How to Roast Chestnuts

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” is a Christmas carol lyric that resounds in our memories and conjures up images of warm and cozy family gatherings in bygone days. But what exactly was this delicacy that our forefathers enjoyed? And how do you roast them? And must they be roasted on an open fire? Here is a simple how-to to engaging in the Christmas tradition of roasting chestnuts.

Chestnuts in the shells will appear in the produce department of most grocery stores in November or December. Whether they are sold by the pound or in a mesh bag, you will want to choose firm nuts. When slightly squeezed, they should feel solid, and not as though you have to push the shell for a bit before hitting the nut inside.

Chestnuts should feel firm.

You will want to work in small batches of maybe ten chestnuts at a time. Turn all the nuts so they are flat side down on a firm cutting surface. Using a sharp knife and being very careful (because it’s easy for the knife to slip), cut an “X” on the rounded side of each chestnut. If you’re doing this as a fun, family activity, this part is most definitely for adults to do. (Honestly, it scares me. My husband did it.)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place chestnuts on a rimmed baking sheets or in a small, cast iron skillet. Roast in oven for about 20 minutes, flipping them over occasionally. Watch them carefully, as you don’t want them to burn.

When they are done, the skins will be splitting open a bit. Remove from oven and pour chestnuts out onto a plate or a cutting board. Now, is the exciting and slightly crazy time! You have to work quickly to peel the shell off of the warm nuts while not burning your fingers. Gather everyone around to work together at the task. Once the chestnuts start to cool too much, it will be impossible to remove the shell. This is why it is important to work in small batches. Antique chestnut roasting pans, which can still be found in antique stores, are very small…maybe only holding ten chestnuts, for this very reason.

The warm, roasted nuts will be soft and very tasty! Everyone will want more than one, so be sure to make multiple batches. And from now on, when “Jack Frost is nipping at your nose”, you will know the true delight of a roasted chestnut!

Here’s a handy image to pin to your Christmas board, so you know just where to find these instructions when you need them.