Roasted nuts are such a classic snack, and honestly, they’re way too good to save just for the holidays! If you’re like me and prefer that extra crunch and deep flavor you get from roasting, you’ll be happy to know it’s incredibly easy to do right in your own kitchen. There are a couple of simple ways to get that perfect golden-brown finish.
The Best Ways to Roast Your Nuts at Home
When it comes to DIY roasting, you’ve basically got two great options:
- Searing them in a pan
- Or letting them toast in the oven.
Roasting Nuts in a Pan
If you’re in a bit of a hurry, the stovetop method is your best bet. It’s also the way to go for delicate little guys like pine nuts. Pro tip: If you want to skip the oil or butter, just use a good non-stick skillet.
Throw your nuts into the hot pan for just a few minutes. The key here is to keep them moving! Give them a toss or a stir frequently so they brown evenly on all sides and don’t scorch. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan—roasting in smaller batches makes it much easier to stir and ensures every nut gets its time in the spotlight.
Once they’ve reached your favorite shade of golden brown, take them off the heat. You can let them cool right in the pan or move them to a bowl.
Roasting Nuts in the Oven
The oven is my go-to for heartier nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and macadamias. It’s a bit more “set it and forget it.”
Here’s how to do it:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread your nuts out. Make sure they aren’t piled on top of each other; give them some breathing room so the hot air can circulate. This is the secret to a perfectly even roast!
- Pop the tray into the oven at 350°F (about 170°C) for around 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they look just right. You can give the tray a little shake halfway through if you want to be extra thorough.
- This part is important: let them cool down before you start snacking or baking with them. Move them to a bowl or set the tray on the counter. Whatever you do, don’t leave them in the warm oven! They’ll keep cooking in the residual heat and can go from “perfect” to “burnt” real fast.
Level Up the Flavor with Spices
Plain roasted nuts are great, but adding spices takes them to a whole new level. While they’re still warm, toss your roasted nuts in a bowl with your favorite seasonings.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, try a classic cinnamon and sugar mix. If you’re feeling savory, the sky’s the limit! Try things like:
- Salt and cracked black pepper
- Paprika (sweet or smoked)
- Curry powder or dried thyme
- A splash of soy sauce
- Garlic powder
- Dried herbs
- Or even some crispy fried onions.
Just remember to let your seasoned nuts cool completely before diving in. This lets any extra moisture evaporate, leaving you with the crunchiest, most flavorful snack possible!
