Learn how to easily Toast Pine Nuts until they are golden brown and crunchy. You can either roast them in the oven, add them to a toaster oven, or even toast them in a skillet. Any of these simple methods will quickly bring out their natural nutty aroma and enhance the flavor tremendously!
What are Pine Nuts?
Pine nuts are an Italian nut that can be eaten in their raw, soft, and buttery form or toasted to bring out and enhance their natural flavor. This small nut is most often found in basil pesto and can be added to salads and pastas for an extra crunch.
These delicate nuts are definitely on the pricey side, with just a pound costing over $20. But luckily, you do not need a ton of them to add a lot of flavor. Just a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts will go a long way!
Since these nuts are so small, they tend to cook up (and even burn!) quite quickly. So when toasting them in the oven or in a skillet, you’ll want to make sure and keep a close eye on them!
The key to perfectly toasting pine nuts, as well as pecans and almonds, is to roast them low and slow. While yes, you can increase the oven temperature slightly to speed up the process, a lower oven temperature will give you the most evenly toasted nuts and decrease the likelihood of burning.
Ingredients
There is really only ONE ingredient that is absolutely necessary when toasting pine nuts.
And that is… raw pine nuts!
When purchasing them at your grocery store sometimes you will have the option of buying them either raw or already toasted.
Make sure you pick the raw pine nuts if you are planing to roast them in the oven at home.
Typically pine nuts are already buttery enough on their own, but if you’d like to add a bit of oil or butter you can! Simply toss them in this before baking for an even richer flavor.
How to Toast Pine Nuts?
Toasting pine nuts in the oven or on the stovetop is relatively simple and easy to do.
You will get a more even toast when you use the oven method, whereas toasting them in the skillet is a little bit faster.
Toasting in the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 325 °F.
- Line a large, lightly colored, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place pine nuts in a single layer on the sheet.
- Toast them in the oven for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until golden brown.
For a toaster oven, simply decrease the temperature to 300°F and toast for the same amount of time.
Toasting in a Pan
If you are toasting a smaller batch of pine nuts, cooking them in a skillet is the fastest and easiest way to do it.
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Heat a medium to large, non-stick dry skillet over medium-low heat.
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Add no more than 1 cup of pine nuts to the skillet in a single layer.
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Toast pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Storing
Do I need to refrigerate them?
Pine nuts do not need to be refrigerated if storing for less than a month.
To extend the shelf life, you can store pine nuts in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 months, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
You’ll know the nuts have gone bad when they begin to give off a rancid odor and taste bitter.
What’s the best way to store toasted nuts?
Store roasted nuts in a cool, dry place for the best results.
How long will toasted pine nuts last?
Roasted, or toasted, pine nuts will last for up to a week if stored at room temperature or 1-2 months in the refrigerator.
FAQs
Can I toast them at 350°F?
Toast pine nuts for 5-7 minutes at 350°F, checking on them every few minutes.
Are pine nuts healthy for you?
Pine nuts make a great healthy addition to any salad or pasta recipes.
A single ounce serving of pine nuts contains 191 calories, 4 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 4 grams of protein, and 19 grams of fat.
How do I know when pine nuts are toasted?
Pine nuts will begin to turn a light golden brown and progress to a darker brown as they roast. You’ll know the nuts are perfectly toasted when they turn a rich caramel color and begin to give off a nutty aroma.
Use Them in these Recipes
These recipes all taste incredible with some roasted pine nuts on top:
Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad
How to Toast Pine Nuts
Learn how to easily Toast Pine Nuts until they are golden brown and crunchy. You can either roast them in the oven, add them to a toaster oven, or even toast them in a skillet. Any of these simple methods will quickly bring out their natural nutty aroma and enhance the flavor tremendously!
Ingredients
- 1-4 cups pine nuts
Instructions
Toasting Pine Nuts in the Oven
-
Preheat oven to 325°F.
-
Line a large, lightly colored baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Place pine nuts in a single layer on the sheet.
-
Toast nuts in preheated oven for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
You'll know the nuts are perfectly toasted when they turn a rich caramel color and begin to give off a nutty aroma.
Toasting Pine Nuts in a Pan
-
Heat a medium to large, non-stick dry skillet over medium-low heat.
-
Add no more than 1 cup of pine nuts to the skillet in a single layer.
-
Toast pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Recipe Notes
- You can also toast pine nuts at 350 degrees for 6-7 minutes, but be sure to keep a close eye on them since they can burn quickly at this higher heat!
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