How to Toast Pecans

When you learn How to Toast Pecans, you have the perfect addition to so many recipes! It is quick and easy to roast plain or seasoned pecans in a pan in the oven or on the stovetop in a skillet until they are crispy with a delicious crunch. You only need 10 minutes for this healthy and simple snack.

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 desserts and 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 them in melted butter or olive oil before baking for a buttery taste.
• Salt. Add a bit of sea salt to give the nuts more flavor.
• Seasonings. Garlic salt, cinnamon, paprika, Blackened Seasoning or Taco Seasoning would be great on them, too.

How to Toast Pecans in the Oven

The basic steps for making toasted pecans are simple to follow:

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 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.

If you’re roasting pecan pieces, they’ll be done in 4-5 minutes.

Cook in a Pan

If you are preparing a smaller batch of pecans, using a skillet on the stove is an easy way to do it.

Heat a medium to large, non-stick, dry skillet over medium heat.

Add no more than 1 cup of pecans to the skillet in a single layer.

Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

You’ll know the pecans are done toasting when you begin to smell their nutty flavor and 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

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:

• Chopped Kale Salad
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Pumpkin Overnight Oats
• Fall Harvest Salad with Apples
• Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
• Cranberry Brie Bites
• Savory Spiced Pecans
• Cinnamon Sugar Pecans