How to Roast Chestnuts in the Oven

Step 1

Gather the ingredients. Heat the oven to 425 F. The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi Using a sharp paring knife, make an X-shaped cut on the round side of each chestnut. This critical step keeps them from exploding from internal pressure when heated and makes peeling easier after roasting. The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi Arrange chestnuts on a baking rack or a baking sheet. The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi Transfer the chestnuts to the oven and roast them until the skins have pulled back from the cuts and the nutmeats have softened. The actual time required will depend on the chestnuts but will be at least 15 to 20 minutes. The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi Remove the nuts from the oven and pile them into a mound in an old towel. Wrap them up, squeeze hard—the chestnuts should crackle—and let them sit for a few minutes. The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi Pull and snap off the dark shells to reveal the yellowish white chestnuts. While peeling, make sure to also remove the papery skin between the shell and the chestnut. The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi Enjoy. The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

Step 2

The Center for Agroforestry. University of Missouri School of Natural Resources. Chestnut Weevils. CenterForAgroForestry.org.