If you’re lucky enough to find them this fall, here's the trick to roasting chestnuts, straight from a chestnut farmer.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Learn more.
How to Roast Chestnuts
Updated on Nov. 28, 2023
Don’t wait until the holidays to roast chestnuts on an open fire. The annual chestnut harvest begins the first week in September and runs until the end of October. So if you wait until November or December, you might not be able to find them.
If you’re lucky enough to get fresh chestnuts at your grocery store or specialty market, Sandy Harrison of Harrison’s California Chestnuts has some suggestions for preparing and enjoying them.
How to Buy Chestnuts
“Buy at least 3 pounds,” Sandy advises. “And if chestnuts rattle when you pick them up, they’re not fresh.” Set some aside to roast some right away and freeze the rest, thawing in the fridge overnight before using them. This is because, unlike other nuts, chestnuts are perishable. As a result, they must be refrigerated or frozen if you’re not going to eat them right away. Make sure you never buy these other items in bulk, either.
How to Roast Chestnuts
You’ll Need:
- 1 lb. fresh chestnuts
- Chestnut knife or paring knife
- Cutting board
- Chestnut pan
- Kitchen towel
Step 1: Prepare the chestnuts
Rinse the chestnuts in cool water. Place each chestnut flat side down on your cutting board. Score a small “X” into the round side with a chestnut knife like this, just deep enough to pierce the shell. This prevents the chestnut from bursting while cooking. Be careful not to cut through the nutmeat.
Step 2: Roast
Place scored chestnuts in a chestnut pan like this (it has holes in the flat bottom). Cook over a lighted gas stove, grill or fireplace for about 15-20 minutes or until the shells start to peel open or split, occasionally moving the pan back and forth to rotate the nuts.
Step 3: Cool and peel
Wrap the roasted chestnuts in a clean kitchen towel to cool for 10 minutes. Then peel off and discard the shell and the pellicle (a thin fibrous inner skin) while they’re still warm. Store them covered in the fridge for up to a week.
What to Eat with Roasted Chestnuts
Here are a few delicious ideas:
- Add fresh roasted chestnuts to a cheese or charcuterie board at your next party. “Use chestnuts as a cracker substitute,” Sandy says. “It slows down the eating and opens up the conversation.”
- Sit down with a favorite beverage—Sandy likes to pair them with a chardonnay (these are our favorite white wines under $20).
- Puree the chestnuts with sugar and rum to make the base of a creamy custard filling for this nostalgic Nesselrode pie recipe.
What to Make with Roasted Chestnuts
Here’s one of Sandy’s favorite ways to eat these roasty-toasty beauties: She makes roasted chestnut hummus (aka chummus).
You’ll Need:
- 12 oz. roasted chestnuts, chopped
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp. tahini
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 3/4 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/3 tsp. sea salt
- Dash of cayenne pepper, optional
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Pita bread, cut into wedges
Instructions:
In a food processor, combine chestnuts, water, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt and cayenne (if desired). Cover and process until smooth. Add a little extra water for desired consistency. Transfer to a small bowl. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the hummus and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with pita wedges.
So head to the store and buy some chestnuts—don’t wait until Jack Frost is nipping at your nose!
Vintage Holiday Dishes Worth Trying Today
Church Window CookiesThese church window cookies might be our most visually stunning, and they don’t even require baking! Here's how to make them with just five ingredients.
Ribbon JelloRibbon jello traditionally makes an appearance over the holiday season and it’s a fun recipe to prepare if you’ve got kids to keep busy. But you’re never too old to enjoy the fruity flavor and sweet, creamy middle layer.
Upside-Down FruitcakeI get tired of people bad-mouthing holiday fruitcakes. It's one of my favorite holiday flavors and I look forward to it every year. This year, I decided to combine it with everyone's favorite, upside-down cake. Try to say no to this fruitcake; I dare you! —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Crown Roast of PorkIf you're looking for a recipe that will wow your dinner guests, this crown roast of pork recipe is exactly what you need. It looks elegant and sophisticated, but it's actually really easy to make.
Celebration Cheese BallsA handful of simple ingredients that go together in minutes, three fun flavorful options…these creamy cheese balls from our Test Kitchen are a darling, do-ahead delight for busy holiday hostesses! Why not whip up several batches? —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Brandy SlushBrandy slush is as ubiquitous in Wisconsin as cheese. This frozen drink made with juice concentrates, brandy and tea is perfect for parties and get-togethers any time of year.
Baked Ham with PineappleI first learned the technique for baked ham with pineapple for a themed dinner my husband and I hosted. Since it is widely known as the symbol of hospitality, pineapple was the star ingredient on our menu and on this lovely baked ham. —JoAnn Fox, Johnson City, Tennessee
Miniature Meat PiesI make these handheld pies in advance, keep them in the freezer, then bake them the day of the party. They are always a hit at tailgate and potlucks. —Gayle Lewis, Yucaipa, California
Cranberry-Orange Roast DucklingsI came up with this recipe few years ago. The first time I served it, there wasn't a speck of food left on the platter and I knew I had a winning recipe.
—Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Traditional Holiday StuffingSausage and sage add a gourmet taste to this stuffing. It's perfect for large family gatherings, but you can also save some for later. —Lorraine Brauckhoff, Zolfo Springs, Florida
Creamy Pineapple Fluff SaladGuests of all ages will gravitate to this traditional “fluff” salad, chock-full of pineapple, marshmallows and cherry bits. —Janice Hensley, Owingsville, Kentucky
Rum BallsWith a punch of rum and a dip in confectioners' sugar, these nutty, chocolaty rum balls are a tasty treat for the holidays—or an adult-themed gathering any time of year.
Icy Holiday PunchPull out the punchbowl for this rosy thirst-quencher that dazzles at Christmas parties. This fun prep-ahead beverage makes any occasion a bit more special. It's delicious with apricot gelatin, too. —Margaret Matson, Metamora, Illinois
Garlic Herbed Beef TenderloinYou don't need much seasoning to add flavor to this tender beef roast. The mild blend of rosemary, basil and garlic does the trick. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Whipped Shortbread CookiesThese whipped shortbread cookies melt in your mouth. Mostly I make them for the holidays, but I'll also prepare them year-round for wedding showers and afternoon teas. —Jane Ficiur, Bow Island, Alberta
Champagne CocktailThis amber champagne cocktail is a bubbly twist on the traditional old-fashioned. Try it with extra dry champagne. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Cashew BrittleI like this quick and easy recipe because it doesn't require a candy thermometer. It also makes a wonderful gift for nut lovers on your list. —Rhonda Glenn, Prince Frederick, Maryland
Mocha Yule LogThis eye-catching dessert is guaranteed to delight holiday dinner guests. Chocolate lovers will lick their lips over the yummy cocoa cake, mocha filling and frosting. For a festive touch, I garnish the log with marzipan holly leaves and berries. —Jenny Hughson, Mitchell, Nebraska
Chocolate-Dipped Meringue Sandwich CookiesThese light, airy morsels are twice as nice with two meringue cookies and velvety ganache in between. —Donna Pochoday-Stelmach, Morristown, New Jersey
Ham ChowderThis ham chowder recipe is chock-full of ham, bacon, potatoes and cheese—all ingredients we love on their own, but even more so together. A warm bowl will warm you up from the inside, out!
Hot ChocolateIt is time to skip the mix! Learn how to make the best hot chocolate you have ever tasted. This decadent recipe is as easy as it is delicious.
Sugar Cream PieThis rich, custardy sugar cream pie is an Indiana specialty. With just one bite of this decadent dessert, you’ll see why!
Glazed Cornish HensIf you're looking to add a touch of elegance to your holiday dinner table, our Test Kitchen experts suggest these Cornish game hens topped with a sweet apricot glaze. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Meringue Snowballs In CustardMy family has passed down this elegant dessert generation by generation. It started with my Russian great-grandmother, who traveled to America more than 100 years ago. I love continuing the tradition with her recipe. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida
Apricot Cranberry BreadI was making cranberry bread one day and wanted to try something a little different. I found a jar of apricot jam in the refrigerator and decided to spoon the jam into the center of the bread. It looked lumpy, so I took a knife and cut the jam into the bread. The end result was delicious. —Diane Roth, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Deviled EggsOnce you know how to make deviled eggs, you will wonder why you have not been making them for every potluck and backyard barbecue. They are so easy!
Christmas MeatballsThe perfect tasty holiday party appetizer that your guests will absolutely gobble up.
Grape SaladThis grape salad has it all: juicy grapes, creamy dressing, crunchy pecans and a sweet brown sugar topping. It’s kid-friendly and perfect for potlucks.
Chutney-Glazed CarrotsCarrots slow-cooked with chutney, Dijon and ginger make a zippy side for a barbecue or potluck. We love serving these carrots with grilled chicken or beef roast. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Meringue KissesThere's a nice chocolaty surprise inside these sweet kisses. They're my husband's top choice each Christmas.—Tami Henke, Lockport, Illinois
Never-Fail Scalloped PotatoesThis rich, cheesy take on scalloped potatoes is deceptively simple to make. It comes together in just 25 minutes and then you have an hour to relax (or make the rest of the meal) while it bakes.
Gingerbread MenThese festive gingerbread men cookies are soft and chewy, are filled with cozy winter flavors and hold their shape perfectly after baking. Grab your favorite frosting and decorate to your heart's content!
Sweet Potato CasseroleBring back memories of Thanksgivings past with this sweet potato casserole with marshmallows. The classic fall spices give it an almost dessert-like quality.
Rum CakeThis sweet and spirited rum cake recipe is irresistible. No crumb will be left behind.
Skillet Shepherd's PieThis is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California
Pfeffernuesse CookiesA German holiday tradition, these fragrant pfeffernuesse cookies pack a warm rush of spices in every bite. Also called peppernuts, they go wonderfully with coffee or tea.—Joanne Nelson, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Cranberry Waldorf SaladCranberries grow in the coastal area about 50 miles from our home. When they become available, I always make this creamy salad. —Faye Huff, Longview, Washington
Butter Pecan FudgeThis butter pecan fudge recipe is one you'll return to again and again. It is delicious and relatively easy to make.
Baked Brie with ApplesA whole wheel of Brie baked to oozy perfection with a cranberry-apple spice mixture sounds too good to be true. Lucky for you, baked Brie with apples is real, and this recipe will make it happen.
Cauliflower CasseroleRelish the goodness of homemade Cauliflower Casserole with this effortless and flavorful recipe. This dish combines easy preparation with delicious comfort, perfect for family meals or any special event.
Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed PotatoesWith five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon! —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Holiday Crown Pork RoastCrown roast makes a regal Christmas dinner. Flavored with rosemary, sage and thyme, it’s elegant and simple, a real blessing during the hectic holidays. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Rice PuddingRice pudding, which uses leftover rice, makes the sweetest comfort dessert. Here's how to make rice pudding just as Grandma used to years ago.
Cream of Potato SoupWhen nights turn chilly, fire up the stove to make a cozy cream of potato soup recipe. Enjoy the smooth, creamy soup plain or jazz it up with toppings like herbs and bacon bits.
Cranberry-Orange Roast DucklingsI came up with this recipe few years ago. The first time I served it, there wasn't a speck of food left on the platter and I knew I had a winning recipe.
—Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Italian Holiday CookiesMany of our holiday traditions center around the foods my mother made while I was growing up. These cookies, which we called "Strufoli", bring back wonderful memories. —Sue Seymour, Valatie, New York
Also, make sure to check out these Italian Christmas dinner foods.
Gingersnap CookiesThis gingersnap cookie recipe results in fluffy, delicious cookies that'll satiate your sweet tooth.
Homemade EggnogIs there any drink more Christmassy? We spill our top tips and tricks with our best-ever homemade eggnog recipe.
Skillet Pineapple Upside-Down CakeFor a change of pace, you can substitute fresh or frozen peach slices for the pineapple in this old-fashioned recipe. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
Rubies on IceGinger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this beverage is tantalizing. If you're looking for a nonalcoholic option, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and festive drink! —Tara Deshpande, New York, New York
Quick Crunchy Apple SaladPair crunchy toppings with smooth vanilla in this apple salad with yogurt recipe. You'll love this creative combination! —Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, Idaho
Rosemary Lamb ChopsMy father loves lamb, so I make this rosemary lamb chop recipe whenever he visits. It's the perfect main course for holidays or get-togethers. —Kristina Mitchell, Clearwater, Florida
Perfect Dinner RollsThese rolls melt in your mouth. I loved them as a child, and I'm happy to make them for my kids because I know I am creating those same wonderful memories my mom made for me! —Gayleen Grote, Battle View, North Dakota
