How to Roast Hazelnuts (Filberts)

Do you have a recipe that requires skinned and roasted hazelnuts? Here are two easy methods on How to Roast Hazelnuts. It really is so simple!

Jump to:

• How to roast nuts in the oven
• How to toast nuts on the stovetop
• How to remove the skins
• How to store
• Tips
• FAQ
• Hazelnut recipes
• Recipe

Roasting hazelnuts, also known as filberts, is one of the easiest techniques to elevate this nut’s flavor and texture.

On their own, they make a great healthy snack.

Or, chop them up and use them to garnish crepes, salads, stir-fries, pasta and vegetable side dishes like garlic Brussels sprouts. They are also great for making various decadent cakes or, if you prefer, this crunchy chocolate biscotti recipe. 

Whirling roasted hazelnuts in a blender transforms them into luxurious nut butter. Go one step further, add cocoa and a little bit of sweetener and make a chocolate hazelnut butter that can be used to fill this braided bread recipe. 

But before we can indulge in all of these wonderful recipes, we need to roast them.

When toasting a small number of shelled whole hazelnuts, use a skillet on your stovetop. For larger quantities, use your oven. 

How to roast nuts in the oven

Adjust the oven rack to the middle of the oven.

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).

Spread the shelled hazelnuts in a single layer on an ungreased rimmed baking sheet. There is no need for parchment paper.

Roast in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until fragrant, skins have browned and begin to split and crack. Shake the baking sheet occasionally as they are roasting in the oven. 

How to toast nuts on the stovetop

Place a large, dry skillet over medium heat. Add the small number of nuts required once the pan is nice and hot. Swirl the pan continuously so that they toast evenly. There is no need to oil or grease the pan.

Toast for about 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant, skins have browned and begin to split and crack.

How to remove the skins

There are two methods to remove the skins after roasting the hazelnuts in the oven or toasting them in a skillet.

The first method involves wrapping the warm hazelnuts in a clean tea towel for 5-10 minutes. Then, use the towel to rub them together. This creates friction which in turn causes them to lose their skins.

The second method involves placing the nuts in a bowl, covering them with another bowl and shaking.

Once again, the friction causes them to lose their skins.

How to store

Once the roasted hazelnuts have cooled down completely to room temperature, store in a Mason jar or similar airtight container for up to 3 months at room temperature.

Consider placing them in the fridge for up to 6 months or freezing them for up to one year for long-term storage.

As all nuts and seeds contain oil, they can easily go rancid if not stored properly. Please note that depending on the freshness of the hazelnuts, these storage periods are only estimates.

Tips

• As nuts can scorch very easily from one minute to another, keep a close watch as they are roasting or toasting. 
• Once roasted (or toasted), transfer the hazelnuts immediately from the pan or baking sheet to a tea towel or bowl to remove the skins. This halts the cooking process.
• Although it is sometimes difficult to remove the entire skin from the hazelnut, it will not affect the overall taste. 
• Roasted hazelnuts make a great addition to a cheese platter.

FAQ

Hazelnut recipes

The flavor of roasted hazelnuts is delicious in both sweet and savory dishes.

As was mentioned, not only are they great to make biscotti with, but they provide the perfect crunch in these Italian brutti ma buoni cookies. 

Chopped roasted hazelnuts are also great sprinkled on salads and pasta dishes.

I do hope you get a chance to try them! 

Enjoy!

★★★★★ I would love to hear about your favorite recipe with includes roasted hazelnuts in the comments below! 

Recipe