How To Toast Pecans (3 Ways!)
Three easy ways to toast pecans - in your oven, on your stovetop, or in your microwave!
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecan halves *amount can be halved, doubled or tripled
Instructions
To toast pecans in the oven:
- Position a rack in the center of your oven. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Spread your pecans on a baking sheet with parchment paper in a single layer. You can line with parchment paper or skip it (this will just make for easy cleanup later).
- Cook in a 350°F oven for 6-10 minutes. The cook time can vary depending on how many pecans are on the baking sheet. Be sure to stir the nuts a few times during the baking process so they all toast evenly.
- Toast until fragrant and golden brown in color. Remove the baking sheet from the oven to cool to room temperature, and then use the toasted nuts as the recipe calls for them.
To toast pecans on the stovetop:
- Spread pecans out in a dry skillet in a single layer. (no butter or oil needed).
- Cook the nuts over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring the pecans in the pan frequently to prevent burning.
- Remove the pan from the heat and allow the nuts to cool to room temperature before using the toasted nuts in your recipe.
Microwave method:
- Place the nuts onto a microwave safe plate in a single layer (a glass pie plate works great).
- Microwave the nuts on high for 2 minutes.
- Remove and stir then continue to microwave in 30-second increments until pecans are toasted to your preference. This can vary depending on your microwave, how many pecans you are using, and if they are whole or chopped. Allow the nuts to cool before using.
Notes
- Storage: You can store the them in an airtight container and keep at room temperature, in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months although it's best to store in an airtight container for up to 6 months in your fridge to keep them from going bad.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to a year in an airtight container.
- Pecan pieces. Whole pecans will toast more evenly than pecan pieces and are less likely to burn. But you can use pecan pieces but you will need to be sure to stir frequently and toast for less time.
- Stir frequently. No matter which method you choose, be sure to be stirring the nuts a few times during the cooking process so the nuts don't burn.
- Roast in a single layer. For best results, do not roast too many at once so they all evenly be toasted.
- Times may vary. Depending on the amount you choose to toast, and if they are whole or pieces, the time it may take for them to be golden brown and toasted through will differ.
- Allow to cool before using. If you are using these in a dessert recipe, be sure to let them cool to room temperature. Stirring hot pecans into your batter may cause your baked goods to flop and not rise properly.