I hope you’re ready to unlock the rich, nutty flavor of Toasted Almonds and open up a whole new world of crunch.
My mother-in-law isn’t a fancy chef, but nearly everything she makes is delicious. Good, comforting food that feels like home—even at the in-laws! Often when we visit, her kitchen smells delicious, teasing our noses with a promise of a delicious meal. For years, I wondered what she used to make her kitchen so alluring. Finally, she divulged the secret: toasted almonds.
The process of toasting almonds releases that sweet, nutty smell with just a hint of woodiness. The scent gets my taste buds tingling and my stomach antsy for the meal to follow. If you’re curious about other ways to enjoy almonds in your pastries, our Almond Cornmeal Biscotti or Almond Breakfast Rolls are perfect. She uses toasted almonds in everything from Zucchini Bread to Broccoli Rabe to my kids’ favorite, these Mini Almond Cheesecakes. I’ve started incorporating them into some of my cooking as well—and I don’t even roll my eyes when my husband takes a bite, sighs with delight, and says, “It tastes just like Mom’s.”
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Toasted almonds are the perfect addition to all kinds of recipes, from green beans to breakfast pastries to desserts like this Cherry Almond Cobbler. In addition to tasting good, they’re also good for you; almonds are loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Plus, it only takes about 15 minutes to prepare!
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole almonds
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
How to Make – The Steps
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F
Step 2: Spread the almonds into a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Drizzle the oil and salt over the almonds.
Step 4: Toss the almonds with the oil and salt so that they are nicely coated, then spread them out in a single layer.
Step 5: Place the tray into the preheated oven. Toast the almonds for about 10-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Step 6: Once the almonds are toasted, remove the baking tray from the oven. Allow the almonds to cool completely on the tray before putting them into an airtight container.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Toasted Almonds
- Use the freshest almonds you can find. Fresh almonds have more oils and thus, more flavor when toasted.
- Watch the almonds closely in the oven. They can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds. For an indulgent breakfast treat that showcases almonds, check out our recipe for Almond Breakfast Rolls.
- Before using or storing, cool the toasted almonds completely. The residual heat continues to cook them, and the cooling process gives them the perfect crunch.
FAQs
Sure! This toasting process will work with walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, etc. Don’t forget to tweak the baking time depending on the size and consistency of the nuts.
While the almonds will get a darker brown in the oven, you can also prepare them on the stove. Heat a pan to medium-high, place the almonds in a single layer, and stir them occasionally for about 5 minutes until they’re golden brown.
You can sprinkle paprika or cayenne for some extra spice, or add some cinnamon sugar before you toast for a sweet twist. I also like swapping out the olive oil for different kinds of oils, like rosemary, truffle, coconut, or avocado oil.
Serving Suggestions
In addition to using them in different meat and vegetable dishes, toasted almonds can make a great crunchy garnish on salads, yogurt bowls, or roasted vegetables. You can also add them to your morning oatmeal or sprinkled over pasta.
Make Ahead and How to Store
These are the perfect make-ahead item. Just make they’re cool before you place them in an airtight container and you can store them at room temperature for up to a month. If you need them warmed up again, just pop the almonds into a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
How to Toast Almonds
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole almonds
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F
- Spread the almond into a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the oil and salt over the almonds.
- Toss the almonds with the oil and salt so that they are nicely coated then make sure they are spread out in a single layer.
- Place the tray into the preheated oven. Toast the almonds for about 10-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- Once the almonds are toasted, remove the baking tray from the oven. Allow the almonds to cool completely on the tray before putting them into an airtight container.
