How to Toast Walnuts

If you've never had toasted walnuts, now's the time to try them. 

Here's an easy recipe to show you how to toast walnuts for salads, dips, appetizers, and even enjoy as a snack (they're the perfect addition to a charcuterie board).

Toasted walnuts are easy to make, have great flavor, and only take a few minutes. 

Why You Should Toast Walnuts

Toasted walnuts make a wonderful snack and are great in salads or as a garnish. Toasting nuts brings out their flavor.

You can easily toast nuts in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer.

Toasting walnuts takes a few minutes, and it's totally worth it!

Ingredients Needed to Toast Walnuts

All you need to toast walnuts is raw walnuts! You can use walnut halves, pieces or whole nuts. 

How to Toast Walnuts

There are two easy ways to toast walnuts. You can toast nuts in the oven or on the stovetop. I think the best method is to toast in the oven for more even toasting, but both methods are easy and work great!

Oven Method

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).

Spread walnuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

For best results, make sure the walnuts are in an even layer on the baking sheet to allow for even toasting.

Remove and bring to room temperature before chopping or using.

Stove Top Method

Toast walnuts over medium-low to medium heat in a small, dry skillet for 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to monitor for any burning.

Use a wooden spoon to stir occasionally and remove when walnuts are golden brown.

Allow walnuts to cool to room temperature before chopping or using in another dish.

How to Use Toasted Walnuts

If you make some toasted walnuts, you can use them in all sorts of different ways. Adding to baked goods like banana bread, or to your morning oatmeal adds a delicious crunchy texture. Toasted walnuts also make a great snack, especially with a little sea salt or your favorite seasoning. 

Here are some of our favorite recipes with toasted walnuts:

• Muhammara (Syrian Red Pepper Dip) - roasted red peppers ground with toasted walnuts
• Waldorf Salad Recipe - the classic Waldorf with grapes, apples, and toasted walnuts
• Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad - delicious shredded Brussels sprouts, apple, and walnut salad with shaved parmesan

Tips for Making Toasted Walnuts

• Personally, I prefer toasting my walnuts in the oven as I think it gives them a more even toasting. However, if I have things baking in the oven - I toast walnuts using the stovetop method.
• If you want to pep these walnuts up even more - toss them with a little olive oil or sprinkle them with spices like cinnamon, Chinese five spice, or Aleppo pepper.
• You can toast other raw nuts, including pine nuts, macadamia nuts, and pecans (to name a few) using either one of these easy methods. Just note that smaller nuts will burn faster, and you may need to check on them frequently. 
• If you want a sweet treat, add 3-5 tablespoons of maple syrup to the walnuts before toasting. You'll want to stir more often and check on doneness every few minutes. These make a surprisingly delicious sweet treat with the perfect crunch. 
• If you love toasted walnuts, you can make a larger batch and freeze them in an airtight container for longer storage and easy access. 

Toasted walnuts make a great addition to many recipes. Make a big batch and freeze them so you always have them ready to use or eat. Add your favorite seasonings and keep them as a great snack, easy for on-the-go. You won't be disappointed with these toasted walnuts!