How To Roast Chestnuts

There’s something magical about the smell of roasted chestnuts filling the crisp autumn air. In Italy, it’s a beloved seasonal ritual. From street vendors in the piazzas to family kitchens where everyone gathers around the fire, cracking open the shells and enjoying the warmth. Roasting chestnuts is one of those simple pleasures that instantly brings comfort and nostalgia.

In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to roast chestnuts at home, whether in the oven or on the BBQ. Pair them with a glass of red wine, or enjoy them after a cozy fall dinner for the perfect seasonal treat. You can also use them in your Thanksgiving Stuffing for extra flavor!

Before you start roasting, it’s important to pick the right chestnuts. Look for ones that feel heavy for their size, with shiny brown shells and no cracks or holes. Avoid any that rattle when you shake them as that’s a sign they’ve dried out.

Once you have your chestnuts, rinse them under cool water and pat them dry.Then comes the most important step: using a small sharp knife, score an “X” on the flat side of each chestnut. This helps the steam escape while roasting and makes them much easier to peel later. I use a chestnut cutter tool that scores it easily without cutting too deep into the chestnut itself.

To keep the inside soft and prevent them from burning, boil the chestnuts for 5 minutes before roasting. After that, they’re ready to hit the oven or BBQ!