotto.
Stove timing: 3 minutes on medium high heat
Oven timing: 5 minutes at 350°F
Here's the method for how to toast whole pecans or pecan pieces! It results in perfectly crunchy pecans to top oatmeal, salad, and desserts.
Stove timing: 4 to 5 minutes on medium high heat
Oven timing: 7 to 8 minutes at 350°F
Here's the method for how to toast whole walnuts or walnut pieces! It results in crunchy and nutty walnuts to top veggies, salad, or oatmeal.
Stove timing: 4 to 5 minutes on medium high heat
Oven timing: 7 to 8 minutes at 350°F
Ways to use toasted nuts
You can use toasted nuts in so many recipes, from savory to sweet! Here are some of our favorite ways to use them:
- Salads: Try a strawberry salad, blackberry salad, blueberry salad, or spinach salad.
- Roasted or Sauteed Veggies: Add a crunch to sauteed green beans, roasted cauliflower, roasted broccoli, or Tuscan kale.
- Yogurt or Oatmeal: Throw a handful onto oatmeal or Instant Pot oatmeal.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Top a stack of banana oatmeal pancakes, Greek yogurt pancakes, sour cream pancakes, or blueberry waffles.
- Desserts: Try them in an ice cream sundae, in Rocky Road ice cream, or on an affogato.
Dietary notes
This toasted nuts recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Frequently asked questions
Toasting nuts enhances their flavor by releasing their natural oils and intensifies their aroma. It also gives them a slightly crispier texture.
Yes! Most nuts can be toasted, including almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews, pine nuts, and macadamia nuts.
The basic toasting methods (stovetop or oven) remain the same, but toasting times will vary depending on the nut size and density. Smaller nuts like pine nuts toast much faster than larger nuts like pecans.
No oil is necessary for most nuts as they have their own natural oils.
Other foods to toast!
There are lots of other foods that taste better toasted! Here are a few:
- How to Toast Coconut for topping smoothies and desserts
- How to Toast Sesame Seeds for topping sushi and soba
- Toasted Baguette and Garlic Toast for using up your baguettes!
