How to Toast Pecans

Learn How to Toast Pecans in the oven or in a pan to add to your favorite healthy recipes.  Roasting pecans is an easy way to bring out their natural nutty aroma and crunchy texture.  

Want a few other healthy recipes with pecans?  You might also enjoy these Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars, this Pecan Honey Chicken, and this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans.

Roasting and Toasting Pecans

Toasting pecans in the oven brings out so much of their natural, nutty aroma and crunchy bite.

While pecans taste great raw, roasting them in the oven or in a pan can really take them over the top!

Whether adding them to your favorite Chopped Kale Salad, baked goods, or sprinkling them on top of some Pumpkin Overnight Oats…

Taking the extra 10 minutes to pop them in the oven is definitely worth the time.  (Just like when roasting almonds, pine nuts, or toasting walnuts.)

Ingredients for Toasting Pecans

There is really only ONE ingredient that is absolutely necessary when toasting pecans.

And that is… raw pecans!

When purchasing pecans at your grocery store you will have the option of buying either raw pecans or already toasted pecans.

Make sure you pick the raw pecans if you are planning to roast them in the oven at home.

Other Optional Ingredients:

• Butter or Oil: Toss the pecans in melted butter or olive oil before baking for a buttery flavor.
• Salt: Add a bit of sea salt to give the toasted pecans more flavor.
• Garlic Salt, Paprika, or other seasoning ingredients.
  • Blackened Seasoning or Taco Seasoning would taste great on them, too!

How to Toast Pecans?

Toasting pecans in the oven or on the stovetop is relatively simple and easy to do.

If you are adding any butter, oil, or seasoning ingredients, toss the pecans in that mixture before roasting.

Here are the basic steps you will need to follow for toasted pecans:

Toasting Pecans in the Oven

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Line a large, lightly colored, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place pecan halves in a single layer on the sheet.
4. Toast them in the oven for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until golden brown.

Toasting Pecans in a Pan

If you are toasting a smaller batch of pecans, cooking them in a skillet is an easy way to do it.

1. Heat a medium to large, non-stick, dry skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Add no more than 1 cup of pecans to the skillet in a single layer.
3. Toast pecans for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

You’ll know the pecans are done toasting when you begin to smell their nutty aroma.

FAQs – Pecans

Are pecans good for you?

Pecans are a healthy snack option that are full of fiber and healthy monounsaturated fats.

A single ounce serving of pecans contains 196 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, and 20 grams of fat.

Other healthy benefits of pecans include phytonutrients, zinc, and flavanoids.

Are pecans tree nuts?

Yes, pecans are tree nuts.  Other tree nuts include almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, and walnuts.

How to pronounce pecan?

There is much debate about how to properly pronounce pecan.

The correct way to say pecan is puh – kaan.

Not, pee – can.

Roasted Pecans Questions

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Toasted pecans do not need to be refrigerated if storing for less than a few months.

What’s the best way to store toasted nuts?

Store roasted nuts in a cool, dry place for the best results.

How long will toasted pecans last?

Roasted, or toasted, pecans will last for up to 3-4 months if stored at room temperature

They will last up to 6 months if stored in the refrigerator and up to a year if frozen.

Want some toasted pecan recipe ideas?

These recipes all taste incredible with a bit of roasted pecans on top:

Chopped Kale Salad

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Fall Harvest Salad with Apples

Tap stars to rate!

4.67 from 12 votes

How to Toast Pecans

Add a natural, nutty flavor and a crispy crunch to your favorite dishes when you learn How to Toast Pecans - the right way. Whether in the oven or a skillet, we'll be going over what to do as well as what to avoid so you don't end up burning those precious nuts!

Yield 8 servings

Prep 2 minutes mins

Cook 8 minutes mins

Total 10 minutes mins

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Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1-4 cups pecans raw
• ▢ Butter or oil optional
• ▢ Salt or seasoning ingredients optional

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

• If using butter, oil, or seasoning ingredients, toss pecans in the mixture until lightly coated.
  1-4 cups pecans, Butter or oil, Salt or seasoning ingredients

Toasting Pecans in the Oven

• Preheat oven to 325°F.
• Line a large, lightly colored baking sheet with parchment paper. Place pecan halves in a single layer on the sheet. Toast in preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  1-4 cups pecans

Toasting Pecans in a Pan

• Heat a medium to large, non-stick dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add no more than 1 cup of pecans to the skillet in a single layer. Toast pecans for 3-5 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
  1-4 cups pecans

Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

4.67 from 12 votes

Notes

Storage Instructions:

Place toasted pecans in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3-4 months if stored at room temperature, up to 6 months if stored in the refrigerator, and up to a year in the freezer.

More Pecan Roasting Tips:

• The nuts can burn VERY quickly. Make sure to set a timer, and let your nose be your guide. As soon as you start to smell the nutty aroma, it's time to check on them!
• Notice the size. Smaller pieces will toast much more quickly than whole pecans. You'll need to adjust your roasting time accordingly.
• The type of pan makes a difference. Lighter colors baking sheets will take a little longer to roast than darker. Thicker ones may take longer for them to fully toast than thinner ones.
• Some varieties roast more quickly. Fattier nuts take a little longer to roast and are less likely to burn. If you notice the pecans you're roasting are a little drier, you may want to reduce your roasting time by a minute or two.
• You can adjust the baking temperature. An oven temperature of 325°F is my recommendation to strike the balance of roasting pecans low and slow but not taking a ton of time. You can increase this to 350°F, if desired, and bake for a minute or two less or decrease to 300°F and cook for a few minutes more.

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Potassium: 116mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 16IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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