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    The Heirloom Pantry » Recipe Index » Gluten-Free

    How to Toast Pecans

    Published: Jan 19, 2023 · Modified: Jan 27, 2023 by Kathleen Higashiyama · The following content may contain affiliate links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission.

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    How to toast pecans Pinterest pin.

    Learn How to Toast Pecans using 2 easy methods: in the oven and on the stove. Toasting pecans enhances their buttery flavor and makes them perfectly crispy. Enjoy roasted pecans as a rich snack, delicious salad topping, and are a great addition to baked goods like pecan pie.

    Oven toasted pecans on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan with sea salt and olive oil.

    Our easy roasted pecans recipe teaches you how to roast pecans on the stove top or in the oven. Both ways require minimal effort and result in perfectly toasty pecans. We add a little olive oil and salt to make the nuts extra flavorful.

    Jump to:
    • About Toasted Pecans
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Instructions
    • Storage
    • Cooking Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • Did You Like This Recipe?
    • How to Toast Pecans

    About Toasted Pecans

    • Taste - Roasting the pecans amplifies their decadent flavor.
    • Texture - The roasted nuts are hearty and crunchy.
    • Effort - Toasting pecans is simple. All you need to do is throw the nuts in a pan or in the oven.
    • Time - It takes just a few minutes to roast them.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients to make toasted pecans, including raw pecans, olive oil, and salt.
    • Raw pecans - Pecans have a natural buttery and sweet flavor.
    • Olive oil - Olive oil is a delicious fat to cook the pecans in.
    • Salt or kosher salt - Salt accentuates the rich flavor of the pecans.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Nuts - We also love toasted hazelnuts and walnuts.
    • Herbs - Add Italian seasoning, pepper, or some of our favorite blends (use code PANTRY for discount).
    • Sweet - Drizzle the pecans with maple syrup or add brown sugar or cinnamon to make these pecans extra sweet.
    • Chocolate dipped pecans - Dip these pecans in chocolate for an extra sweet treat.
    • Spicy - Enjoy the pecans with some cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy snack.

    Instructions

    Steps to make toasted pecans, including tossing in olive oil and salt, spreading the raw pecans on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan, and toasting in the oven.

    Stovetop Instructions

    • Mix ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, add pecans, olive oil, and salt. If you’d like to add dried herbs or seasoning, add it at this time. Use a silicone spatula to gently mix and coat the pecans with oil.
    • Cook in skillet - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans to the hot skillet and toast in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook the pecans and stir frequently. Keep a close eye to ensure the pecans do not burn. Cook until lightly browned and toasted, about 3-5 minutes.
    • Cool and season - Transfer to a plate in a single layer to cool and become crunchy. Season the pecans with sea salt if desired and enjoy or store for future use. Chop or use whole as desired.

    Oven Instructions

    • Prepare oven and baking sheet - Heat the oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Mix ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, toss pecans, olive oil, and salt. If you’d like to add dried herbs or seasoning, add it at this time. Use a silicone spatula to gently mix and coat the pecans with oil. (Photos 1 and 2)
    • Bake pecans - Transfer the pecans to the baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Avoid crowding so the pecans can cook evenly. Place in the oven on the middle rack and bake for about 5-7 minutes, stirring and spreading into a single layer halfway through. (Photo 3)
    • Cool and season - Remove the tray from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Taste one and season with additional salt and seasonings if desired. Chop or use whole as desired. (Photo 4)

    Pro tip: Be sure to spread your pecans into a single layer so they cook evenly.

    Storage

    Store leftover toasted pecans in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks for best results. You can also freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

    Cooking Tips

    • If you are cooking the pecans on the stovetop, occasionally stir them to ensure they don't burn.
    • Keep an eye on the pecans while they cook, they can burn easily.

    Recipe FAQs

    What is the best way to roast pecans?

    You can toast them on the stovetop or roast them in the stove to achieve the same tasty result, it just depends on your preference.

    Are roasted pecans still healthy?

    Yes, roasted pecans are still healthy. In general, both raw and roasted nuts all contain very similar amounts of calories, carbs, fat, and protein.

    Why are my pecans not crunchy?

    Pecans may not be crunchy if they are overcrowded and don't have the opportunity to dry and get crispy.

    Should I toast pecans before baking?

    Yes, if you don't mind the extra time and effort. Toasting the pecans brings out more pecan flavor and crunch.

    Should I chop pecans before or after roasting?

    If you plan to chop the pecans, it is best to chop them after. Whole pecans are less likely to burn than chopped pecans.

    Related Recipes

    • Chocolate Covered Pecans
    • How to Toast Walnuts (Roasted Walnuts)
    • How to Roast Hazelnuts (Filberts)
    • Roasted Pepitas (Hulless Pumpkin Seeds)

    Did You Like This Recipe?

    Love this roasted pecans recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below & leave a comment below. Thanks!

    Sign up for THP's newsletter and keep in touch on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube. If you make this recipe, tag #theheirloompantry so we can see!

    Oven toasted pecans on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan with sea salt and olive oil.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    How to Toast Pecans

    Learn How to Toast Pecans using 2 easy methods: in the oven and on the stove. Toasting pecans enhances their buttery flavor and makes them perfectly crispy. Enjoy roasted pecans as a rich snack, delicious salad topping, and are a great addition to baked goods like pecan pie.
    Prep Time2 mins
    Cook Time7 mins
    Total Time9 mins
    Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Side Dish, Snack, Sweets
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 1 cup
    Calories: 755kcal
    Author: Kathleen Higashiyama

    Equipment

    • 1 standard skillet
    • 1 spatula
    • 1 rimmed baking sheet
    • 1 sheet parchment paper
    • 1 mixing bowl

    Ingredients 

    • 1 cup raw pecans
    • 2 teaspoon olive oil
    • ¾ teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt

    Instructions

    Stovetop Instructions

    • Mix ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, add pecans, olive oil, and salt. If you’d like to add dried herbs or seasoning, add it at this time. Use a silicone spatula to gently mix and coat the pecans with oil.
      1 cup raw pecans, 2 teaspoon olive oil, ¾ teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
    • Cook in skillet - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans to the hot skillet and toast in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook the pecans and stir frequently. Keep a close eye to ensure the pecans do not burn. Cook until lightly browned and toasted, about 3-5 minutes.
    • Cool and season - Transfer to a plate in a single layer to cool and become crunchy. Season the pecans with sea salt if desired and enjoy or store for future use. Chop or use whole as desired.

    Oven Instructions

    • Prepare oven and baking sheet - Heat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Mix ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, add pecans, olive oil, and salt. If you’d like to add dried herbs or seasoning, add it at this time. Use a silicone spatula to gently mix and coat the pecans with oil.
      1 cup raw pecans, 2 teaspoon olive oil, ¾ teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
    • Bake pecans - Transfer the pecans to the baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Avoid crowding so the pecans can cook evenly. Place in the oven on the middle rack and bake for about 5-7 minutes, stirring and spreading into a single layer halfway through.
    • Cool and season - Remove the tray from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Taste one and season with additional salt and seasonings if desired. Chop or use whole as desired.

    Notes

    Top Tips
    • Always cook pecans in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.
    • If you are cooking the pecans on the stovetop, occasionally stir them so they don't burn.
    • Keep an eye on the pecans while they cook, they can burn easily.
    Storage
    • Refrigerate leftover toasted pecans in an air-tight container for up to 2 weeks for best results. You can also freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 755kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 79g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 22g | Monounsaturated Fat: 46g | Sodium: 1744mg | Potassium: 406mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 3mg
    Keyword: how to roast pecans, how to toast pecans, oven roasted pecans, roasted pecans recipe, roasting pecans, toast pecans, toasted pecans, toasting pecans
    Tried this recipe?Mention @theheirloompantry or tag #theheirloompantry!

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    About the Author

    Kat Higashiyama and Alec Totto are recipe developers, food photographers, and the authors behind The Heirloom Pantry. Since 2017, they have shared recipes inspired by their Japanese and Italian heritage and California and Hawaii roots. They reside in San Jose with their two dogs, Peeps and Paisley. Read More…

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