This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Learn How to Toast Pecans in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave for more flavor and extra crunch! Roasting Pecans takes ordinary pecans and turns them into absolutely fantastic in just minutes.
Roasted Pecans are the perfect addition to your holiday baking, favorite recipes, or an amazing snack!
Why you’ll love this toasted pecan recipe!
- Super Easy: It really is so simple and just takes a few minutes to add so much flavor and aroma to raw pecans.
- 3 methods to choose from: You can make these in the oven, stovetop, or in the microwave.
- Perfect for recipes and well as enjoying on their own: Toasted pecans can be used in so many dishes – sweet and savory alike. They are also a great snack or gift to give in a pretty jar tied with burlap bow or ribbon.
The holiday baking season is upon us! It’s time to start filling our kitchens with sweet and savory aromas. I have to say this is my favorite time of year!
Pecans tend to find their way into much of my fall and winter baking and even savory dishes. Roasting pecans is a great way to enhance the flavor of these dishes.
Roasted Pecans are delicious additions to snack mixes, salads, desserts, quick breads, vegetables, and even over your morning cereal or oatmeal.
If you have never toasted pecans before, you won’t believe how simple it is. Not to mention that scrumptious nutty aroma and extra crunch that will enhance any dish.
Ingredient Notes
- Pecans: Fresh good quality pecans will give you the best flavor and results.
- Butter: Real butter really enhanced the nutty flavor and that buttery flavor that is hard to beat.
- Sea Salt: A little sea salt sprinkled on top adds flavor but is totally optional. It may depend on the dish you are adding this to as well. If you are enjoying for a snack I really recommend adding a little
How to Toast Pecans
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Oven Method (Oven Roasted Pecans)
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, silicone baking mat, or foil.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe dish.
- Place pecans in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and drizzle with melted butter. Roast in the oven until golden, tossing the pecans halfway through cooking time.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle with salt if desired. Let cool and serve or use in a recipe.
Stovetop Method
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add pecans to skillet and cook, tossing as you cook, until golden and fragrant.
- Remove pan from heat and sprinkle with salt (if desired) and let cool.
Microwave Method
- Place pecans in a single layer on a paper towel line microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high in one-minute increments until the nuts are golden and fragrant.
- Remove and sprinkle with salt if desired.
- Cool on the plate.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
It will greatly depend on the method you chose and the size of the pecans, and how hot your oven, stovetop, and strength of your microwave. However, in the oven, it takes from 5 to 10 minutes, on the stovetop 2 to 5 minutes, and in the microwave oven about 2 to 3 minutes.
Yes, you totally can! Using butter intensifies the flavor and helps your seasonings (or salt) stick better. If you want to cut out that fat, they are still delicious and you can definitely dry roast them.
Absolutely! Depending on the size and type you may need to cook less time. Just always keep a close eye on them. So many nuts are delicious toasted. Almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, peanuts, and hazelnuts are a few great ones.
Variations or Add-Ins:
- Cinnamon Sugar Pecan: Toast 1 cup of pecans with 1 tablespoon of butter and ad in ¼ cup of sugar and 1 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
- Spicy Pecans: Add ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne or red pepper.
- Sweet and Spicy: To that red pepper add a little brown or granulated sugar.
- Honey Roasted Pecans: Add 1 Tablespoon of honey to 1 cup of pecans and bake. Keep an eye on them!
- Garlic and Herb Roasted Nuts: Add in garlic, rosemary, or favorite herbs.
Tips
- Start with fresh good quality nuts or ones that have been stored properly. Nuts need to be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months or freezer for 1 year.
- Whichever method you use, keep an eye on them as you are cooking them. They can go from done to burnt quickly.
Storage:
I recommend using the toasted nuts immediately if you can for the best most robust flavor. All that flavor does diminish some overtime. However, they can be stored for later use.
Just keep in mind they can spoil and go bad so make sure to store them properly!
- Once your nuts are toasted, cool fully in the open air.
- Store in an airtight container or resealable zip bag. A mason jar with lid or a bowl work well too.
Room Temperature
- Store at room temperature in a cool dark spot for up to 1 week.
Refrigerator
- Store in the refridgerator for up to 1 month.
Freezer
- Keep them even longer by freezing for 3 to 6 months.
- Make sure you use a freezer safe airtight container or freezer bag to keep them fresh and keep odors away.
Delicious Recipes to Make with Toasted Pecans
or in this Holiday Cheese Log from Julia’s Simply Southern.
Hungry for more easy, home-cooked, delicious recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe club to get family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
How to Toast Pecans (Roasted Pecans)
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw pecans
- 1 tablespoon butter, optional
- kosher salt to tast, optional
Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, silicone baking mat, or foil.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe dish.
- Place pecans in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and drizzle with melted butter. Roast in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until golden, tossing the pecans halfway through cooking time. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle with salt if desired. Let cool and serve or use in a recipe.
Stove-Top Method
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add pecans to skillet and cook for 2 to 5 minutes, tossing as you cook, until golden and fragrant. Remove pan from heat and sprinkle with salt and let cool.
Microwave Method
- Place pecans in a single layer on a paper towel line microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high in one-minute increments until the nuts are golden and fragrant. It usually takes 2 to 3 minutes depending on the size of the nuts and the power of the microwave. Cool on the plate.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Notes
- Start with fresh good quality nuts or ones that have been stored properly. Nuts need to be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months or freezer for 1 year.
- Whichever method you use, keep an eye on them as you are cooking them. They can go from done to burnt quickly.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
I did the microwave method and its so easy. These pecans were perfect to have as a snack for my kids. I’ll be adding these to make some pecan pies too!
I only ever dry-toast my pecans to scatter on salads or risottos, but I just tried your method with butter and salt, and oh-my! So good! Really takes them to a whole new level!
I used this recipe to toast pecans over the weekend and it was so easy to follow! Thanks so much for sharing!
So good to know! I had no idea you could roast pecans in the microwave.
Thanks for the explanation and tips! I finally toasted my pecans without burning them! lol
Pecans are always better when toasted!
I love putting pecans on everything! From veggies, salads, baked goods and last night I made the Honey Roasted pecans and had to ask my husband to hide them!
I am right there with you! I hope he didn’t hide them too well!
Made these over the weekend and they were perfect!! We used them on top of salads, and everyone LOVED them! Thank you!
It’s amazing how the flavor intensifies when roasting nuts! I like the stovetop method. Keeps in right in front of the pecans so I don’t accidentally burn them!
It does really make a difference and only takes a few minutes!
I had a whole bag of pecans that I wanted to use up and roasted them as you’ve instructed. We’ve eaten them every night on our side salad and I use them on my morning oatmeal.
That is awesome! I love mine in salads. In fact, I am making a kale salad with blueberries today for lunch! These pecans will be the crunch!