There’s something undeniably magical about Roasted Chestnuts with Sea Salt and Butter. The comforting aroma of chestnuts roasting fills the air with nostalgia and warmth, evoking cozy winter nights, glowing fireplaces, and holiday markets bustling with joy.
Whether you’re roasting them in the oven, on an open fire, or even in an air fryer, the result is pure comfort food — simple, rustic, and heartwarming. This is the kind of recipe that slows life down for a moment, encouraging you to savor the season and share something truly special with family and friends.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it captures the essence of the holidays in the most simple and authentic way. The process of roasting chestnuts — from scoring them to hearing them pop in the oven — feels wonderfully nostalgic and grounding.
It’s a ritual as much as a recipe — something that warms not just your hands, but your heart. It’s a treat you can enjoy plain, or pair with wine, hot chocolate, or mulled cider for the ultimate winter indulgence.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This dish is a must-try because it’s:
- A timeless winter tradition: Roasted chestnuts are a global symbol of the holiday season.
- Simple yet luxurious: Only a few ingredients — but the flavor feels gourmet.
- Nutritious and wholesome: Chestnuts are low in fat, high in fiber, and naturally gluten-free.
- Perfectly versatile: Serve as a snack, appetizer, or dessert accompaniment.
- Unforgettable aroma: The scent alone makes your home feel like Christmas.
In short, this is the kind of dish that defines winter comfort and togetherness.
Preparation and Cooking Details
- Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings (about 20–24 chestnuts)
- Calories: Approximately 200 calories per serving
- Course: Snack / Appetizer / Side Dish
- Cuisine: European (Traditional Holiday)
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) fresh chestnuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika for a flavor twist
Cooking Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Prepare chestnuts: Using a sharp knife, score an “X” on the flat side of each chestnut. This prevents them from bursting and makes peeling easier.
- Soak (optional): For softer texture, soak the scored chestnuts in hot water for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
- Arrange and roast: Spread chestnuts evenly on the baking sheet, cut side up. Roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Steam for peeling: Once roasted, transfer chestnuts to a bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let them steam for 5–10 minutes — this loosens the shells and inner skins.
- Peel: Peel the chestnuts while still warm, removing both the outer shell and inner skin.
- Add butter and salt: Toss peeled chestnuts in melted butter and sprinkle generously with sea salt. Serve immediately, while warm and fragrant.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Rinse and pat dry chestnuts.
Step 3: Score an “X” on the flat side of each chestnut using a sharp paring knife.
Step 4: Optionally, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften shells.
Step 5: Place chestnuts on a lined baking tray, cut side up.
Step 6: Roast for 25–30 minutes until shells peel back and the nuts are golden.
Step 7: Transfer to a bowl, cover with a towel, and steam for 10 minutes.
Step 8: Peel off shells and skins while warm.
Step 9: Toss peeled chestnuts in melted butter, sprinkle sea salt, and serve warm.
How to Serve
- Serve Roasted Chestnuts with Sea Salt and Butter hot, right after tossing in butter.
- Pair with mulled wine, hot cocoa, or coffee for a cozy winter snack.
- They also make a wonderful holiday appetizer or charcuterie board addition.
- For an elegant touch, serve in small bowls lined with parchment paper and a pinch of extra flaky salt on top.
Recipe Tips
- Always score the chestnuts before roasting to prevent them from bursting.
- Peel them while warm — they’re much easier to handle.
- For extra flavor, infuse the melted butter with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; chestnuts roast more evenly with space between them.
- Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a sweet-savory twist.
- Store unroasted chestnuts in the fridge to keep them fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Recipe Variations
- Honey Butter Chestnuts: Toss peeled chestnuts in 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon butter for a caramelized glaze.
- Garlic Herb Chestnuts: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and rosemary for a savory twist.
- Smoky Chestnuts: Sprinkle smoked sea salt or paprika before serving for an earthy, warming flavor.
- Sweet Holiday Version: Dust with cinnamon sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup — perfect for dessert platters.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through for even roasting.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store peeled, roasted chestnuts in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze roasted and peeled chestnuts for up to 3 months in a sealed bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or microwave for 30 seconds with a pat of butter to restore softness.
Special Equipment Needed
- Sharp paring knife or chestnut knife (for scoring)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Clean kitchen towel (for steaming/peeling)
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
Conclusion
Roasted Chestnuts with Sea Salt and Butter is the kind of recipe that reminds us why simple foods can be the most special. With minimal ingredients and a touch of patience, you get a cozy, flavorful treat that’s deeply tied to winter traditions around the world.
Each warm, buttery bite feels like a celebration of the season — comforting, nostalgic, and deliciously satisfying. Whether you’re sharing them by the fire, serving them at a Christmas gathering, or enjoying them alone with a mug of cocoa, roasted chestnuts bring the timeless joy of the holidays to your table.
Roasted Chestnuts with Sea Salt and Butter
There’s something undeniably magical about Roasted Chestnuts with Sea Salt and Butter. The comforting aroma of chestnuts roasting fills the air with nostalgia and warmth, evoking cozy winter nights, glowing fireplaces, and holiday markets bustling with joy.
Ingredients
Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika for a flavor twist
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
-
Prepare chestnuts: Using a sharp knife, score an “X” on the flat side of each chestnut. This prevents them from bursting and makes peeling easier.
-
Soak (optional): For softer texture, soak the scored chestnuts in hot water for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
-
Arrange and roast: Spread chestnuts evenly on the baking sheet, cut side up. Roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking.
-
Steam for peeling: Once roasted, transfer chestnuts to a bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let them steam for 5–10 minutes — this loosens the shells and inner skins.
-
Peel: Peel the chestnuts while still warm, removing both the outer shell and inner skin.
-
Add butter and salt: Toss peeled chestnuts in melted butter and sprinkle generously with sea salt. Serve immediately, while warm and fragrant.
