How to Toast Sliced Almonds

by Christopher Jones

What I appreciate about baking is the unlimited possibilities on what you can add to your finished product. May it is a drizzle of syrup or confectioner's sugar, these toppings add more pizzazz and flavor that burst into living once you eat it!

And if there's one thing I love incorporating into my baked goods, it would have to be nuts, particularly almonds. And sometimes, my recipes require you to slice toast almonds for a smoky and more intense flavor. But how can you do that with sliced almonds? Read on as I show you how to toast sliced almonds and more tips on what you can do with this awesome ingredient!

How to Toast Sliced Almonds: Easy Methods Anyone Can Follow

How to Toast Sliced Almonds
How to Toast Sliced Almonds

Why Toast Sliced Almonds?

Why do you even need to bother toasting sliced almonds in the first place? What difference would it make to your baked products?

The reason why many people toast almonds for cooking (sometimes even eating alone!) is that it increases the nutty flavor, making it taste more enjoyable. A personal advantage of toasting sliced almonds is that it gives the nuts more of a crunch, which makes me eat it by the handful. The slightly toasted and browned look of almonds also makes it look awesome when sprinkled on top of cakes or muffins.

While people think slicing with tools and toasting almonds is a bit of a hassle, I think it's an important step that will prove to make such a great difference in the long run. It's the reason why I made this article, to help you know how delicious toasted almonds are and how you can roast and toast them with ease.

Also Read: Pasta With Cauliflower Recipe

How to Toast Sliced Almonds

There are various methods you can follow to toast almonds properly. Here are the best and easiest ways you can try out:

Using an Oven

This is the most efficient way you can use to toast the almonds quickly.

Steps to Follow:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the sliced almonds by spreading them evenly on an ungreased and rimmed baking sheet. Spreading it evenly is essential to let it cook evenly.
  • Put the almonds on the oven's middle rack. It may need to be flipped or stirred every few minutes, so keep an eye on it. Mix the almonds after five minutes using a wooden spoon or shaking the baking sheet. Repeat until the almonds are thoroughly toasted, which would take about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • The almonds must be turning golden brown around the edges before removing them. Do NOT wait until they turn dark brown or they will burn. Let it cool and store it in a sealable bag to preserve its texture and flavor.

Using the Stovetop

This is an excellent method to use that is equally as comfortable as using an oven, an alternative if you are unable to use the oven.

Steps to Follow:

  • Heat a pan over medium heat (I recommend you to use a heavy-bottomed pan). You don't need to grease the pan, though adding a bit of butter will increase the flavor.
  • Put the almonds in the pan once preheated. Spread it evenly and stir or shake the pan regularly (every half minute) to prevent it from burning. Keep the almonds moving to cook it evenly.
  • Turn off the heat after about five minutes on the stovetop and remove it from the heat immediately. It's best to remove them before they brown and have a fragrant smell, or it will burn. Pour it into another dish to let it cool.

Using the Microwave

If you don't have access to either oven or stovetop, this is the next best method you can follow.

Steps to Follow:

  • Put the almonds on a microwave-safe plate. Don't grease the plate and try your best to spread the almonds as evenly as possible, without any of it overlapping too much. Put the place inside the microwave.
  • Microwave the sliced almonds for one minute on its highest power. After the minute's up, stir the almonds to let the redistribute and toast evenly. Place it back in the microwave every half minute, stirring it each time.
  • Remove the almonds from the microwave once it begins to brown and smell fragrant. It will take about three to five minutes, depending on how powerful your microwave is.

Also check: How To Cook Goat Meat

Using a Toaster Oven

Using a toaster oven is almost like using the oven, but easier since you are working with a smaller appliance. It might not toast as quickly, though!

Also Read: How To Make Rice Noodles

Steps to Follow:

  • Put the almonds in a single layer on the baking sheet. Put it in your toaster oven and let it toast (similar to the heat options of the oven method).
  • Remove the almonds from your toaster oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Pour it into another bowl or dish and use as required. If you are using it for future use, then place it in a resealable bag.

I recommend you to use the almonds immediately or only toast them on the day you will use it, so you preserve the flavor and texture as much as possible.

What You Can Do With Sliced Almonds

Now that you know how to toast sliced almonds, the next question is what you can do with this versatile ingredient! Here are some recipes and ideas you can use:

- One of the best ideas I mentioned before is eating them alone. They make a great snack, especially if you're feeling a bit squeamish and it isn't dinner time yet. Grab a handful and munch away. You'll feel satiated and even more focused on the task at hand!

- Like what I said, it makes a great decoration for baked products. I recommend you to top it over cakes, brownies, or muffins. Or you can add it to the sides of cake to give it a better look while increasing its nutty flavor.

- For those who want something savory, then you'll want to mix it in with your vegetables, especially with your leafy greens. Braise or fry kale and spinach together with butter, adding your preferred seasonings then add the toasted almonds afterward.

- Another great idea is to add it to your smoothies or breakfast cereals and oatmeal. It gives more flavor to the plain hot cereal or a twist to your usually sweet drink. More protein and fat to keep you up throughout the day!

In Conclusion

If you're looking for an ingredient to add to cakes, muffins, or even brownies and other baked products, then I recommend you to try topping it with sliced almonds! With a sweet and nutty flavor, you will appreciate its slightly salted taste that matches well with sweets. Plus, it also makes a great topping for some savory dishes as well! As long as you toast it properly, you have a slightly crunchy and decadent treat everyone will love.

I hope that this article on how to toast sliced almonds helped you know what you can do to prepare this ingredient to perfection correctly. So don't wait any longer and try any of these methods today!

If you have any questions or would like to share your tips on how to toast sliced almonds, then comment down below. I would love to hear what you have to think.

About Christopher Jones

Chris is a true globetrotter. He has been to many destinations and tried different types of food from all over the world, yet he still loves finding new places and tasting their specialties. Chris has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and so he decided to go back to school at age 24 for his MBA at University of San Francisco so that he could have a better understanding of business strategy in order to start his own company. His favorite motto is “how can one live well, travel well, and work well without having good food every time?”

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