How to Roast Chestnuts In The Oven

5 from 2 votes

Roasted chestnuts are a popular Italian street food in Autumn and Winter. However, it's easy to roast chestnuts at home in the oven too.

Course: Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 40

Servings:

Calories: 245kcal

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Preheat your oven to 180C.
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Inspect the chestnuts and remove any that have holes or cracks and discard.
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Wash the chestnuts in some cool water and dry thoroughly.
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Using a sharp knife make a X shape on the flat side of each one. If you find the chestnuts are rolling around too much, place them flat side down and score the rounded side instead.
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Lay the chestnuts out on a large baking tray in a single layer with the X side up.
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Place them in the oven and roast for 30-40 minutes. Turn the tray halfway through, to ensure they are all cooking evenly.
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Remove the chestnuts from the oven and place on a cloth or tea towel. Wrap them up and squeeze them hard to make them crack.
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Leave them to sit in the tea towel for a few minutes whilst they cool a little, season and then serve immediately.

See Recipe Tips and Guidance for More Detail

Do not omit scoring the chestnut casing, they will explode in the oven if you fail to do this.
Chestnuts are easiest to peel when warm, if they cool too much you can place them back in the oven to reheat.
Roasted chestnuts can be stored in the fridge, until the following day, if needed. Reheat them in the oven.