How to Roast Pecans in the Oven (2024)

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How to Roast Pecans in the Oven (1)

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Wondering how to roast pecans in the oven? I’m here to help!

I started out roasting pecans for Mr. Pantry –he has long adored this salty snack.

When they were for him I didn’t bother to write a recipe, I just roasted the nuts until they smelled buttery, pulled them out of the oven, and cooled prior to adding olive oil and salt.

How to Roast Pecans

But recently, my friend Deb went on a Low Carb Diet. When she did, she requested a keto snack that was salty and crunchy, to replace her popcorn habit.

Roasted Pecan Recipe

At that point, I knew I’d have to reverse engineer things and have an actual recipe for her.

My dear Deb let me know she loves it and now I’m sharing it with you too!

How to Roast Pecans in the Oven (2)

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How to Roast Pecans

How to Roast Pecans in the Oven (3)

Print Pin Recipe

Servings 10

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place pecans on a large baking sheet

  • Roast at 350°F for 10-12 minutes

  • Let cool for 30 minutes

  • Transfer pecans to a large bowl

  • Toss with olive oil, then add salt and toss again

  • Serve

Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Cool 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 43 minutes mins

Tried this recipe?Mention @elanaspantry or tag #elanaspantry!

How to Store Nuts

Store the roasted, seasoned pecan halves in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Do Nuts Go Bad?

If you’re wondering if nuts go bad, the answer is yes. I store my nuts in the refrigerator so that the unsaturated fats do not go rancid. Saturated fats are more stable.

Have you tasted rancid nuts? They are not delicious!

How to Toast Pecans

Toasted pecans are not roasted pecans.

Toasted pecans are cooked in a pan on the stove. I prefer to make roasted pecans in the oven because the pecans cook more evenly this way.

How Long to Roast Pecans?

You’ll know the pecans are done when they have a fragrant, nutty, buttery smell, and one or two of them look darker than the rest.

How Long to Cool Nuts?

I cool the pecans for thirty minutes because it lets the moisture evaporate from the nuts. This allows them to really dry out, making them super crunchy.

Roasted Pecans

This recipe is for pecan halves, not pieces.

In fact, I use mammoth pecan halves which are larger than regular, if you don’t use the brand and type of pecan I use (link provided in the recipe above), you may need to adjust your cooking time.

Further, pecan pieces will not roast as evenly and will also require a different cooking time than above.

Carbs in Pecans

The carbs in pecans are minimal, especially when compared to other salty, crunchy snack foods.

I provide the macronutrient information for crunchy, salty snacks in the table below.

Twenty eight grams is around one ounce, and the serving size is a handful of nuts.

Nutrition Info (28g)CaloriesCarbsFiberNet CarbsProteinFat
Pecans1904g3g1g3g20g
Potato Chips14915g1g14g2g10g
Popcorn15116g3g13g2g9g

Low Carb Chips

These roasted pecans are my favorite substitute for low carb chips and low carb popcorn, items I gave up in 2001 when I went on a low-carb Grain Free Diet.

BBQ Kale Chips

Our entire family is addicted to BBQ Kale Chips –they’re magically delicious and disappear minutes after being served.

I coat them in a savoryspice rub combined with macadamia nuts creating low carb chips with a rich flavor that’s complemented by the cheesy zing of nutritional yeast.

Pecan Recipes

Pecans are one of my favorite nuts. If you’re looking for other recipes with pecans I have some for you below.

Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Everything tastes better from scratch, but my Pecan Shortbread Cookies are effortlessly incredible!

This recipe for healthy cookies requires only 10 minutes of hands-on prep time and this rich and buttery treat is SCD compliant.

Chocolate Pecan Pie

My Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe is the embodiment of simple and delectable! This pie filling is one of my favorite recipes with 5 ingredients.

To make the pie throw the ingredients together, then pour into my flaky homemadeGluten Free Pie Crust.

This easy pie recipe will soon be your family’s favorite gluten free dessert.

Homemade Chocolate Candy Bars

Last but not least, healthier candy bars, that aren’t loaded with sugar!

Pecans provide the critical crunch in my Homemade Chocolate Candy Bars recipe.

The pecans are surrounded by a lush nougat, enrobed in dairy free chocolate, and topped with a pinch of Celtic sea salt.

This gluten free candy bar is a game changer for kiddos with an intolerance to foods!

Other Types of Nuts for Roasting

If you’re looking for other types of nuts for roasting, here are some of my favorites:

  • How to Toast Walnuts
  • Roasted Almonds
  • Candied Nuts

Keto Snacks

I hope you love my pecan based keto snacks and low carb desserts as much as we do. They’re all family favorites.

What’s your favorite way to eat pecans? Leave a comment and let me know!

How to Roast Pecans in the Oven (11)

Hi! I’m Elana:

  • Wellness Warrior
  • Food Fanatic
  • Paleo Pioneer

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How to Roast Pecans in the Oven (15)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dan Bagnell says

    I followed this recipe, word for word, for roasting pecans. The roasting temperature and time recommended produced excellent results. However, I made the fatal (to my pecans, anyway) error of using these directions for oil and (sea) salt. After roasting 11 minutes and BEFORE stirring in the oil and then the salt, I tasted the pecans – they were great! I should have stopped there… However, although I carefully and accurately measured the oil and salt… my pecans were ruined because the salt was WAY TOO MUCH. That’s saying something, because I’m usually accused of using too much salt, but with this recipe the salt was way beyond what even I could stand. Oh well, live and learn, won’t do that again.

    Reply

    • Elana says

      Good heavens, Dan! I am so sorry about the salt. I actually use more than that when I make it for our family. You sound very dialed in, but I have a quick question –did you use the full 11 ounces of pecans. Thanks for your comment and feedback!

      Reply

  2. E says

    How to Roast Pecans in the Oven (16)
    Super! Wonderful recipe!

    Reply

    • Elana says

      Thanks!

      Reply

  3. Margaret L Hilles says

    How do you roast pecans for fruit cake. Do you flavor them in any way? Thank you.

    Reply

    • Elana says

      Margaret, I use this recipe to roast pecans for any type of dish :-)

      Reply

  4. Shimon Benjamin Kahan says

    Is there a keto friendly bread on the market that has no sweetener,ie no stevia, that you recommend?

    Reply

    • Elana says

      Shimon, I haven’t found one yet; here’s my Keto Bread recipe:

      https://elanaspantry.com/keto-bread-with-almond-flour/

      Enjoy!
      Elana

      Reply

  5. Laura says

    How to Roast Pecans in the Oven (17)
    This is the rest of my comment……
    Conditions like neuropathy and brain fog can develop over long-term exposure to low doses of acrylamide as it has a cumulative effect, he suggested. Many cosmetics also contain a polymer of acrylamides, which breaks down and adds to our exposure level. The FDA is aware of the acrylamide threat but has minimized awareness of the issue so as not to damage the industries associated with them and give them time to improve the situation, Singer stated. He also revealed other practices connected with health problems, including wearing bras and certain sleep positions. Constrictive bras interfere with lymphatic flow, and he believes that is what is behind the high rate of breast cancer. Side sleeping also causes compression to parts of the body, and he recommends sleeping on one’s back with the head elevated.

    I used to watch Chef Mama Rosa on YouTube. She cooked healthy foods, She is a vegetarian and some foods she used her dehydrator to cook some of the foods. Now I understand why.

    Reply

    • Elana says

      Thanks Laura!

      Reply

  6. Laura says

    How to Roast Pecans in the Oven (18)
    Hi there, Elana!
    I heard a redio show the other night and I thought I should share it with you.

    Acrylamides in Our Food by Sydney Ross Singer

    March 16, 2023

    Acrylamides in Our Food

    Medical anthropologist Sydney Ross Singer has a Ph.D. in biochemistry and a Ph.D. in anthropology from Duke University. He discussed his latest work on how some of our favorite foods are riddled with acrylamides– a chemical that is considered a nerve poison, a carcinogen, and causes reproductive harm. In 2002, it was discovered that acrylamides are present when you cook grains and carbohydrates at temperatures higher than 240 degrees, such as in toasting or baking. The chemicals are not added into the foods but produced naturally in the process of cooking, he explained. What we can do to counteract this is to boil and steam foods rather than bake, and toast bread more lightly, he advised.

    See 2nd comment.

    She was fascinating. YouTube removed every one of her videos from YoutTube because she tried to help people be healthy. I miss her.

    Have you heard of this problem?
    Take care.

    Reply

    • Elana says

      Laura, thanks for your comment! Sounds like one more reason to add to the list –I stopped eating grains over two decades ago. Every single recipe on this site is grain free.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

How to Roast Pecans in the Oven (2024)

FAQs

How long do you roast pecans and at what temperature? ›

Your oven is also a great tool for toasting pecans. For this method, preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the nuts evenly onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake until they begin to brown and become aromatic, making sure to toss halfway through, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Why do you soak pecans before roasting? ›

Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.

What is the difference between roasted and toasted pecans? ›

Now, some of you may be wondering, “What's the difference between roasting and toasting a pecan?”. The answer is simple. Roasting is when the nut is cooked fully through, and is usually done in an oven. Toasting means to brown the nut on the outside, and is usually done over a fire or on the stove.

What is the best oven temperature to roast nuts? ›

Bake in the center of a preheated 325°F oven, stirring to redistribute nuts every 5 minutes or so. Keep your eyes peeled and your nose on alert: Nuts in the oven can quickly go from just right to burned. When you start smelling the nuts, they're probably done.

Should you always toast pecans before baking? ›

Answer: Yes, nuts are great as-is, but they can be better. Way better. Toasting nuts draws the natural oils to the surface, intensifying the rich nutty essence, creating a deeper color, and making the nuts crunchier. Toasting your nuts prior to adding them to a recipe can improve the flavor and texture of any dish.

How do you know when pecans are toasted? ›

Toasting Pecans in the Oven

Bake until the nuts are fragrant and a deeper shade of brown, 6 to 7 minutes.

How do you toast pecans in America's Test Kitchen? ›

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pecans in even layer on rimmed baking sheet and bake, tossing nuts occasionally, until fragrant and deepened in color, 6 to 8 minutes. 2. While nuts are toasting, stir sugar, and salt, together in medium bowl.

Do you wash pecans before baking? ›

I started doing some research, and I found a little-known trick to making pecans taste sweeter: Soaking and rinsing the shelled nuts in lukewarm water before roasting removes the tannins and pieces of corky material that can cause pecans to taste bitter.

Are oven roasted pecans healthy? ›

Antioxidant Rich

These antioxidants can help prevent chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. So, munching on roasted salted pecans is not only tasty but also helps keep your body healthy and strong.

Why are my roasted pecans bitter? ›

Pecans have two sources of bitterness -- naturally occurring tannins in the kernel and pieces of corky material from the inside of the nut which can adhere to the kernel. Some of the tannin and all of the corky material can be removed by washing the kernels before cooking.

Do toasted pecans go bad? ›

You can also refrigerate or freeze nuts, in which they will last even longer - for up to a year. Roasted nuts, on the other hand, have a shorter shelf life. If possible try to consume them within 2 weeks; however, they should be okay to eat up to a month after purchase.

How do you know when roasted nuts are done? ›

Most nuts take 8-10 minutes to toast, but often the smell of roasting nuts is a sign that they are done. It's important to check them as soon as you smell them because they can burn before you know it! For maximum crunch, let the nuts cool before using them in your recipe.

What is the low temperature for roasting nuts? ›

Place nuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Put in the oven on the lowest setting (usually listed as warm). This will cook the nuts at a temperature of less than 200 degrees. Leave the nuts in the oven for about 8 hours or until crisp (I usually do this overnight) at the warm setting.

What temp does pecan pie need to be at to be cooked? ›

Use of an instant-read thermometer is the most objective way to check for doneness, and the target pull temperature for pecan pie is 200 degrees F. Why so high? The USDA instructs us to cook anything with eggs in it to at least 160 degrees F and recommends adding a 15-degree margin of safety.

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