Just like the iconic song implies, we Roasted Chestnuts over an open fire. For me, the smell of those chestnuts roasting in the backyard firepit made my Christmas dreams come true, and I’m certain they’ll do the same for you!
Honestly, I’d never had a roasted chestnut before we made them in the backyard firepit.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but since I’m a nut lover, I had a feeling I was going to love roasted chestnuts…and I did.
**Please Note – The printable recipe card with detailed instructions, complete ingredient measurements, and nutritional information for making Roasted Chestnuts is available at the end of this post. OR you can hit the “jump to recipe” button (found above) to be taken directly to the recipe.
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The ingredients:
**Note – The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience. #CommissionsEarned
- whole raw chestnuts
- olive oil or grapeseed oil (optional, but I didn’t use it) to drizzle on the nuts after peeling.
- salt and pepper (optional, but I didn’t use it) to season the chestnuts after drizzling with oil.
Kitchen tools and equipment:
- chestnut knife (safest method), or paring knife
- chestnut roaster
- baking sheet (if roasting in the oven)
- parchment paper (optional)
- paper lunch bags (for serving, optional)
While you’re here, my old pal Frank will help you get in the holiday spirit. Enjoy!
Can chestnuts be roasted in an oven?
Yes!
If you don’t have access to a chestnut pan or an outdoor fire, feel free to roast them in the oven.
Carefully cut an “X” on each raw chestnut (as shown in the video), and place them on a baking sheet. (a chestnut knife is best for this)
Roast them in a preheated 400-degree oven for 20-23 minutes, shaking the baking sheet at least once during roasting process.
The chestnut are ready when the “X” splits open and the corners curl back slightly.
Cool the roasted chestnuts until you’re easily able to handle them, and then peel and enjoy.
Can roasted chestnut be made on a stove top?
Yes.
Carefully cut an “X” on each raw chestnut, as shown in the video, and place them in a large skillet. (a chestnut knife is best for this)
Cook the chestnuts over medium/high heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring or shaking the pan several times during cooking.
The chestnut are ready when the “X” splits open and the corners curl back slightly.
Cool the roasted chestnuts until you’re easily able to handle them, and then peel and enjoy.
Can chestnuts be made in an air fryer?
Sure. Why not?
Carefully cut an “X” on each raw chestnut, as shown in the video (a chestnut knife is best for this), and place them in an air fryer pan (working in batches if necessary).
Cook the chestnuts at 350-degrees for 10-12 minutes, shaking the pan at least once during the cooking process.
The chestnuts are ready when the “X” splits open and the corners curl back slightly.
What do roasted chestnuts taste like?
Good question, but they’re kind of hard to describe. They’re like no other nut I’ve ever had.
The consistency of a roasted chestnut is not crunchy like you’d possibly expect.
They’re more soft and spongy which is likely because they steam in their shells as they cook.
I hesitate to call them bitter, but, to me, they do have an ever so slight bitterness.
I’ve heard some people describe a chestnut’s taste as being similar to a sweet potato, and I’m going to say that’s pretty accurate.
I guess you’re going to have to make them for yourself to find out for sure!
Can chestnuts be eaten raw?
NO!
Chestnuts must be either boiled or roasted, or else they may make you sick due to their high content of tannic acid.
How to store raw chestnuts:
Raw chestnuts are best kept in a breathable bag in the refrigerator.
Raw chestnuts can be kept for up to 3 weeks if properly stored.
How to store roasted chestnuts:
Again, storing them in the refrigerator in a breathable bag (a paper bag works wonderfully) is key.
Store cooked chestnut for no more than 4-5 days.
Should black mold appear (if the chestnuts have been store too long, or improperly) dispose of them immediately and do not ingest (as if I need to tell you that)! 😉
Roasted chestnuts can be eaten by themselves, or as an ingredient in other dishes.
Additional recipes using chestnuts:
*Chestnut and Pepper Crusted Salmon Fillets (not shown) from A Mummy Too
Sockeye salmon beautifully complemented by a roast chestnut and herb topping that’s fresh-tasting, citrusy, and wonderfully healthy and delicious.
*Gluten Free Roasted Chestnut Cookies (not shown) from Fearless Dining
These homemade gluten-free chestnut cookies are full of roasted chestnut flavor! They make a delicious holiday cookie.
*Gluten-Free Vegan Yule Log (not shown) from Rhain’s Recipes
This Gluten-Free Vegan Yule Log is moist and fluffy, rich and indulgent, and coated in a velvety chocolate buttercream made with sweet, creamy chestnuts! It looks impressive, is perfect for sharing, and is refined sugar-free too.
*Chestnut Chocolate Truffles (not shown) from Binky’s Culinary Carnival
These Chestnut Chocolate Truffles are very easy to make. Chestnut Chocolate Truffles make a great edible gift for your friends and family! You can dress them for the holidays, or make them any time of year!
Additional popular holiday recipes:
*Eggnog Pastry Cream Croissants (not shown)
*Nonpareil Chocolate Peppermint Truffles (shown below)
*Gingerbread Forest Cake (not shown)
*No-Bake Peppermint Buttercream Wafer Cookies (shown below)
*Apple Croissant Breakfast Bake (not shown)
*Roasted Chestnuts (shown below) THIS IS THE PLACE!!
Below is the printable recipe card along with the exact ingredient measurements and nutritional information for making today’s super simple holiday classic, Roasted Chestnuts.
If you’ve made this recipe, or are excited to make this recipe, I’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to leave it a star rating in the recipe card, along with a comment if you’re so inclined. Thank you. 🙂
Roasted Chestnuts
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw chestnuts
Instructions
- Prepare each chestnut by carefully cutting an "X" on the smooth, flat side.
- Place the chestnuts into a chestnut pan, skillet, OR baking sheet.
- Roast over an open fire for 10 minutes until the "X" peels back and curls.
- Roast in an oven at 400-degrees (shaking the pan once during baking) until the "X" peel back and curls (approximately 10-12 minutes).
- Roast in a skillet on the stovetop over medium/high heat, shaking the pan frequently during cooking until the "X" peels back and curls (approximately 15-20 minutes)
- Roast the chestnuts in an air fryer for 10 minutes at 350-degrees for 7-10 minutes, stirring once, or until the "X" peels back and curls.
- Cool, peel, and enjoy.
- Store properly in the refrigerator in a brown paper bag for up to 4 days.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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