How To Toast Walnuts

Toasting walnuts is an easy extra step that will greatly improve your baked goods! I’ll show you three ways of how to toast walnuts to really bring out their flavor!

 

If you’re going to go to all the trouble to bake from scratch, then why not spend an extra few minutes of your time to take that dessert from “pretty good” to “wow this is fantastic, I need this recipe!”.

And what is that little extra step I beg you to take on your next recipe to get those remarks? Toast your walnuts! Stirring chopped walnuts into your baked goods will greatly improve the overall flavor of your desserts!

When it comes to making my walnut streusel bread, my easy banana bread recipe, or these thick chewy Levain Bakery chocolate chip walnut cookies I spend just a few minutes before I begin to toast walnuts to bring out their flavor. Totally worth it!

I’m going to show you how to toast walnuts three easy ways today so you can make any recipe delicious!

What are the benefits of toasting walnuts?

Toasting walnuts before you use them helps bring out their natural oils, and therefore their nutty flavor. Raw walnuts can have a bitterness to them that can be tasted in your final baked goods.

But toasting them? Oh my. Walnuts become nutty, crunchy, and buttery!

Roasted walnuts will have great flavor just by toasting them a few minutes in the oven, or on the stovetop, or even in the microwave!

Are walnuts good for you?

Yes walnuts are very good for you! They are full of great nutritional benefits. They are rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E, and Omega-3s. They’re a source of healthy fats that can help improve your gut and heart health.

So you know, I can feel better when consuming my desserts made with walnuts knowing they are good for me. 😉

How do I know if my walnuts have gone bad?

Before you start toasting walnuts, let’s check first whether or not they have gone bad.

Yes walnuts, like any nut, can go bad over time. How will you know? You can smell them or give them a taste (although I don’t recommend them! Yech!). They will have a rancid taste. The smell will remind you of paint thinner. They will also look shriveled and rubbery.

If your walnuts have gone bad, then you need to throw them out!

It’s best to store walnuts in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, I like to store them in a refrigerator or freezer to preserve the oils.

Ingredients Needed

• Walnuts – I recommend toasting walnut halves, then chopping them after they have been toasted. This will prevent burning. Cooking times will vary depending on the method you choose.
• Olive Oil Or Butter (optional) – For baking, I do not add any oil and will just dry roast them. But if you want to add any spices or seasonings, then you may want to them with a little bit of fat, or oil like olive oil or melted butter.

How To Toast Walnuts – 3 Ways!

To roast walnuts you have a few options. You can roast walnuts:

1. In The Oven
2. On The Stovetop
3. In The Microwave

How To Toast Walnuts In The Oven

This is my preferred method of toasting walnuts. I think it produces the most even results and once they are in the oven I don’t have to attend to them! Just set a timer and come back in a bit to yummy toasted walnuts.

This method is great when you need to toast a big batch!

To Toast walnuts in the oven:

1. Preheat oven to 350^oF (180^oC).
2. If using olive oil, butter, or spices, toss walnuts in spices and oil now.
3. Spread walnuts out into a single layer onto a rimmed baking sheet. I like to line mine with parchment paper.
4. Toast in a 350^oF oven for 7-10 minutes until they smell toasted and golden brown, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove toasted walnuts from the oven and allow to cool. Use the toasted nuts as directed in your recipe.

How To Toast Walnuts On The Stovetop

You will toast walnuts in a skillet or frying pan. This method will take less time than toasting in the oven.

To toast walnuts in the stovetop:

1. Coat walnuts in oil/butter/spices first.
2. Add walnuts in a single layer to a nonstick skillet and heat over medium low heat to medium heat.
3. Heat walnuts for 2-5 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally with a wooden spoon or spatula. Roast until they smell nutty and golden brown. They can burn easily.
4. Remove toasted walnuts from the heat and allow to cool completely before using.

How to Toast Walnuts in the Microwave

This is my not preferred method, but it can be done! The walnuts will get fragrant and crisp, but they won’t have a golden brown color like if you toast walnuts on the stove or toast walnuts in the oven.

In the microwave

1. Microwave the walnuts in a single layer on a microwave safe plate for 2 minutes
2. Cool and use toasted walnuts in recipe as directed.

Recipe Tips

• Use raw walnuts. Do not toast nuts that are already roasted or they may become overcooked.
• Allow the nuts to cool after toasting. The nuts will become soft right after toasting, but will become crispier as they cool.
• Use a light colored baking sheet. The walnuts may burn if you use a dark colored baking sheet.
• Toast in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan or baking sheet so they all toast evenly.
• Stir occasionally. This will ensure all the nuts toast evenly and don’t burn.

How long do toasted walnuts last?

You can store toasted walnuts in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or 3-4 months if refrigerated.

You can also freeze leftover toasted walnuts in an airtight container for up to a year.

Creative Ways to Use Toasted Walnuts

• Russian Tea Cakes
• Walnut Bread
• Cranberry Walnut Bread
• Flourless Chocolate Walnut Cookies
• Pear Walnut Muffins