If you’ve ever made toasted pecans, you know: the smell alone will cause everyone to come flocking! Why toast nuts? It does two things: it makes the nuts crunchier and enhances their nutty flavor. You can absolutely taste the difference! Toasted pecans are perfect for garnishing recipes of all kinds: soups, salads, oatmeal, pancakes, and even desserts! It’s quick to whip up a batch: and you can make them on demand. Here’s how to make toasted pecans: two ways!
How to toast pecans on the stove
Make toasted pecans on the stove when you have a small quantity of nuts and want to make them quickly. This method is so fast: it takes only 5 minutes! The drawbacks? Toasting nuts on the stovetop can cook unevenly. And, you can also only fit about 1 cup in a skillet, so it’s not the best method for large quantities. But if you’re looking to quickly toast a small quantity, it’s your best bet! Here’s how to toast nuts in a skillet:
Place the nuts in a dry skillet (don’t add oil!). Heat over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Do not leave the stove because the nuts can burn very easily.
How to toast pecans in the oven
Make toasted pecans in the oven when you have time to preheat the oven! This method is also nice for quantities of pecans over 1 cup. This method cooks the nuts more evenly than the stovetop method, and you can cook lots of nuts at once. Here’s how to toast nuts in the oven:
Preheat to 350 degrees.Place the pecans on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake about 7 to 8 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Again, don’t leave the oven because they can burn easily.
Ways to use toasted pecans
The best part: how to cook with toasted pecans! Pecans are so versatile: add a handful to amp up a salad, roasted vegetables, or a grain bowl. Or, use them on sweet recipes like oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles…even desserts! (Or, go more decadent with Candied Pecans!) Here are some ideas on where to start:
Salad: Add a sprinkle on Strawberry Spinach Salad, Apple Salad, Blackberry Salad, Blueberry Salad, Brussels Sprout Salad, or Lentil Salad.Roasted or Sauteed Veggies: Use as a topping for Lemony Green Beans or Roasted Brussels Sprouts to add protein and crunchOatmeal: Throw a handful onto Best Oatmeal or Instant Pot Oatmeal.Pancakes, French Toast or Waffles: Top a stack of Classic Pancakes, Banana Pancakes, French Toast or Blueberry Waffles.Desserts: They’re great over ice cream or with berries and whipped cream.
Storage info
Once you’ve got those toasted pecans (and your kitchen smells amazing), you can use them immediately! Here’s how to store leftovers, if you have them:
Cool fully and place in a sealed container. We use a small glass container with lid.Store at room temp for 1 week ORStore refrigerated for 2 months.Freeze to extend the life even further, up to 6 months or more.
Another use for leftover toasted nuts? Make Homemade Nut Butter!
Pecan fun facts!
The pecan is a mighty little nut! Here are a few things that might inspire you to make more pecan recipes. Pecans are (source):
Nutrient dense. Pecans have lots of plant based protein and fiber (good for staying full). They’re among the highest in “good” monounsaturated fats, and have flavonoids and essential minerals (copper, manganese and zinc).Grown in America. Of all the major tree nuts eaten in the US, pecans are the only ones indigenous to America! They were originally grown wild and enjoyed by Native Americans. Now they’re harvested in over a dozen Southern states.
More toasted recipes!
So many foods taste better toasted! Here are all our our methods on how to toast nuts and seeds (and even bread): 5 from 1 review
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