Once you know How to Toast Pecans you will want to put them in every recipe you can! Either plain or seasoned pecans are quickly roasted in the oven or on the stovetop in a skillet until browned and crispy. In just 10 minutes you can easily prepare this healthy and crunchy snack or garnish.
Toasting pecans in the oven brings out so much of their natural, nutty aroma and crunchy bite.
While pecans taste great raw, roasting them in the oven or in a pan can really take them over the top!
Add them to healthy recipes such as Pecan Honey Chicken, Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans, Chopped Kale Salad, or Pumpkin Overnight Oats.
Or enjoy the sweeter side by mixing them into baked goods like this Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie.
No matter how you eat them, taking the extra 10 minutes to pop them in the oven is definitely worth the time! (Just like when roasting almonds, making toasted pine nuts, or toasting walnuts.)
Ingredients
The simple ingredients you need to make this toasted pecan recipe include:
- Pecans. The only necessary ingredient! When purchasing pecans at your grocery store you will have the option of buying either raw pecans or already toasted pecans. Make sure you pick the raw pecans if you are planning to roast them in the oven at home.
- Butter or Oil. Toss the pecans in melted butter or olive oil before baking for a buttery taste.
- Salt. Add a bit of sea salt to give the toasted pecans more flavor.
- Seasonings. Garlic salt, paprika, Blackened Seasoning or Taco Seasoning would be great on them.
How to Toast Pecans
The basic steps for making toasted pecans are simple to follow. Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.
Coat with Seasonings
If you are adding any butter, oil, or seasoning ingredients, toss the pecans in that mixture before roasting.
Roast in the Oven
Baking in the oven is ideal for batches of pecans larger than 1 cup.
Line a large, lightly colored, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place pecan halves in a single layer on the sheet.
Toast them in the oven at 325°F for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
Cook in a Pan
If you are preparing a smaller batch of pecans, using a skillet is an easy way to do it.
Heat a medium to large, non-stick, dry skillet over medium-low heat.
Add no more than 1 cup of pecans to the skillet in a single layer.
Toast the pecans for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
You’ll know the pecans are done toasting when you begin to smell their nutty aroma.
Storage
- To Store: Place toasted pecans in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3-4 months if stored at room temperature, or up to 6 months if stored in the refrigerator
- To Freeze: Seal in a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to a year.
FAQs
Pecans are a healthy snack option that are full of fiber and healthy monounsaturated fats. A single ounce serving of pecans contains 196 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, and 20 grams of fat. Other healthy benefits of pecans include phytonutrients, zinc, and flavanoids.
Yes, pecans are tree nuts. Other tree nuts include almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, and walnuts.
There is much debate about how to properly pronounce pecan. The correct way to say pecan is puh – kaan. Not, pee – can.
Expert Tips
- Go raw. Make sure to not purchase already roasted nuts as that is what you will be doing.
- Get creative. Coat the nuts with butter, salt, or a variety of seasonings for added flavor.
- Use parchment paper. Not only does lining your baking sheet make cleanup a breeze, but it will add to the crispness!
- The nose knows. When you smell the nutty aroma the nuts are done.
- Freeze ’em. Keep roasted pecans on hand by storing them in the freezer for up to a year.
More Pecan Recipes
These recipes all taste incredible with a bit of roasted pecans on top:
Fall Harvest Salad with Apples
How to Toast Pecans
Once you know How to Toast Pecans you will want to put them in every recipe you can! In just 10-minutes you can easily prepare this healthy and crunchy snack or garnish.
Ingredients
- 1-4 cups pecans raw
- Butter or oil optional
- Salt or seasoning ingredients optional
Instructions
-
If using butter, oil, or seasoning ingredients, toss pecans in the mixture until lightly coated.
Toasting Pecans in the Oven
-
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
-
Line a large, lightly colored baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Place pecan halves in a single layer on the sheet.
-
Toast pecans in preheat oven for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Toasting Pecans in a Pan
-
Heat a medium to large, non-stick dry skillet over medium-low heat.
-
Add no more than 1 cup of pecans to the skillet in a single layer.
-
Toast pecans for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Recipe Notes
- Nutritional information is for 1 ounce of toasted pecans, or roughly ¼ cup.
- To Store: Place toasted pecans in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3-4 months if stored at room temperature, or up to 6 months if stored in the refrigerator
- To Freeze: Seal in a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to a year.
Joyce Capes says
Heavenly
London Brazil says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Joyce! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating! 🙂
Norm says
Great easy instructions. The oven method used here calls for a slightly cooler oven (325 degrees) than most online recipes. It works great and greatly reduces the risk of burning your nuts. (Did I say that?)
London Brazil says
LOL! So happy to hear it worked out well for you, Norm. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and rating 🙂
Mary Rowe says
Thank you for your informative and straightening posts!
London says
You’re very welcome! Thanks for the comment and rating 🙂