Roasted Chestnuts

We've all heard the song, "chestnuts roasting on an open fire..." but, how do you actually roast chestnuts? If you're like us—you might not have access to an open fire fit for roasting winter treats. The good news is, you can roast delicious chestnuts easily in your oven! Whether you're looking for a classic addition to your holiday dinner or a simple snack, these versatile chestnuts are perfect for any winter party and are a great base for sweet AND savory flavors. Read on to learn all about cooking these festive nuts.

When are chestnuts in season?

Chestnuts start appearing in stores in early October and close out their season in late December—just in time for the holidays!

How can I tell which chestnuts to buy?

Good chestnuts should have taut, shiny skin, and should feel very hard. If the skin is wrinkled and the nut feels soft or has shrunken in the shell (you can tell by shaking it) then it's no good.

Do I have to soak my chestnuts before roasting?

While some recipes suggest soaking your chestnuts before roasting, we didn't find it necessary in our version. Before roasting, all you need to do is rinse, dry and score your chestnuts—that's it!

How long are chestnuts good for?

If kept in a covered container in your refrigerator, chestnuts can last 2 to 3 weeks! Once roasted, they will last 2 to 3 days if refrigerated.

How do I serve roasted chestnuts?

We love the way roasted chestnuts taste straight out of the oven! If you want to get fancy, though, there are plenty of options. Try tossing the peeled nuts with butter and your favorite herbs and spices: rosemary and salt for savory, nutmeg and sugar for sweet. They're also delicious in stuffing, in pasta, or blended with vegetables in a soup!

Made these? Let us know how it went in the comments below!