Toast Nuts For Better Flavor

Monday Morning Blog



Recipes take a lot for granted.

They assume you know the details of fine cooking.

Toasting nuts before adding them to recipes is a given. Recipes assume you know to do this without being told.

Toasting nuts before using them in candy and baked goods improves their taste tremendously. Toasted nuts add zing to salads, too.

You should always toast nuts lightly even if your recipe doesn't suggest it.

When nuts come in direct contact with oven heat (like a topping for cakes, baked casseroles or veggies) it's not necessary to toast them before hand. The nuts will automatically toast during baking.


There are 3 easy ways to toast nuts. They all work well. Use which ever method you like best.

Be careful not to burn them. Burned nuts will ruin your recipe.

Cool toasted nuts before adding to recipe.


1. Microwave, stirring now and then, till fragrant.

2. Put nuts on a cookie sheet and oven toast at 350 degrees stirring once or twice until lightly browned - about 15 minutes.

3. Melt a little butter (margarine or oil not recommended) in a frying pan, add nuts and stir till golden and fragrant. Blot on paper towels. You can also pan toast nuts dry (without butter).