How to Toast Pecans (2024)

Published: October 8, 2023 · Modified: Oct 8, 2023 by John Kanell

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Enhance the smooth nutty flavor and rich brown color of raw pecans with one of these two simple methods for How to Toast Pecans. Add extra crunch to loaves of bread and muffins or top sweet or savory dishes with toasted pecan halves or pieces.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

With two methods for toasting pecans, adding flavor and color to these tasty nuts has never been easier. Whether you choose the stovetop or oven method, toasting pecans is one of the best ways to enhance their flavor and fill your kitchen with a nutty aroma. With one ingredient and a skillet or sheet pan, the toasting process is quick and simple. No extra oil or equipment is needed, and these nuts turn out perfect every time.

Pecans are the ideal nut for toasting because their natural oils promote browning, and the heat deepens their flavor. Toasting pecans is an easy way to add a nutty flavor to baked goods and an irresistible crunch to holiday sides like sweet potatoes, but are so tasty you’ll want to toast extras for snacking! For more pecan recipes, try my butter pecan cookies recipe, pecan pie cheesecake recipe, and pecan pie bars recipe.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Pecans – I made this recipe with raw pecan halves, but you can also toast pecan pieces or chopped pecans. To know if the raw nuts are still fresh, check for a light golden brown color and plump appearance with a slightly sweet flavor. Pecans have gone bad if they are hard, dark brown, or have a wrinkled or dry appearance and taste bitter or like rancid oil.

How to Toast Pecans on the Stove Top

1. Place pecans in a large dry skillet over medium heat.

2. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and darker brown in color, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and let cool completely.

How to Toast Pecans in the Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans onto a baking sheet. (Line the sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, if desired.)

Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes, until fragrant and darker brown in color and you hear sizzling. Let cool completely before using.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

Trust your senses. The pecans are toasted and ready when they smell fragrant, appear darker brown in color, and make a sizzling sound when using the oven method. They may also sizzle in the stovetop method, but because of the direct heat, they can toast before they make much sound. Smell, look, and listen for indications that the pecans are toasted to prevent burning.
Oven toast in a single layer. When toasting pecans in the oven, pick a baking sheet or dish that is large enough to spread the nuts into a single layer and stir after 4 minutes to help them toast evenly. Bake in batches if needed. This is my preferred method for this toasted pecans recipe because the nuts get a bit crisper throughout; however, both are delicious!
Use in any baking recipe. Toasting pecans brings out their natural flavor and enhances their crispiness, so they are ready for all your favorite baked goods. Anytime there are pecans in a recipe, you can use toasted pecans in their place, or add chopped roasted pecans for extra crunch in your favorite cookies or breads. They also are fantastic on salads and sprinkled over ice cream!
Add oil or seasoning after toasting. The natural oils in the nuts are sufficient to toast them, but you can add a little melted butter or oil to the hot nuts after toasting if desired. Sprinkle the pecans with salt or other seasonings while still warm. Try butter with cinnamon for topping carrot cake slices or olive oil and salt for sprinkling on roasted vegetables.
Reduce cooking time for smaller pecans. When toasting pecan pieces or chopped pecans, reduce the cooking time. Smaller nut pieces will brown more quickly so look, listen, and smell to achieve the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow pecans to cool completely before storing. If the toasted pecans have been seasoned with oil or spices, use within one week for optimum freshness.

If you love this recipe try these out!

If you’ve tried this recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup pecans

Instructions

Stove Top Method:

Place pecans in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and darker brown in color, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and let cool completely.

Oven Method:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Spread the pecans onto a baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes, until fragrant and darker brown in color. (You should also hear them sizzling!). Let cool completely before using.

Notes

Trust your senses. The pecans are toasted and ready when they smell fragrant, appear darker brown in color, and make a sizzling sound when using the oven method. They may also sizzle in the stovetop method, but because of the direct heat, they can toast before they make much sound. Smell, look, and listen for indications that the pecans are toasted to prevent burning.
Oven toast in a single layer. When toasting pecans in the oven, pick a baking sheet or dish that is large enough to spread the nuts into a single layer and stir after 4 minutes to help them toast evenly. Bake in batches if needed. This is my preferred method for this toasted pecans recipe because the nuts get a bit crisper throughout; however, both are delicious!
Use in any baking recipe. Toasting pecans brings out their natural flavor and enhances their crispiness, so they are ready for all your favorite baked goods. Anytime there are pecans in a recipe, you can use toasted pecans in their place, or add chopped roasted pecans for extra crunch in your favorite cookies or breads. They also are fantastic on salads and sprinkled over ice cream!
Add oil or seasoning after toasting. The natural oils in the nuts are sufficient to toast them, but you can add a little melted butter or oil to the hot nuts after toasting if desired. Sprinkle the pecans with salt or other seasonings while still warm. Try butter with cinnamon for topping carrot cake slices or olive oil and salt for sprinkling on roasted vegetables.
Reduce cooking time for smaller pecans. When toasting pecan pieces or chopped pecans, reduce the cooking time. Smaller nut pieces will brown more quickly so look, listen, and smell to achieve the best results.