Love adding almonds to your favorite meals? If so, then we’re here to help you take that delicious almond flavor to the next level by walking you through step-by-step instructions on how to toast them. Toasted almonds can be worked in everything from savory dinners to dessert recipes. They’re the perfect way to spice up the flavor, texture and nutrient content of a dish, and can be made fairly quickly. If you’re wondering how to make this delicious treat at home, continue reading as our Bob’s Red Mill food experts walk you through the different methods of tasting almonds.
The Benefits of Almonds
Before we dive into the most popular ways to create toasted almonds, let’s first discover why you’d want to add this nut to your dishes in the first place. Aside from boosting the flavor of whatever they’re added to, almonds are loaded with good-for-you nutrition. Here are some of the top benefits of eating almonds.
Almonds Are a Great Source of Plant-Based Protein
Just a single ounce of almonds has about 3.5 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. This being, they’re the perfect way to sneak more plant-based protein into your family’s meals—especially if you’re cooking for individuals following a plant-based diet. Add toasted almonds to your morning bowl of oatmeal, or bake them into a tasty protein bar for a protein-filled treat.
Almonds Are Loaded With Antioxidants
Almonds (and their skin) are a great source of antioxidants, which can help prevent premature aging, inflammation and illness. Only a small amount of almonds are needed to give your body a sufficient boost of antioxidants, making toasted almonds the perfect ingredient to sprinkle atop your meals.
Almonds Are a Low-Carb Snack Option
Following a ketogenic diet? Almonds are an excellent low-carb snack option that can transform your meals. Whether you choose to use almond flour to create tasty banana bread, turn soaked almonds into homemade almond milk, or toast almonds to sprinkle on your favorite salad recipe they’re a keto-friendly treat that will add bounds of flavor and nutrition to your meals.
What are Toasted Almonds?
Sliced, crushed and ground almonds can all be used to create flavor-packed meals worthy of second servings. However, toasted almonds take it to the next level. Once you’ve tasted toasted almonds, we’re confident that you’ll begin adding them to everything you bake. Toasting almonds does two things to them: It makes them a little more crunchy and enhances their nutty flavor. While they do take a bit more time to prepare than sliced almonds, they are well worth the wait. Use toasted almonds to garnish recipes like soups, veggies, oatmeal, salads and desserts. Keep scrolling to discover the different ways you can toast almonds, and begin adding them to your meals today.
How to Toast Almonds at Home
Ready to learn how to toast almonds? There are two ways to do so: on the stovetop and in the over. Here are step-by-step instructions for each.
Toast Almonds On the Stovetop
Making toasted almonds on the stovetop is recommended when you have a small amount of nuts and want to make them fairly quickly. While the timing will vary slightly depending on whether the almonds are whole, sliced or slivered it’s generally a quicker option than toasting the almonds in the oven.
Note: When toasting almonds on the stovetop, be sure to mix them periodically as they may cook unevenly.
Step 1: Prepare Almonds
Before toasting your almonds, you’ll want to first wash them. After the almonds are thoroughly washed, it’s time to prepare them. Decide if you’d like the almonds to be sliced, slivered or whole, and cut them accordingly.
Step 2: Add Heat
Next, add the prepared almonds to a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat the almonds, making sure to shake the pan often. With a wooden spoon, stir the almonds until the nuts are fragrant and golden brown. This should take about four to five minutes.
Step 3: Remove the Almonds From Heat
Watch to make sure the almonds do not burn. Once all of the almonds in the pan are fully toasted, remove them from the heat and transfer them to a room temperature plate to stop the cooking process. Allow the almonds to cool before adding them to your dish.
Toast Almonds in the Oven
For larger quantities of almonds, toasting them in the oven is the best option as it allows the nuts to cook more evenly than the stovetop method. When toasting almonds in the oven, make sure to consider the time it will take to preheat the oven. Much like toasting almonds on the stove, the amount of time it takes for the almonds to fully toast will depend on the quantity of almonds and how they are prepared.
Step 1: Preheat
Unlike the stovetop method, to ensure that you’re almonds toast properly, you will want to allow the oven to preheat before placing the almonds in it. Before preparing the almonds, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare a Baking Sheet
After you’ve started the preheating process, pull out a baking sheet large enough for your almonds and place the nuts onto the sheet in a single layer. Spread the almonds out as even as possible.
Step 3: Bake
Once the oven is done preheating, place the prepared baking sheet of almonds into the oven and allow them to bake for 7 to 8 minutes. When the almonds are done you should notice that they are more fragrant and a golden brown color if sliced/slivered.
Note: As the almonds are baking, remain close to the oven. If the heat of your oven is off even a small amount the almonds can go from toasted to burnt rather quickly.
Step 4: Remove From Heat
Now that the almonds have reached a golden brown color, it’s time to remove them from the oven. Then, transfer the toasted almonds to a plate to stop the cooking process.
Step 5: Enjoy
Use your almonds immediately, or allow them to cool off to use for later. To store toasted almonds for later use, make sure that they are placed in an airtight container. When stored correctly, toasted almonds will remain fresh for about 1 week at room temperature, and 2 months if they are stored in a refrigerator.
Cooking With Toasted Almonds
Now that you know how to properly toast almonds, it’s time to discover the many delicious recipes that you can add them to. Continue scrolling as we walk you through a few of our favorites.
Salads
Sneaking almonds into your meals is simple. Because almonds taste great when combined with nearly everything, it isn’t hard to find a recipe to work them into. One of the most simple ways to use toasted almonds is as a topping on a salad. Whether you’re whipping up a quick bowl of greens, or creating a more hearty salad like the one listed below, adding almonds to the ingredients list is sure to boost the flavor of the dish. To get started, try out the salad recipe below.
Farro Nicoise Salad
A salad that tastes just as elegant as it sounds, this Farro Nicoise Salad pairs perfectly with toasted almonds. Mix them into the salad, or using them as a topping for a beautiful garnish. A creative riff on the traditional french salad, this version incorporates hearty farro that is dressed in springtime herbs. Searching for a gluten free option? Replace the farro with sorghum, sweet brown rice, or quinoa.
Vegetables
Whipping up a plate of vegetables as a side? Or maybe you’re mixing them into the main course. However, you choose to enjoy your vegetables, mixing in a handful or two of toasted almonds is an excellent way to take the texture of the plate to the next level. Try it out, the next time you make a filling meal like the one listed below.
Roasted Asian Style Vegetables with Quinoa
Overflowing with bold flavor, this Roasted Asian Style Vegetables with Quinoa is the perfect meal to mix almonds into. A delicious combo of sweet and spicy, the subtle crunch of toasted almonds makes it the perfect meal to satisfy all of your cravings. Plus, it’s packed with protein!
Soups
Skip the sink full of dishes and create a one-pot soup that is sure to warm you up on a cold winter night. From spicy to savory, almonds can be added to a variety of soup recipes to bring the flavor up a notch. Get started by trying this soup recipe that we adore.
Lemony Chicken Barley Soup
Eager to create a soup recipe that receives a 5-star rating from everyone in the family? This Lemony Chicken Barley Soup is just that. A restaurant-worthy dish, by adding almonds to this soup you’ll enhance the flavor and texture in seconds. Plus, the entire soup can be prepared in a slow cooker allowing you to cover and cook it for 6-7 hours, while you check off your to-do list.
Ready to begin toasting almonds? Become an expert by using the step-by-step instructions listed above. We can’t wait to hear how they turn out!
