How to Toast Pecans

Square image of a bowl of toasted pecans.

5 from 5 votes

Learn how to effortlessly toast pecans in just 10 minutes using an oven method that enhances their crunch and intensifies their nutty flavor.

Course Tutorial

Cuisine American

Cook Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 171kcal

Author Yumna Jawad

Equipment

Aluminum Sheet Pans

Ingredients

1 cup raw pecans

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Spread the raw pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and toast the pecans for 8-10 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking. Check the pecans for doneness by breaking one open. If the nut looks golden brown inside and has a fragrant, toasty aroma, it's ready.
Let the pecans 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.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent exposure to air or moisture, which will soften them. You can also store toasted pecans in the freezer for up to 1 year in a well-sealed, freezer-safe container or bag to avoid freezer burn. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before adding to recipes.

Tips:

Spread pecans evenly on a sheet. Make sure to spread the pecans in a single layer on the baking sheet, and don't overcrowd. This will help them toast evenly.

Stir nuts during toasting. To promote even browning and ensure that all sides of the nuts get exposed to heat, stir the pecans once or twice during the toasting process.

Keep a close eye on the pecans as they toast. Nuts can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt. While you don't have to watch them like you would if toasting on the stovetop, you still want to keep an eye on them. Set a timer and consider turning the oven light on.

Check for doneness by breaking a pecan between your fingers. If the nut looks golden brown inside and has a fragrant, toasty aroma, the nuts are ready.

Give enough time for the nuts to cool down. Before transferring them to a container for storage or adding them to recipes, allow the nuts to cool down completely. This helps them to firm up and achieve ideal crunchiness.

Nutrition