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Toasted pecans on a large baking sheet that are going to be roasted in the oven.
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4.74 from 15 votes

How to Toast Pecans

Add a natural, nutty flavor and a crispy crunch to your favorite dishes when you learn How to Toast Pecans - the right way. Whether in the oven or a skillet, we'll be going over what to do as well as what to avoid so you don't end up burning those precious nuts!
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, lunch, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings

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.
    1-4 cups pecans, Butter or oil, Salt or seasoning ingredients

Toasting Pecans in the Oven

  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • Line a large, lightly colored baking sheet with parchment paper. Place pecan halves in a single layer on the sheet. Toast in preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
    1-4 cups pecans

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 over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
    1-4 cups pecans

Notes

Storage Instructions:
Place toasted pecans in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3-4 months if stored at room temperature, up to 6 months if stored in the refrigerator, and up to a year in the freezer.
More Pecan Roasting Tips:
  • The nuts can burn VERY quickly. Make sure to set a timer, and let your nose be your guide. As soon as you start to smell the nutty aroma, it's time to check on them!
  • Notice the size. Smaller pieces will toast much more quickly than whole pecans. You'll need to adjust your roasting time accordingly.
  • The type of pan makes a difference. Lighter colors baking sheets will take a little longer to roast than darker. Thicker ones may take longer for them to fully toast than thinner ones.
  • Some varieties roast more quickly. Fattier nuts take a little longer to roast and are less likely to burn. If you notice the pecans you're roasting are a little drier, you may want to reduce your roasting time by a minute or two.
  • You can adjust the baking temperature. An oven temperature of 325°F is my recommendation to strike the balance of roasting pecans low and slow but not taking a ton of time. You can increase this to 350°F, if desired, and bake for a minute or two less or decrease to 300°F and cook for a few minutes more.

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Potassium: 116mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg