How to Toast Walnuts
Updated Dec 24, 2025
Use this guide to learn how to toast walnuts in the oven easily to make them crispier and intensify their nutty flavor in just 10 minutes!
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Learn How to Toast Walnuts
In this guide, I’ll show you how to toast walnuts (without burning them.). I use walnuts in a lot of my recipes, especially my Lebanese baklava, so I’ve learned that toasting them can really bring the flavor. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference. The heat brings out the natural oils in the walnuts!
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
How to Toast Walnuts
How to Toast Walnuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Spread the raw walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and toast the walnuts for 8-10 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking. Check the walnuts for doneness by breaking one open. If the nut looks golden brown inside and has a fragrant, toasty aroma, it’s ready.
- Let the walnuts cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving or using in a recipe. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Tips
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes clean up easy and you can pick up all the walnuts at the same time by picking up the paper and transferring them to a container.
- Stir nuts during toasting. To ensure even browning and expose all sides of the nuts to the heat, stir the walnuts once or twice during the roasting process.
- Watch the walnuts closely. Keep a close eye on the nuts during the toasting time as they can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.
- Check for doneness with your hands. Try breaking a walnut open – if the nut looks golden brown inside and has a fragrant aroma, it’s ready.
- Cool the nuts before transferring them. You want to make sure the walnuts are completely cooled to help them firm up and achieve their ideal crunchiness. If you transfer them to a container while they are still warm, they will sweat and create moisture making them mushy.
Recipes to Make with Toasted Walnuts
- Add them to savory recipes: Sticky Honey Walnut Shrimp, Stuffed Acorn Squash or Butter Board
- Fold them into baked goods: Banana Walnut Muffins, Banana Bread or Maamoul
- Throw them into a salad: Waldorf Salad, Apple Walnut Salad or Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
FAQs
Absolutely! You can toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep a close eye on them, and if they start to burn, reduce the heat slightly. Stir frequently to prevent uneven browning and take off the heat once they achieve the desired level of toasting.
If you want to season your toasted walnuts, it’s best to do so after roasting, but while they are still warm so the seasonings can adhere better. Sprinkle salt and pepper, cinnamon sugar, or any other seasoning over the nuts and toss gently to combine. Then, allow to cool completely before transferring to a container.
Yes, you can revive stale walnuts by re-toasting them in the oven or in a dry skillet for a few minutes. However, if your nuts are rancid and smell sour and bitter, it’s best to toss them as they are no longer fresh.
Comments
Hello, I love walnuts, and I’m sure I will toasted. Have you posted a recipe for maple-glazed walnuts before?
Hi Doug! I don’t have a recipe for maple-glazed walnuts but I do have one for candied walnuts you might enjoy: How to Make Candied Walnuts