How to Toast Almonds

Here’s how to toast almonds two ways: it makes them crunchier and enhances their nutty flavor! Try toasted almonds on salads, oatmeal and desserts.

Almonds are one thing, but toasted almonds are transcendental. Once you’ve tasted them, you’ll never go back! Toasting nuts does two things: its them crunchier and enhances their nutty flavor. It really is worth the extra time. Toasted almonds work as a garnish to all sorts of recipes: salads and soups, roasted veggies, a topping for oatmeal, and even desserts! Berries, whipped cream, and sprinkle of toasted almonds? Perfection. Here’s how to toast almonds using your stove or your oven.

How to toast almonds: on the stove

Make toasted almonds on the stovetop when you have a small quantity of nuts and want to make them quickly. Keep in mind the timing will vary depending on whether the almond is whole, sliced (like the photos) or slivered.

• Pros: This method is so fast: it takes only 5 minutes!
• Drawbacks: Toasting nuts on the stovetop can cook unevenly. It’s harder to toast large quantities.
• Basic stovetop method (go to recipe): Place the nuts in a dry skillet (don’t add oil!). Heat over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Do not leave the stove because the nuts can burn very easily. 

How to toast almonds: in the oven

Make toasted almonds in the oven when you have time to preheat the oven! This method is also preferred for quantities over 1 cup. Again, the timing will vary depending on whether the almond is whole, sliced (like the photos) or slivered.

• Advantages: This method cooks the nuts more evenly than the stovetop method, and you can cook lots of nuts at once.
• Drawbacks: You’ll need to wait for the oven to preheat: about 10 to 15 minutes!
• Basic oven method (go to recipe): Preheat to 350 degrees and bake the nuts on a baking sheet about 7 to 8 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Again, don’t leave the oven because they can burn easily.

Another use for leftover toasted nuts? Make Homemade Nut Butter!

Ways to use toasted almonds

Once you toast almonds, there are a myriad of ways to use them! They work for both sweet and savory recipes. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

• Salad: Add a sprinkle on Strawberry Salad, Blackberry Salad, Blueberry Salad, Lentil Salad, or Easy Arugula Salad
• Roasted or Sauteed Veggies: Use as a topping for Lemony Green Beans, Roasted Cauliflower, Roasted Broccoli, Sauteed Chard, or Tuscan Kale to add protein and crunch.
• Grain Bowls: Throw a handful on a grain bowl, like Green Goddess Bowl or Roasted Vegetable Bowl.
• Soups: They add a nutty crunch to Red Lentil Soup.
• Oatmeal: Throw a handful onto Best Oatmeal or Instant Pot Oatmeal.
• Pancakes or Waffles: Top a stack of Banana Pancakes, Greek Yogurt Pancakes or Blueberry Waffles.
• Desserts: They’re great on a sundae, in ice cream, or with berries and yogurt whipped cream.

Storage info

After you toast almonds (and your kitchen smells amazing), you can use them immediately! Here’s how to store leftovers, if you have them:

• Cool fully and place in a sealed container. We use a small glass container with lid.
• Store at room temp for 1 week OR
• Store refrigerated for 2 months.
• Freeze to extend the life even further, up to 6 months or more.

Almonds nutrition

Almonds are packed with nutrients! Their high level of plant-based protein makes them great if you eat a plant-based diet or vegan diet. Here are some of the top benefits of eating almonds (source):

• They’re a good source of plant based protein and fiber. A 1-ounce serving has 3.5 grams protein and 6 grams fiber.
• They’re loaded with anti-oxidants, which can fight things like aging, inflammation and cancer.

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More toasted recipes!

So many foods taste better toasted! Here are all our our methods on how to toast nuts and seeds (and even bread):

• How to Toast Pine Nuts
• How to Toast Pecans
• How to Toast Walnuts
• How to Toast Sesame Seeds
• How to Toast Coconut
• How to Toast a Baguette (or Garlic Toast, or Cheese Toast, or Crostini…)