Toasted Nuts
Toasted Nuts offer a rich, sweet, and buttery treat with crunchy pecans, perfect for snacking or as a topping for desserts and cheese platters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread pecans on a cookie sheet and roast at 275°F for 20 minutes.
- Allow pecans to cool.
- Beat egg whites until foamy.
- Melt butter in a 9 x 12-inch loaf pan in the oven.
- Add sugar, vanilla, and salt to the foamy egg whites.
- Beat until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the roasted pecans.
- Pour mixture into the pan with melted butter and spread evenly.
- Bake at 275°F for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes until butter is absorbed and nuts are brown.
- Dump onto waxed paper to cool.
- Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg white mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-roasted pecans, but reduce the baking time accordingly. Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when beating. Also, you could substitute pecans with walnuts for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
These toasted nuts make a delightful snack on their own or can be used as a topping for salads or desserts. They pair beautifully with Granny White'S Tea Cakes for a sweet afternoon treat. You might also consider serving them alongside a cheese platter or incorporating them into a trail mix for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Once completely cooled, store the toasted nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. If you want to enjoy them warm later, simply reheat in a dry skillet over low heat for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Toasted Nuts contains roughly 361 calories, with 11g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are recommended for their rich flavor, feel free to experiment with walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Just adjust the roasting time based on the type of nuts used, as different nuts may require varying cooking times.
What is the purpose of beating the egg whites?
Beating the egg whites until stiff peaks form helps to create a light and airy texture in the final product. This process incorporates air, allowing the toasted nuts to have a delightful crunch while maintaining a slightly chewy interior.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the toasted nuts ahead of time. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. They will retain their freshness for about two weeks, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).