Fun fact: Pecans are the only commercially grown tree nut native to North America. Another fun fact? Toasting them is an excellent way to elevate their buttery flavor and give them a captivating crunch. It takes less than 10 minutes of your time and is worth every second of effort.
Two Ways to Toast Pecans
You can toast pecans using one of two methods and both deliver terrific results.
- Spread them on a baking sheet and roast them in a 350°F oven.
- Toast them in a skillet over medium-high heat.
The first approach is good if you’re doing a larger batch. It also requires a bit less babysitting than on the stove top. The skillet method means you don’t have to turn on your oven and works well for smaller batches.
Make More than You Need
If you’re going through the effort to toast a batch of pecans, it’s easy to double or triple the amounts. What’s key is that you don’t crowd the baking sheet or skillet, since the nuts need plenty of room to toast evenly. Once you’ve got your pecans nice and toasted, let them cool and store in a covered container, either in the fridge for about 9 months or in the freezer for about 1 year.
Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel
How to Use Toasted Pecans
Here are a handful of tasty ways to enjoy toasted pecans:
