Whether you’re tossing them into a crisp salad, stirring them into cookie dough, or simply enjoying them by the handful, roasted hazelnuts add a flavor boost that’s hard to beat. The best part? It’s so easy! Just a baking sheet, a warm oven, and a few minutes of your time are all you need to unlock their full potential.
Today, I’ll walk you through the simple process of roasting hazelnuts to perfection. It’s a quick kitchen trick that will make you wonder how you ever lived without this nutty little upgrade. Ready to get started? Let’s preheat that oven!
A Special Treat, How To Roast Hazelnuts
Roasting your own hazelnuts is a simple way to heighten your holiday treats and party dishes with incredible flavor and texture. The heat of roasting enhances their natural richness, creating a deep, nutty aroma and taste that’s hard to resist. This transformation makes them an ideal ingredient for recipes ranging from festive cookies to savory appetizers.
Not only does roasting improve their flavor, but it also gives hazelnuts a delightful crunch. This crispy texture makes them perfect for sprinkling over salads, topping desserts, or enjoying as a stand-alone snack. Plus, the roasting process boosts the availability of certain nutrients, making roasted hazelnuts not only delicious but also a wholesome addition to your table.
One of the best things about roasted hazelnuts is their versatility—they pair beautifully with sweet and savory dishes alike. Use them to add depth to a homemade pesto, stir them into holiday stuffing, or blend them into your favorite cookie dough. The possibilities are endless! And the best part? Roasting hazelnuts is quick and easy. With just a few minutes in the oven or on the stovetop, you can turn simple nuts into a show-stopping addition to any dish.
Nuts are a great way to make sweet or savory treats and toss-ins. Be sure to try my Sweet and Salty Candied Cashews Recipe, 4-Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Clusters, How To Make Candied Pecans In Less Than 15 Minutes and Sweet & Spicy Roasted Cashews.
Ingredients You Will Need
To roast hazelnuts, I keep the ingredients simple. Here’s what you’ll need
- Oil: Use an oil you enjoy the taste of, such as olive oil or coconut oil. This helps the salt to adhere to the hazelnuts.
- Raw Hazelnuts: 1 cup, raw and unsalted. Look for fresh, high-quality nuts for the best flavor.
- Salt: Optional, to taste. A sprinkle can enhance the nutty flavor.
📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Seasoning Variations
If I want to add some additional flavor. Sprinkle 1/2 to 1 teaspoon before roasting:
- Pumpkin Spice: For a warm spice touch.
- Homemade Vanilla Sugar: 1 tablespoon if you want a sweet touch.
- Mexican Seasoning: Mexican spiced hazelnuts would be great tossed on top of nacho casserole or chopped and sprinkled on chicken tacos.
- Texas BBQ Seasoning: This seasoning would make a great savory snack.
- Homemade Season Salt
- Thai Spice
- Homemade Sazon Seasoning
Selecting and Preparing Hazelnuts
When I select and prepare raw hazelnuts, I focus on ensuring their quality and cleanliness. Proper selection and preparation techniques enhance the roasting process and ultimately affect flavor and texture.
Choosing Quality Raw Hazelnuts
- To choose quality hazelnuts, I look for nuts that are firm, glossy, and uniformly sized. Avoid those that are shriveled or have a dull appearance, as these might indicate age or poor quality.
- It’s also crucial to check for any signs of mold or discoloration. I prefer purchasing from reputable sources, as freshness is key.
- If possible, I opt for hazelnuts sold in bulk, allowing me to inspect them visually before buying. Buying organic can also guarantee minimal chemical exposure.
Cleaning and Sorting
- After selecting the hazelnuts, I clean and sort them to ensure quality. I start by rinsing them under cool water to remove any dust or debris.
- Next, I thoroughly inspect each nut, discarding any that show mold or are damaged.
- I find it helpful to spread the nuts out in a single layer on a paper towel or clean cloth, allowing moisture to escape and making it easier to spot any inconsistencies. If needed, I let them air dry completely before starting the roasting process. This step is vital for achieving an even roast and enhancing their flavor profile.
How To Roast Hazelnuts
With a few simple steps and 12 minutes of roasting, you will soon have a delicious nutty snack.
1
Wash Hazelnuts
Clean and sort them by rinsing them under cool water to remove debris and inspecting and discarding any damaged or moldy ones. Then, rub them with a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins. This step is optional, as the skins are edible but can be slightly bitter. Be sure to spread them in a single layer to air dry fully on a dry towel.
2
Peaheat and Season
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is effective for achieving a consistent roast without burning. Place the hazelnuts into a bowl and pour oil over them. Stir and toss gently to coat them. Then sprinkle with salt and toss to coat them well.
3
Roast The Hazelnuts
Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a roasting pan. Bake for about 12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the nuts are golden brown and fragrant and the skins begin to crack.
4
Serving
Allow the hazelnuts to cool slightly. Sprinkle the roasted hazelnuts again with salt to taste. Serve immediately or store for later.
Creative Uses for Roasted Hazelnuts
Roasted hazelnuts have a rich flavor and can enhance many dishes. Here are some creative ways I enjoy using them.
- Baking: I often chop roasted hazelnuts to add to cookies, brownies, or cakes. They provide a delightful crunch.
- Salads: Sprinkling whole or chopped hazelnuts on salads adds texture. Their nuttiness complements greens and vinaigrettes nicely.
- Pasta Dishes: Adding crushed hazelnuts to pasta can enhance depth. They work well with light creamy sauces such as my Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken In Crock Pot.
- Chocolate Pairing: Roasted hazelnuts and chocolate are a classic combination. I enjoy adding them to chocolate peanut clusters.
- Cheese Board: I include roasted hazelnuts on cheese boards. They complement cheeses like goat cheese or brie.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When roasting hazelnuts, I’ve encountered some common problems. Understanding these issues can help you achieve optimal results with your roasting process.
Uneven Roasting
Uneven roasting often occurs when the nuts are not spread out properly on the baking sheet. I recommend arranging the hazelnuts in a single layer. Make sure there’s space between each nut to allow heat to circulate. I’ve found that turning the nuts halfway through roasting helps them cook evenly. If you have a convection oven, I suggest using it for consistent air circulation, which can lead to more uniform roasting.
Burnt Hazelnuts
Burnt hazelnuts result from too high a temperature or extended cooking time. I usually roast at 350°F (175°C) and keep a close eye on the nuts as they cook. To avoid burning, start checking the hazelnuts around the 10-minute mark. Roasting typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. The nuts should be golden brown and fragrant. If they accidentally burn, it’s best to discard them, as burnt nuts can impact flavor negatively.
Storing Roasted Hazelnuts
To keep roasted hazelnuts fresh, proper storage is essential. I find that using airtight containers works best, and glass jars and reusable bags are both good options.
Ideal Storage Conditions:
- Temperature: Store in a cool, dark place, ideally below 70°F (21°C).
- Humidity: Keep away from moisture. Avoid storage in the refrigerator as it can introduce humidity.
If I plan to use the hazelnuts within a week, I leave them at room temperature. For longer storage, I freeze them.
Freezing Process and Storage Tips
- Allow the roasted hazelnuts to cool completely.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container with the date for reference.
Frozen hazelnuts can last up to a year without significant loss of flavor. When needed, I take out only the amount required and return the rest to the freezer promptly.
Nut Recipes
⚖️ Need a big batch to feed a crowd? You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card below by tapping 2x or 3x. The ingredient measurements will automatically double or triple. You can then tap print and there you have it, a recipe for a crowd.
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How To Roast Hazelnuts for Baking and Snacking
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups raw hazelnuts
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Clean and sort the hazelnuts by rinsing them under cool water to remove debris and inspecting and discarding any damaged or moldy ones. Then, rub them with a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins. This step is optional, as the skins are edible but can be slightly bitter. Some skins will also come off after roasting. Be sure to spread them in a single layer to air dry fully on a dry towel.1.5 cups raw hazelnuts
- Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the hazelnuts into a bowl and pour the oil over them. Stir and toss gently to coat them.2 teaspoons olive oil
- Sprinkle the salt on the nuts and toss to coat.Salt
- Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a roasting pan.
- Bake for about 12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the nuts are golden brown and fragrant and the skins begin to crack. Keep a close eye on them for the last 5 minutes to prevent burning.
- Once done, remove from the oven and allow the hazelnuts to cool slightly. At this point you can rub them with a clean kitchen towel to remove more of the skins, if you prefere. This step is optional, as the skins are edible but can be slightly bitter.
- Sprinkle the roasted hazelnuts again with salt to taste. Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Temperature: Store in a cool, dark place, ideally below 70°F (21°C).
- Humidity: Keep away from moisture. Avoid storage in the refrigerator as it can introduce humidity.
- Allow the roasted hazelnuts to cool completely.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container with the date for reference.
