Hazelnuts are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory.
Whether you have a bag of whole nuts or ground hazelnut flour, there are endless possibilities for incorporating this nutty flavor into your cooking.
From candied hazelnuts to hazelnut miso sauce, we’ve gathered some creative ideas to help you make the most of your hazelnut stash.
So grab your apron and get ready to explore the world of hazelnut-infused cuisine!
What To Do With A Bag Of Hazelnuts
1. Bake with Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are a great addition to baked goods, adding a delicious nutty flavor and crunch. Try adding them to cookies, biscotti, cakes, and tarts. They also pair well with chocolate, making them perfect for brownies or chocolate chip cookies. For a savory twist, sprinkle them over roasted veggies or add them to a salad for some extra texture.
2. Make Hazelnut Butter
Hazelnut butter is a delicious spread that is similar to peanut butter. Simply blend roasted hazelnuts in a food processor until they form a smooth paste. You can add a pinch of salt or sweetener if desired. Spread it on toast, use it as a dip for fruit, or add it to smoothies for an extra boost of protein.
3. Create Candied Hazelnuts
Candied hazelnuts are a sweet and crunchy snack that can be enjoyed any time of day. Simply coat the nuts in sugar and bake them in the oven until they are caramelized and crispy. Serve them as a snack or use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
4. Try Hazelnut Misos Sauce
Hazelnut miso sauce is a unique and flavorful sauce that pairs well with grilled meats and veggies. Simply blend roasted hazelnuts with miso paste, olive oil, and other seasonings to create a nutty, salty, sweet, and umami-packed sauce that will take your dishes to the next level.
5. Use Hazelnut Flour
Hazelnut flour is a gluten-free alternative to traditional flour that can be used in a variety of recipes. It adds a nutty flavor and moist texture to baked goods like cakes and muffins. You can also use it as a coating for chicken or fish for some extra crunch.
Roasted Hazelnuts: A Versatile Snack
Roasted hazelnuts are a delicious and versatile snack that can be enjoyed any time of day. Not only do they have a satisfying crunch, but they also pack a nutritional punch. Hazelnuts are rich in vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, making them a healthy snack option. Roasting hazelnuts intensifies their flavor and makes them even crunchier. Plus, roasting hazelnuts is easy and can be done in the oven or on the stove.
Roasted hazelnuts are perfect for snacking on their own or adding to trail mix for an extra boost of energy. They also make a great topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie bowls. For a savory twist, sprinkle them over roasted veggies or add them to a salad for some extra texture.
Roasted hazelnuts can also be ground into a rich baking flour, making them a great gluten-free alternative to traditional flour. Hazelnut flour adds a nutty flavor and moist texture to baked goods like cakes and muffins. You can even use it as a coating for chicken or fish for some extra crunch.
In addition to snacking and baking, roasted hazelnuts can be used in a variety of recipes. They pair well with chocolate, making them perfect for brownies or chocolate chip cookies. You can also use them as a base for sauces or as a flavor boosting topping or crust on vegetables, seafood, and poultry dishes.
Hazelnut Flour: A Gluten-Free Baking Alternative
If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative to traditional flour, hazelnut flour may be just what you need. Hazelnut flour is made by grinding roasted hazelnuts into a fine powder, and it can be used in a variety of recipes. One of the benefits of using hazelnut flour is that it adds a delicious nutty flavor to your baked goods.
Hazelnut flour is also a great option for those who are looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional flour. It is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making it a great choice for those who are following a keto or paleo diet.
When using hazelnut flour in your baking, keep in mind that it is not a direct substitute for traditional flour. Because it has a different texture and moisture content, you may need to adjust your recipes accordingly. You may also need to add additional liquid or eggs to your recipe to ensure that your baked goods turn out moist and tender.
Some recipes that work well with hazelnut flour include cakes, muffins, and cookies. You can also use it as a coating for chicken or fish to add some extra crunch. Hazelnut flour can also be used in combination with other gluten-free flours like almond flour or coconut flour to create delicious baked goods that are both nutritious and flavorful.
Hazelnut-Crusted Chicken: A Savory Delight
One delicious way to use hazelnuts is by creating a savory hazelnut-crusted chicken dish. This recipe involves coating chicken breasts in a mixture of chopped hazelnuts, parmesan cheese, and herbs, and then baking them in the oven until crispy and golden brown. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken dish with a crunchy and nutty exterior.
To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then, mix together chopped hazelnuts, grated parmesan cheese, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Next, coat each chicken breast in the mixture, pressing it firmly onto the chicken to ensure it sticks.
Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. While the chicken is baking, you can prepare a simple cream sauce by heating cream in a pan and adding some garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
Once the chicken is done baking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving with the cream sauce and some sautéed potatoes or a crisp green salad. This hazelnut-crusted chicken dish is perfect for a special occasion or for impressing dinner guests with its unique and delicious flavor profile.
Hazelnut Butter: A Healthier Spread
Hazelnut butter is a healthier alternative to traditional spreads like peanut butter and Nutella. Made from just roasted hazelnuts, it is a great source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. Hazelnuts are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels. They are also packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
When making hazelnut butter at home, it is important to roast the nuts first to bring out their natural oils and enhance their flavor. Simply blend the roasted hazelnuts in a food processor until they form a smooth paste. Unlike store-bought spreads, homemade hazelnut butter does not contain any added sugars or oils, making it a healthier option.
Hazelnut butter can be used in a variety of ways. Spread it on toast or crackers, use it as a dip for fruit or vegetables, or add it to smoothies for an extra boost of protein. It can also be used as an ingredient in baking, adding a rich nutty flavor to cookies, cakes, and brownies.
Candied Hazelnuts: A Sweet Treat
Candied hazelnuts are a delicious and easy-to-make sweet treat that can be enjoyed on their own or used as a topping for various desserts. To make candied hazelnuts, start by roasting hazelnuts in the oven until they become fragrant and their skins start to peel off. After rubbing away as much of the skins as possible and rinsing them, coat the hazelnuts with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon, and bake them again until they become sticky and caramelized.
Candied hazelnuts make for a great snack at any time of day, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or as an evening treat while watching a movie. They also add a crunchy texture to salads, making them perfect for adding some depth to your next salad creation. Additionally, candied hazelnuts can be used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, adding a sweet and nutty flavor to your favorite dessert.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing candied hazelnuts with candied almonds to create a unique and delicious mixed nut treat. When making candied nuts, it’s important not to confuse them with caramelized nuts, which are actually different. Candied nuts have a crunchy exterior coating of sugar that crystallizes on the nuts, while caramelized nuts are cooked in a mixture of sugar and butter until they become soft and chewy.
Hazelnut Miso Sauce: A Unique Flavor Boost
Hazelnut miso sauce is a delicious and unique way to add flavor to your dishes. This sauce is easy to make and can be used as a marinade or dressing for grilled meats and veggies. To make the sauce, simply blend roasted hazelnuts with miso paste, olive oil, and other seasonings like salt and pepper.
The hazelnuts add a rich and nutty flavor to the sauce, while the miso paste provides a salty and savory taste. This combination creates a complex and delicious flavor profile that will elevate any dish. The sauce can be used as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish, or as a dressing for roasted veggies or salads.
One great thing about hazelnut miso sauce is its versatility. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking, adding more or less salt, pepper, or other spices depending on your taste preferences. You can also substitute other nuts for the hazelnuts, like peanuts or cashews.
Overall, hazelnut miso sauce is a unique and delicious way to add flavor to your meals. Whether you’re grilling meat or veggies, or just looking for a new salad dressing, this sauce is sure to impress your taste buds.
