Learn How to Toast Pine Nuts using 2 easy methods: on the stove or in the oven. Toast these rich, buttery nuts to enhance their flavor and give them a soft bite. Add them to pasta, risotto, salads, pesto sauce, and more.
Toasted pine nuts have a uniquely rich and satisfying flavor. Our favorite way to enjoy them is with our Creamy Pesto Pasta, Red Pesto Pasta, or Veggie Pesto Pasta (in both the pesto and as a topping), but there are so many other ways to enjoy them! Whether you roast them on the stove or in the oven, both methods require minimal effort and result in perfectly crispy nuts.
If you like toasted nuts as a topping, snack, or mix-in, check out our tutorials for how to roast pepitas, toast pecans, toast walnuts, and roast hazelnuts.
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What are pine nuts?
Pine nuts, or pinoli in Italian, are actually pine seeds. These seeds have a unique nutty sweetness and are used in traditional Italian recipes like pignoli cookies and basil pesto. We usually toast them then add them to pesto sauce or use them as a crunchy pasta topping. We also save some to add to baked treats.
About Toasted Pine Nuts
- Taste - Roasting the pine nuts enhances their unique flavor.
- Texture - The nuts are light and crunchy.
- Effort - Toasting pine nuts is easy. Just toast the nuts over the stove or in the oven.
- Time - It takes just 3 minutes to roast them on the stove or about 5 minutes to roast them in the oven.
Substitution/Variations
- Nuts - Roasted walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans are also delicious.
- Savory - Sprinkle the pine nuts with flaky sea salt to make them extra savory.
- Olive oil - Add a little olive to add a little extra fat and flavor to the nuts.
Ingredients
- Raw Pine nuts - Pine nuts are deliciously nutty and lightly sweet. They have many health benefits including higher energy from their protein, iron, and magnesium. Eating pine nuts regularly may also reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Stovetop Instructions
- Add the pine nuts in a single layer to a dry skillet and turn the heat to medium-low. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook the pine nuts and stir occasionally to toast both sides of the nuts. Keep a close eye to ensure the pine nuts do not burn. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate in a single layer to cool. This will also stop the pine nuts from further cooking or burning.
Oven Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pine nuts in a single layer on the baking sheet with space between them. Then place in the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from the oven and check on the nuts to ensure they don’t burn. If they need additional toasting, add the baking sheet back to the oven and continue to toast, checking every minute to ensure the nuts do not burn. Once the pine nuts are lightly toasted, remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Pro tip: If roasting on the stovetop, do not leave the stove unattended or the pine nuts will burn. They are small and burn very easily.
Storage
Store leftover toasted pine nuts in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month for best results. You can also freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Cooking tips
- Cook your pine nuts in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.
- If you are toasting on the stovetop, occasionally stir the pine nuts to ensure they don't burn.
Recipe FAQs
No, but toasting the nuts enhances their rich flavor and adds extra crunch.
No, pine nuts contain enough oil on their own that you don't need to add any oil.
Yes, pine nuts are healthy when enjoyed in moderation. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy fats. They also have minimal saturated fat.
Yes, toasting the pine nuts amplifies the rich flavor of the pesto.
No, you can just throw them straight in the pan or the oven and toast them.
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📖 Recipe
How to Toast Pine Nuts (Pinoli)
Equipment
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon pine nuts
Instructions
Stovetop Instructions
- Add the pine nuts in a single layer to a dry skillet and turn the heat to medium-low. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook the pine nuts and stir occasionally to toast both sides of the nuts. Keep a close eye to ensure the pine nuts do not burn. Cook until golden and toasted, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate in a single layer to cool. This will also stop the pine nuts from further cooking or burning.
Oven Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pine nuts in a single layer on the baking sheet with space between them. Place in the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from the oven and check on the nuts to ensure they don’t burn. If they need additional toasting, add the baking sheet back to the oven and continue to toast, checking every minute to ensure the nuts do not burn. Once the pine nuts are lightly toasted, remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Notes
- Store leftover toasted pine nuts in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month for best results. You can also freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- If roasting on the stovetop, stir occasionally and do not leave the stove unattended or the pine nuts will burn.
- Cook your pine nuts in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.
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