Learn How to Toast Walnuts using 2 easy methods: in the oven and on the stove. Toast these antioxidant-rich nuts to make them crispy and increase their flavor. Roasted walnuts make a hearty snack, tasty topping, and great addition to baked goods.
Our recipe shows you how to roast walnuts on the stove top or in the oven. Both ways require minimal effort and result in perfectly toasty walnuts.
We always keep toasted walnuts on hand. In the morning, we love to add them to oatmeal and pancakes. In the afternoon and evening, we love to snack on them or use them in a delicious salad. Finally, they are a great ice cream topping and add the perfect crunch to banana bread or chocolate chip cookies.
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About Toasted Walnuts
- Taste - Roasting the walnuts amplifies their delicious nutty flavor.
- Texture - The roasted nuts are hearty and crunchy.
- Effort - Toasting walnuts is easy. All you need to do is throw the nuts in a pan or in the oven.
- Time - It takes just 5 minutes to roast them on the stove or in the oven.
What are Walnuts?
Walnuts are the seeds of the walnut tree. In order to eat the seeds, you need to crack open the hard shell surrounding each seed. Walnuts have a naturally rich and lightly sweet flavor and are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are also a versatile nut that can be used in a ton of baking and cooking recipes.
Ingredients
- Walnuts - Walnuts are a mild flavored and lightly sweet nut. All you need is 1 cup of raw walnuts for this recipe.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nuts - We also love toasted hazelnuts and pecans.
- Sweet - Add some maple syrup, brown sugar, or cinnamon to make these walnuts extra sweet.
- Savory - Sprinkle the walnuts with flaky sea salt to make them extra savory.
- Olive oil - Add a little olive to add a little fat and flavor to the nuts.
Instructions
- Stovetop - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts to the hot skillet and toast in a single layer, stirring occassionally. Do not overcrowd the pan. Toast walnuts and stir frequently. Keep a close eye to ensure the walnuts do not burn. Cook until lightly golden brown and toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate in a single layer to cool and become crunchy.
- Oven - Prheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the walnuts in a single layer on the baking sheet with space between them. Place in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes. 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 walnuts are lightly toasted, remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Pro tip: Cook your walnuts in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.
Storage
Store leftover toasted walnuts 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 3 months.
Equipment
This easy walnuts recipe requires common kitchen essentials. If you want to cook them on the stovetop, you will need a skillet and spatula. If you want to make them in the oven, you will need a rimmed baking sheet and parchment paper.
Cooking Tips
- If you are cooking the walnuts on the stovetop, occasionally stir them to ensure they don't burn.
- Keep an eye on the walnuts while they cook, they can burn easily.
Recipe FAQs
Roasting walnuts enhances their flavor and minimizes their bitterness. It also makes them perfectly crunchy.
It may be because the walnuts have too much skin. The skin is full of tannins, an antioxidant that is naturally bitter. You can buy pre-peeled walnuts with minimal skin, just keep an eye out for any extra skin.
Yes, if you have time. Toasting the walnuts brings out more walnut flavor and crunch.
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How to Toast Walnuts (Roasted Walnuts)
Equipment
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts chopped if desired
Instructions
Stovetop
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts to the hot skillet and toast in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook the walnuts and stir frequently. Keep a close eye to ensure the walnuts do not burn. Cook until lightly browned and toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate in a single layer to cool and become crunchy. Season the walnuts with sea salt if desired and enjoy or store for future use.1 cup walnuts
Oven
- Heat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the walnuts in a single layer on the baking sheet with space between them. Place in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes. 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 walnuts are lightly toasted, remove from the oven and allow to cool. Season the walnuts with sea salt if desired and enjoy or store for future use.
Video
Notes
- Refrigerate leftover toasted walnuts in an air-tight container for up to 1 month for best results. You can also freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Don't overcrowd your pan or baking sheet. Cook your walnuts in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.
- If you are cooking the walnuts on the stovetop, occasionally stir them to ensure they don't burn.
- Keep an eye on the walnuts while they cook, they can burn easily.
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