Chestnuts roasting on an open fire … jack frost nipping at your noooooose! Okay I do apologize for getting that holiday song stuck in your head for the day. It is one of my favorites though, especially as I’m doing some holiday baking. If you’ve ever wondered how to roast chestnuts at home, you’ll be happy to learn it’s quite easy!
Roasted chestnuts at a Christmas market.
WHAT DO ROASTED CHESTNUTS TASTE LIKE?
Roasted chestnuts are warm and hearty, kind of like bite sized bits of buttered baked potatoes. And surprisingly, though pistachio growers would have you think otherwise, chestnuts are the lowest calorie nut around.
WHERE CAN YOU FIND ROASTED CHESTNUTS?
Whenever we travel during winter, one of my favorite street snacks is roasted chestnuts. Whether that’s from a street vendor in NYC, or a Christmas market in Germany, their toasted nutty goodness is comforting and perfect for a little afternoon energy boost.
Street side vendor peddle these pipping hot little treats, usually beside a big cauldron over a fire. But to make roasted chestnuts at home, all you’ll need is your oven, a sharp knife, and a large baking pan or cookie sheet. You can typically find raw chestnuts at your local grocer during the fall and winter season.
TIPS FOR ROASTING CHESTNUTS AT HOME
The full recipe and instructions are included for you below to print. But I have a few tips before you begin.
Place a dish towel over your cutting board to help prevent the chestnuts from rolling as you cut them. Score an “x” into each chestnut. This helps make them easier to peel and eat. But more importantly, it lets out the steam while the chestnuts roast so they don’t explode in your oven.
It might sound nice in the holiday song … “hear the chestnuts POP! … pop, pop, pop!” But it wouldn’t be a pleasant experience in your kitchen, for sure! Quarter-sized projectiles would be a little dangerous, actually.
How Long Does It Take To Roast Chestnuts?
Bake the chestnuts on a cookie sheet for about 30 minutes until the shells have started to peel and the insides look golden brown. Personally, I think they taste great on their own, but you could also sprinkle some salt them. Or, even go for a sweet roasted chestnut and sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar.
Print the recipe below for printed instructions on how to roast chestnuts at home. Enjoy and happy holidays!
Roasted Chestnuts
Roasted chestnuts just like you get at Christmas markets. Only now you can bake them at home!
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw chestnuts
- salt
Instructions
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
Place a dish towel over a cutting board (to prevent rolling nuts and missing fingers!) and cut an "x" into each chestnut. This helps let out steam while the chestnuts are roasting. And it also helps with peeling them to eat
Place the chestnuts on a cookie sheet and bake for about 30 minutes until the shells have started
to peel and the insides look golden brown.
Let them cool, sprinkle with salt (if desired) then enjoy!
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