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In this guide, I’ll show you how to toast walnuts (without burning them.. no one likes an acrid-tasting walnut!). 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!
Table of Contents
Why Learn How to Roast Walnuts
- Easy hands-off method. Knowing how to toast walnuts in the oven allows you to skip the constant stirring and nervously watching the heat when toasting walnuts over a stovetop.
- Enhance their natural flavor. Roasting walnuts intensifies their flavor, bringing out a richer, nuttier taste. When adding toasted walnuts to other recipes, it elevates the overall flavor of the dish.
- Gives a nice crunch. Toasting walnuts gives them a satisfying crunch, which improves overall texture and makes them more enjoyable to eat as a snack or as part of a meal.
- Recipe versatility. Use toasted walnuts in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes. You can add them to salads, oatmeal, yogurt, cookies, and much more!
Ingredients to make toasted walnuts
- Raw walnuts: Use regular raw walnuts. Look for unseasoned and unsalted walnut halves that look and smell fresh.
How to toast walnuts in the oven
- Spread raw walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven and toast until golden brown inside and has a fragrant, toasty aroma.
Tips for roasting walnuts
- 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 to prevent burning.
- 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.
Recipes to make with toasted walnuts
- Walnut Vegan Tacos
- Sticky Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Banana Walnut Muffins
- Maamoul
- Waldorf Salad with Grapes
How to store toasted walnuts
Store toasted walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
How long will toasted walnuts last in the fridge?
Toasted walnuts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent exposure to air or moisture, which will soften them and allow them to absorb other odors.
Can I freeze roasted walnuts?
You can freeze toasted walnuts if you want to extend their shelf life. Place them in a well-sealed, freezer-safe container or zip top bag and squeeze as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 year. Thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before adding to recipes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
Knowing how to toast walnuts in the oven is a simple culinary skill that can unlock the flavor and crunch in your recipes. Whether adding them to tasty sweet treats or topping your salad with these nutty bites, toasted walnuts add natural richness and a depth of flavor like nothing else!
More Cooking Tutorials:
- How to Toast Pecans
- How to Make Candied Walnuts
- How to Toast Sesame Seeds
- How to Roast Sunflower Seeds
- How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
- How to Make Muesli
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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.
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