We just whipped up a fully delicious Healthy Hazelnut Chocolate Spread using avocado and toasted hazelnuts. To make sure you’re getting the most out of those toasted hazelnuts (and any other nuts you’re toasting), we’ve GOT to tell you Why You’re Not Toasting Your Nuts Correctly. We also let you in our tips and tricks for the Best Ways to Store Nuts and Seeds so before you get toasting, be sure to check that out.
Now we have got a very passionate chef on our hands—Ryan has some REAL spicy opinions on how to toast nuts. There are some dos and absolute don’ts when it comes to toasting nuts, so let’s talk about Why You’re Not Toasting Your Nuts Correctly and how to do it right.
the wrong way and right way to toast nuts
We’re just gonna come out and say it: toasting nuts in a pan on the stove is WRONG.
Toasting nuts low and slow in the oven is the way to go. We suggest a temperature of 275 degrees. You can bump that up to 300 degrees if you’re real pressed for time, but 275 is preferred.
why to toast nuts in the oven
- Nuts have a lot of volatile oils and fats in them. Those oils and fats are what make them good for you. Toasting them at high heat in the pan (or in the oven for that matter) will break down the nutrients and spoil that goodness. Keep the temp low when toasting your nuts to best preserve their good-for-you qualities.
- Toasting nuts in the oven allows you to get an even, all-around heat so your nuts are toasting at the same rate from top to bottom and throughout.
- No tossing necessary! Toasting nuts in the oven is a very hands-off process. Just love ’em and leave ’em in there till they’re done.
why not to toast nuts on the stove
- Like we mentioned above, higher heat kills nutrients. Toasting nuts in a pan on the stove requires too much heat and spoils the oils and fats in nuts.
- Toasting nuts on the stove blasts heat from below. The direct heat causes only one side of the nut to toast. It’s also why you might see black spots or hot spots on your nuts after toasting them in a pan.
- Tossing nuts in a pan requires more of your precious attention and it’s hard to control the direct heat, resulting in an uneven toast.
correctly toasting your nuts: the process
step one
Preheat your oven to 275 or 300, but no higher than that. Spread your nuts evenly over a baking sheet. You don’t want them to be overcrowded, so be sure to give them a little bit of breathing room.
If you’re cooking for a recipe, toast just a bit more than the recipe requires. We’ll tell you why below, but if it calls for 1 cup of toasted nuts, try roasting about 1 1/4 cups instead.
step two
Pop that baking sheet in the oven and leave them for about 10 minutes. Your cooking time will vary based on how large your nuts are—whether by natural size or because you chopped them up. If you’re working with a smaller size, expect a shorter cooking time. The key to toasting correctly is to check in.
step three
So how do you know when your nuts are done toasting? TASTE EM! The reason we recommended toasting more nuts than your recipe requires is so you can lose a few as you check for done-ness. Worst case scenario, you have toasted nuts left over for snacking.
Take a bite of a nut and look on the inside to see how developed the color is. You’ll know the nuts are done when you’re getting that toasty taste and a nice brown color. If you taste and they aren’t quite there yet, pop them back in the oven and check again in a few minutes. When they taste right, they’re done!
a couple more tips for the road
If you feel like you’ve overtoasted your nuts by a few minutes, it’s a good idea to pull them off the baking sheet right away. That hot sheet will keep cooking your nuts for a few minutes, so if you’re toeing the line, get them onto a cool dish as soon as they’re out of the oven. If you’ve really overdone it, pop them into the fridge right away to shock them—this will essentially stop the toasting right where it’s at.
If you’re dressing your nuts up with some oil and spices, you can still follow the same process above. Just toss your nuts in whatever you’re using before you put them in the oven and you’re good to go!
Now you know Why You’re Not Toasting Your Nuts Correctly and how to do it right. Be sure to check out the Best Ways to Store Nuts and Seeds if it’ll be a while before you toast, and get your toasting practice in by making our Healthy Hazelnut Chocolate Spread ***link*** !