How to Toast Pecans

Many think that roasting pecans is optional, but having lived in the South my entire life – where pecans get added to almost EVERYTHING- I’d argue that it’s an absolute must!

The simple act of toasting pecans brings out a deeper, nutty flavor and the best crunchy bite. And it just takes a few minutes to do it!

Whether adding them to a Strawberry Spinach Salad, tossing them into a Pecan Pie, or sprinkling onto your morning Overnight Oats– I promise you won’t be disappointed if you spend a few extra minutes to pop them in the oven or a skillet.

Important Tips When Roasting Pecans

If you read anything at all here, make sure you catch these tips so you don’t burn those pricey nuts!

• 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.

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Notes About Ingredients

• Pecans. Make sure you select raw pecans if you plan to roast them at home. While all pecan varieties can be roasted, I find the lighter varieties taste better, are slightly more buttery, and roast up the best.
• Optional Ingredients: If adding any butter/oil or other seasoning ingredients, you’ll want to toss the pecans in these before roasting. Salt is an easy addition, but garlic salt, cinnamon, paprika, Blackened Seasoning or Taco Seasoning would be great on them, too.

How to Roast Pecans in the Oven

Baking pecans in the oven is ideal for batches larger than 1 cup.

1. Place pecan halves in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. To make clean-up even easier, line it with a piece of parchment paper.
2. Toast pecans in a preheated 325°F oven for 7-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and emitting a nutty aroma. If roasting pecan pieces, you’ll want to begin checking on them after 4-5 minutes.

*Stirring pecans is essential to ensure they do not burn while roasting!

How to Toast Pecans in a Pan

If you are preparing a smaller batch of pecans, using a medium or large skillet on the stove is an easy way to do it.

1. Add no more than 1 cup pecans to a large stainless steel or non-stick skillet over a medium heat. Spread out in a single layer.
2. Toast pecans for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know the pecans are done toasting when you begin to smell their nutty flavor and aroma.

*Just like when roasting pecans in the oven, pecan pieces will be done in a little more than half the time.

Should I roast pecans whole or chopped?

You can roast pecans either way. Whole pecans will take a little longer but are less likely to burn, while pecan pieces will cook more evenly but have a tendency to burn more quickly.

FAQs

Ways to Use Roasted Pecans

The list really is endless, but here are some of my favorite ways to use roasted pecans:

• Chopped Kale Salad
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Pumpkin Overnight Oats
• Fall Harvest Salad with Apples
• Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
• Cranberry Brie Bites
• Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal