When a recipe calls for toasted nuts—and they often do—it may seem like an unnecessary extra step. If you’re crunched (heh) for time, it can be tempting to skip it. Don’t! Toasting isn’t just a way to add color. It also gives the nuts added crunch and brings out tons of nutty flavor that is vital to making a good recipe great. (Seriously—in a crunchy salad like this Apple Maple Pecan Salad, limp pecans would really let down the dish.)
But toasting nuts can be tricky. Just a little too much heat, and you’ve taken your nicely browned and fragrant nuts over the edge to a burnt mess. Here are four foolproof ways to get pecans, walnuts and pine nuts perfectly toasty.
How to Toast Nuts
1. In a microwave
Granted, this isn’t toasting, it’s nuking, but it has the same effect. In some cases, the microwave might not give you the rich toasted color as other methods, but if your nuts are going into a cake batter, that color is less important. If you want to encourage browning, you can add ½ tsp. of butter to each ½ cup of nuts.
Place the nuts in a single layer in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, then stir. Continue to cook 1 minute at a time; after each minute, stir the nuts and check for doneness. Depending on the type of nuts you’re using, the process can take as little as 3 minutes or up to 8 minutes.
Unless you buy your nuts already chopped, it’s better to toast them whole, then chop them once they’ve cooled—the smaller the nuts, the more likely they are to burn. This method works best for smaller amounts of nuts—up to ½ cup. (It would be just right for the 1/4 cup of walnuts that add a surprising, nutty crunch to this Bistro Chicken Fettuccine.)
2. In an oven
Of course, the more traditional ways do work well, too. To use the oven, spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil, and place them in an oven preheated to 350°. It’ll take 5-10 minutes for your nuts to toast; keep an eye on them and stir as needed. Once they’re toasted, remove them from the baking sheet to a bowl to cool. Be sure to use a rimmed baking sheet, in order to prevent spillage. You do not want loose nuts rolling around the bottom of your oven.
This method is the best choice when you’re toasting more than a cup or two of nuts, as it’s easier to spread them out on a large baking sheet. It’d be perfect for these Salted Pecan Shortbread Squares, which call for a whopping 4 cups of toasted pecans!
3. In a skillet
Toasting nuts on the stovetop is quick and works well when you only need a small amount of nuts. Put the nuts in a dry skillet (you’re toasting to draw the oils out, after all), and cook over medium heat, tossing frequently. This method is quick (it takes 5 minutes, tops), and it’s easy to keep an eye on the progress. When the nuts are done, remove them from the heat immediately and transfer them to a bowl to cool. This is especially important if you’re using cast iron; because cast iron holds onto its heat so effectively, your nuts will continue to cook as long as they’re in the pan. It’s a good way to keep an eye on the handful of pine nuts used to top this Asiago Beef Tart.
4. In an air fryer
Yes, with wonderful new gadgets come new ways to toast nuts! If you’ve got an air fryer, place the nuts in the bottom of the basket in a single layer, set the temperature to 300° and the timer to 4-6 minutes. Easy as pie! (Like this Caramel-Pecan Pie, which you might be using your toasted nuts to make.)
Our Top-Rated Nut Recipes
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Aunt Rose's Fantastic Butter Toffee
I don't live in the country, but I love everything about it—especially good old-fashioned home cooking! Every year, you'll find me at our county fair, entering a different contest. This easy toffee recipe is a family favorite. —Kathy Dorman, Snover, Michigan
Cranberry Cheese Crumb Pie
My mind works overtime to plan treats that surprise the family. They give this cranberry pie a “wow” and invite friends over to share it. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nut Butter Cups
This indulgent, nutty treat is simple to make and looks great. At my house, we love using all-natural ingredients because it's important to know what we're putting in our bodies. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Fudge Nut Brownies
There's no brownie recipe or mix I've ever tried that's better than this! And it's so easy—you can mix it in one bowl in just a few minutes. My husband's grandmother passed the recipe on; now our son makes these brownies for after-school snacks. —Becky Albright, Norwalk, Ohio
Slow Cooker Candied Nuts
I like giving spiced nuts as holiday gifts. This slow cooker recipe with ginger and cinnamon is so good, you just might use it all year long. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee
Maple Nut Truffles
Rich, creamy and rolled in nuts, these truffles will satisfy any chocolate lover. Guaranteed to dress up your holiday cookie platters, they're no-bake and so simple to make! —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Cream Pie
During the warm months, it's nice to have a fluffy, no-bake dessert that's a snap to make. Packed with peanut flavor, this pie gets gobbled up even after a big meal! —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix
A filling blend of nuts, seeds, chocolate chips and dried fruit keeps you healthy by the handful. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Spiced Nut Mix
One Christmas, my good friend gave me this recipe and a sack of ingredients. I think of her every time I stir up these pumpkin-spiced nuts. —Patti Holland, Parker, Colorado
Special Banana Nut Bread
This extra-special banana bread makes a wonderful gift for friends and neighbors. The recipe makes two loaves, so I can serve one and keep the other one in the freezer to use as a last-minute gift. —Beverly Sprague, Catonsville, Maryland
Curried Tropical Nut Mix
This nutty concoction is an easy, make-at-home food gift. It will spice up the snack table at any party. Good luck keeping the bowl filled. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Chunky Fruit and Nut Relish
I tuck a glass jar of this colorful relish into Christmas gift baskets along with cookies and fudge. Its tasty medley of fruits and nuts is delicious served with ham or poultry. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
Cheese/Grape Appetizers
This appetizer is well worth the time it takes to make. The grapes look especially attractive on a bed of lettuce surrounded with crackers and cheese. —Eleanor Grofvert, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Apple Bread
I got this apple quick bread recipe a long time ago and with a few changes it's become one of our favorites. Everyone who's ever tasted this apple bread has asked for the recipe! —Phyllis Herlocker, Farlington, Kansas
Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
Coming from Oregon, a state famous for its cranberries, this bread is a given at our house. Each fall my husband and I scrounge around for walnuts to go in it. It's a regular on our table, and not just at Thanksgiving. I freeze the berries so I have a ready supply all year long. —Elaine Kremenak, Grants Pass, Oregon
Pecan Pie Bars
These pecan pie bars are rich and delicious - just like pecan pie! They're perfect for taking to potlucks and other gatherings...I always come home with an empty pan. —Carolyn Custer, Clifton Park, New York
Ultimate Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie
Our family hosts an annual barn party for our close friends, complete with a pie cook-off. A few years ago, this recipe won first prize! —Janice Schneider, Kansas City, Missouri
Cranberry Nut Muffins
These are delicious, beautiful muffins. I serve them during the holidays or anytime cranberries are available. The leftovers always make good breakfast treats. Through the years I've tried many cranberry recipes for bread and muffins, but this remains my family's all-time favorite! —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Bacon-Pecan Chocolate Truffles
I love eating these truffles the day after I make them, after the full flavor of the bacon comes through. —Sylvia Shankle, Munhall, Pennsylvania
Hazelnut Brownie Bombe
I love making ice cream bombes—they look so elegant yet are incredibly simple to make. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
Cheddar-Pecan Crisps
Lots of holiday treats are sweet. For a change of pace, I fill goodie bags with my cheese crackers. The recipe has a large yield, but you can freeze the dough logs to bake later. —Heather Necessary, Shamokin Dan, Pennsylvania
Bacon Walnut Bread with Honey Butter
My savory walnut bread filled with bacon bits and blue cheese dressing is complemented by the sweetness of honey-flavored butter. Cut yourself a thick slice, slather on the butter and enjoy!—Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, Nebraska
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
These yummy pecan bars start with a homemade pastry crust and pile on lots of semisweet chocolate. They’re perfect for a holiday bake sale or casual get-together.—Heather Biedler, Martinsburg, West Virginia
Peach Gelatin Salad
My mother always asked our family what we wanted to eat for holiday dinners. Without exception, our requests included this refreshing gelatin. Toasted walnuts give it a little crunch. —Dennis King, Navarre, Florida
Coconut Pecan Pie
We top this with sliced bananas, whipped cream and more sliced bananas. It's based on a recipe my mom got from a pot holder she bought at the Patti's 1880s Settlement in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. —Jennifer Choisser, Paducah, Kentucky
Pistachio-Walnut Cookies
I've had this cookie in my rotation for many years, and it never fails to please. I prefer pistachio nuts and black walnuts for sprinkling over the cookie cutouts, but it's fine to use whatever nut you prefer.—Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Carrot Cake with Pecan Frosting
My husband constantly requests this homey, old-fashioned version of carrot cake. The frosting is still tasty even without the pecans. —Adrian Badon, Denham Springs, Louisiana
Sweet & Savory Pineapple Cheese Ball
One of my favorite dishes in childhood was my mom's pineapple and green pepper cheese ball. Now I make it, and it’s always a hit. —Susan Harrison, Laurel, Maryland
Apricot-Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
I enjoy experimenting with cake mixes to make new cookie recipes. I love apricot, but feel free to fill the thumbprint in the center of these goodies with any fruit preserve you like. —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma
Pecan Bacon
Crispy, sweet bacon brightens up any morning. When my girls see this, they call it “special breakfast.” The big flavor punch may just surprise you. —Catherine Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutty Pie-Crust Cookies
I like Italian cream cake, so I used it as inspiration for this cookie recipe. The splash of orange liqueur in the filling is my special touch. —Sonji McCarty-Onezine, Beaumont, Texas
Orange Pistachio Cookies
I had never tried pistachios until I visited a friend who served me these cookies. I was in love! I made the recipe my own, and now my family can't get enough of them. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Pistachio French Toast
I came up with this bake while on a beach trip with some friends. It turned out so well they fought for the last piece.—Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, CA
Pumpkin Pie-Spiced Granola
My husband says this granola with pumpkin and spices tastes like a bite of real pumpkin pie, and it’s a whole lot quicker to make. —Sarah Ozimek, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Peanut Pretzel Toffee Bark
My toffee has been a traditional must-make treat for my family and friends for over 40 years. My Dad taught me to make great fudge from scratch but my toffee was his favorite candy and each time I make it, I think of him. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Roasted Banana & Pecan Cheesecake
We keep bananas on hand, but with just two of us in the house they ripen faster than we can eat them. That makes them perfect for roasting and baking into this cheesecake with a nutty crust. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Pistachio Palmiers
My family loves palmiers from the bakery, so I created my own recipe. These have a Mideastern twist with the addition of rosewater, honey and a touch of cardamom. They are light and crisp, and a special treat for the holidays. —Deborah Hinojosa, Saratoga, California
Hungarian Walnut Cookies
As a child, I always looked forward to eating these goodies at Christmastime. Now I make them for my own family. —Sharon Kurtz, Emmaus, Pennsylvania
Orange-Almond Choclava
A twist on classic baklava, this recipe adds semisweet chocolate to the nut filling and drizzles even more on top. Christmas gift-giving has never been yummier! —Nella Parker, Hersey, MI
Caramel Nut Breakfast Cake
I first tasted this incredible coffee cake when a kind neighbor brought it by. It was so good that my brother-in-law tried hiding it from us so he wouldn’t have to share. —Arlene Isaac, Crooked Creek, Alberta
Honey Cinnamon Rollups
This cinnamony treat reminds me of baklava, but with only a few easy ingredients, it's a fraction of the work. My Aunt Adele shared the recipe with me, and I think of her whenever I make it. —Sue Falk, Warren, Michigan
Apricot-Hazelnut Triangles
These crispy cookie treats can be changed up—try different nuts and jams, and dark or white chocolate depending on the holiday. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
I needed a new holiday cookie, so I tweaked an old 4-H recipe. This updated oatmeal cookie with cranberries and nuts is my family’s all-time favorite. —Tammy Hoggatt, Omaha, Nebraska
Maple Pecan Tarts
I absolutely love pecans. I combine them with maple and vanilla to create the ultimate tart, made even richer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. —Redawna Kalynchuk, Barrhead, Alberta
Caramel Heavenlies
Before I cut these bars into triangles, I usually trim the edges so all the cookies look the same. My husband and daughter love this part because they get to eat the "scraps." —Dawn Burns, Lake St. Louis, Missouri
Chocolate-Glazed Coconut Almond Cheesecake
My idea was to make a cheesecake taste like my favorite candy bar, which has chocolate, coconut and almonds. This cheesecake also works in bite size. Use a mini muffin pan with muffin liners, fill 3/4 full and bake 15-17 minutes. Allow to sit and cool completely before topping with chocolate, coconut and almonds. —Keri Brammer, Lawton, Oklahoma
Cherry Almond Mousse Pie
Treat your loved ones to a luscious pie with chocolate, cherries and nuts in a creamy vanilla mousse. It's a sweet yet refreshing dessert. —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Pumpkin Surprise Muffins
Filled with cream cheese and apricot preserves, these almond-topped pumpkin muffins are absolutely heavenly. —Elizabeth Blondefield, San Jose, California
Almond Cherry Fudge
Cooked in the microwave, this fast fudge is a sweet addition to any holiday gathering. I make this when I need a quick treat for a school party or to take to a neighbor. —Shellie Tucker, Hendersonvlle, Tennessee
Grain-Free Apple Pie Granola
Because of food allergies, I’ve learned to swap ingredients. There are no grains in this granola but loads of nuts and apples. Try it with yogurt or milk. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Crunchy French Toast
This light version of classic French toast is perfect for quick meals or Sunday brunches. My kids love it, and so do I! —Barbara Arnold, Spokane, Washington.
Almond Espresso Bars
If you like coffee, you'll love these mocha morsels dressed up with toasted almonds. Save a few bars for afternoon snacktime or even breakfast, too. —Taire Van Scoy, Brunswick, Maryland
Almond Icebox Cookies
With a roll of this cookie dough on hand, I can serve freshly baked cookies in a snap. —Elizabeth Montgomery, Allston, Massachusetts
Cranberry-Cherry Nut Pie
This delightful, stress-free pie combines cranberries with convenient cherry pie filling for a fresh, fun flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spiced Rum-Nut Brittle
Seasoned with cayenne pepper and cinnamon, this spicy microwave brittle packs its own heat and warms up holiday visitors. It also makes a great stocking stuffer! —Terri McKitrick, Delafield, Wisconsin
Raisin Nut Oatmeal
There’s no better feeling than waking up to a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast. The oats, fruit and spices in this homey meal cook together while you sleep! —Valerie Sauber, Adelanto, California
Apple-Nut Blue Cheese Tartlets
These tasty appetizers look and taste gourmet, but they're easy to make and have loads of blue cheese flavor. The phyllo shells and filling can be made in advance—just fill the cups and warm them in the oven before serving. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Orange Banana Nut Bread
I like this recipe because the orange juice gives the nut bread such a unique flavor and also makes it moist. —Barbara Roethlisberger, Shepherd, Michigan
Ginger & Maple Macadamia Nut Cookies
This spiced cookie has a real kick of ginger, similar to traditional German lebkuchen. If you don’t have crystallized ginger, use colored sprinkles. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Double Nut Baklava
It may take some time to make this rich, buttery treat, but it's well worth the effort! The blend of coconut, pecans and macadamia nuts is irresistible. —Kari Kelley, Plains, Montana
Macadamia Key Lime Pie
I make Key lime pie at least four times a month during summer, it’s so refreshing. The shortbread crust adds richness. —Brynn LeMaire, Gueydan, Louisiana
Coconut Fruitcake
A neighbor gave me this recipe when we first moved to this small town, saying it dated back to the 1800s and everybody in the area made it. I soon discovered why when I took a taste...and I'm not a fruitcake fan! —Lorraine Groh, Ferryville, Wisconsin
Rustic Nut Bars
My friends love crunching into the crust, which tastes like shortbread, and wildly nutty topping on these chewy, gooey bars. —Barbara Driscoll, West Allis, Wisconsin
Butternut Squash Bake
If I ask our two girls (ages 7 and 14) what to fix for a special meal, this dish is always requested. I discovered this slightly sweet and crunchy-topped casserole at a church dinner about 10 years ago, and now I take it to potluck dinners and come home with an empty dish! -Julie Jahn, Decatur, Indiana
Cranberry Waldorf Salad
Cranberries grow in the coastal area about 50 miles from our home. When they become available, I always make this creamy salad. —Faye Huff, Longview, Washington
Cranberry-Apple Nut Crunch
This dessert is especially pretty and appropriate for the holidays. I updated my mother's recipe using instant oatmeal to make it even easier to fix. —Joyce Sheets, Lafayette, Indiana
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Hazel Wheaton