How to Toast Pecans

If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a delicious, simple snack at home, you should really know How to Toast Pecans! This easy to make snack can be made either in the oven or stove top, and both methods always result in crunchy, aromatic toasted pecans.

How to Toast Pecans

I’ve been toasting pecans for pretty much as long as I’ve been working my way around a kitchen. This recipe is incredibly simple, and always yields the most incredibly crunchy toasted pecans. I love munching on toasted pecans as a snack! They’re delicious plain, but you can also toss some butter or oil along with your favorite seasonings on them as well for added flavor.

If you’re looking for a more health-conscious alternative to a snack like potato chips, you really should make a big batch of toasted pecans! And like I previously mentioned, they can be flavored any way you like or kept plain. Either way, they’re a satisfying midday snack, as they have a great crunch and some surprising health benefits as well. They’re got plenty of healthy fats and fiber, making them a way more health-conscious snack than deep fried potato chips!

As much as I love to enjoy these toasted pecans by the handful, I also really love tossing them onto my favorite Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats! Homemade toasted pecans and soft oatmeal go so well together, since the warm oatmeal is so perfectly enhanced by the added crunch of the pecans. You could also add some pecans to a more decadent morning recipe like Salted Caramel Brownie Breakfast Parfaits for a real treat! No matter how you choose to enjoy them, you’re going to love having this tried and true toasted pecan recipe in your back pocket.

How to Make Them

You can toast pecans in the oven or on the stove top!

To toast in a pan:

Warm it up. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Toast. Add 1 cup of the pecans to the skillet in a single layer and toast.

Toss. Cook the pecans for 4-5 minutes, tossing occasionally.

Repeat. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining pecans.

Enjoy! Cool to room temperature and serve.

To toast in the oven:

Warm it up. Preheat oven to 325°F.

Prep. Line a large baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat.

Arrange. Spread the pecans in a single layer on the sheet.

Toast. Toast the pecans in the oven for 8-10 minutes, tossing occasionally. 

Enjoy! Cool to room temperature and use in your favorite recipes.

How can I flavor these toasted pecans?

If you’d like to flavor the toasted pecans, that’s great! It’s fun and easy to do. Sometimes, I like to toss about one cup of toasted pecans with about one tbsp of oil or melted butter with a few pinches of cinnamon and sugar. You can add as much or as little cinnamon and sugar as you’d like, depending on your preferences! Also, you could go a more savory route with ingredients like garlic powder, dried herbs, or even spicy cayenne pepper.

We also love making these candied walnuts and these addicting sweet and spicy almonds!

How long will toasted pecans stay fresh?

Don’t keep these pecans at room temp once they’ve been roasted, or they’ll go bad! Instead, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to 6 months. Do NOT freeze them!

Why did my pecans burn?

When you’re toasting pecans, it’s very important to stay close! Don’t walk away from them, especially if you’re toasting the pecans on your stove top. They can burn quickly if not stirred often, so be sure to keep an eye on your pecans to prevent them from burning.

Craving more pecans? You’ve come to the right place!

• Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
• Easy Praline Pecans
• Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
• Pecan Pie Cheesecake

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