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You’ve probably heard the “Christmas Song” hundreds of times in your life, and you’re well familiar with that opening line about “chestnuts roasting on an open fire.”
But how many of us have actually partaken in this holiday tradition? If you’ve never had a warm roasted chestnut, you’re missing out. Chestnuts grow from mid-fall to early-spring, and they peak during the holidays—which is why they’re associated with this time of year. They have a texture kind of like a baked potato, and they’re the only nut that contains vitamin C, so eating some is a good way to ward off winter scurvy if you’ll be spending Christmas sailing as a pirate. The sweet, nutty flavor of chestnuts will warm your manly holiday spirit to the core, and most importantly, roasting them gives you an excuse to do something with fire.
What You Need
The Roaster
Yes, you can roast chestnuts in the oven. But what would be the fun in that? A man never misses a chance to build a fire and cook over it.
To roast your chestnuts, you’ll need a pan that you can put into the fire. Long-handled popcorn or chestnut roasters make the ideal vessels for open fire chestnut roasting, as they allow you to roast the nuts without burning your face off. And their lids let you shake the chestnuts around for even roasting, instead of having to turn them over yourself or losing a few when flipping them in a lid-less pan.
If you don’t have a long-handled roaster, you can get by with a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or some other pan. Just be careful not to burn yourself. If you have an old beat-up skillet, you can turn it into a bona fide chestnut roaster by drilling 30 or so holes in the bottom.
If you don’t have a chestnut roaster or a skillet, you can also use a fireplace shovel. And I suppose you could even try sticking them individually on skewers like the boys in the opening image, if you’re the patient type.
The Chestnuts
You can buy chestnuts at some grocery stores, but you may want to call ahead to make sure they have them. While dozens of chestnut varieties exist, most people roast Castagne and Marroni chestnuts at the holidays. Castagne are more common, while the Marroni are a more expensive specialty. The nut of the Marroni is sweeter and plumper, and it peels away from the skin more easily.
When choosing your chestnuts, look for those that are plump, smooth, shiny, and blemish-free. Moldy chestnuts are a common problem, so squeeze and shake the chestnut to see if the nut has shriveled up and pulled away from the shell.
Keep in mind that the larger the chestnut, the longer it will take to roast. Pick chestnuts that are fairly uniform in size and will thus be done at the same time.
Preparation
Rinse the chestnuts under cold water. Lay them on a towel and pat dry.
Before roasting chestnuts, you must score them to allow steam to escape and prevent them from exploding like chestnut bombs while cooking. Simply take a sharp knife and cut an “X” into the flat side of each chestnut.
Once your chestnuts are clean, dry, and scored, build a warm, cozy fire in the fireplace. Let it burn down so that you have a nice bed of hot embers.
Roasting
Place the chestnuts in a single layer in the pan. No need to add oil or grease; as they cook, the chestnuts will release their own oil.
Cover the pan with a lid and hold it over, but not directly in, the fire. After five minutes or so, shake or stir the chestnuts around, making sure to roast all sides adequately. Repeat this process every few minutes.
I didn't have time to wait for a proper ember bed, so I did stick the chesnuts directly in the fire somewhat, even though it isn't reccomended. The outsides got charred, but the insides were mostly okay.
Most chestnuts will fully roast after 25 minutes. A chestnut is fully roasted when the shell starts to open where you made the score mark and you start hearing popping noises. You can also check for doneness by piercing a chestnut with a knife; it should be tender.
Remove the chestnuts and place them in a towel-lined bowl to cool for about 10 minutes. While they’re still warm, remove the shells. The fuzzy inside skin will peel off along with the outer shell.
You can eat the chestnuts plain or dip them in butter and cinnamon for extra holiday flavor and goodness.
_____________________________________________
Win a Jacob Bromwell Chestnut Roaster
The folks at Jacob Bromwell sent me one of their chestnut roasters so I could fulfill my dream of finally trying this classic holiday tradition. And they also offered to give away one of their roasters to a lucky AoM reader as well.
Established in 1819, Jacob Bromwell is America’s oldest cookware company. All of their kitchen and campfire cookware is handcrafted and made in America, just like it was almost 200 years ago. And all their products are backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Their sturdy, authentic chestnut roasters have a nice wooden handle to keep your hands cool, and they can also be used to pop popcorn in the fire, if chestnuts aren’t your thing. The roaster will surely be enjoyed by your family for decades of holiday fun.
Entering to win one of these old fashioned roasters is easy. Just leave a comment giving us your thoughts on chestnuts or simply sharing your favorite holiday tradition.
Contest is over. Winner will be selected shortly.
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This is fantastic! There is also alot of interesting history regarding the American Chestnut trees.
I have never roasted chestnuts before, but I would love to make this a holiday season tradition with my fiance (new as of today!).
I’ve never had them, either. But I’ve wanted to try some for years. I’ve just never stumbled over the opportunity to do so.
Maybe this year?
Here’s to hoping.
The first time I had roasted Chestnuts was when I was quite young. I was travelling home with my family, and we had to wait a few hours in Birmingham (UK). I waited with my Dad, and my Mum went to do secret Christmas shopping at the ‘Frankfurt Christmas Market’. She bought me and my Dad back a bag each of roasted Chestnuts from the market. I loved them! Whenever I can, near Christmas, I go to the market and buy a bag of them (In fact, I’m going there tomorrow!). I also every year buy Chestnuts from my local shop and roast them in the oven. I would love to have a Chestnut Roaster!
My favourite family Christmas tradition is sitting around the fire on Christmas eve, just before we go to bed, with hot drinks and my Mum or Sister reading ‘Brambly Hedge, Winter Story’.
We did this last night over our fire pit with a grill basket. Some of ours were a bit moldy, though. Wish I had remembered the part about dipping them in butter and cinnamon! Yum!
My all time favorite Christmas song is Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, but I have never actually gotten to do it. When we went to the store the other day I saw chestnuts and decided that now is the time! What a delight to find this wonderful write up to help our family start a new tradition! I can’t wait to check out the Jacob Bromwell website! Hopefully, I’ll win one of their wonderful cookers – if not, it may just get added to my Christmas list because I’ve been wanting a popcorn popper for camping for quite some time as well!
I never realized that they made actual chestnut roasters. This is all kinds of cool and nostalgic.
Every year during the holiday I can’t wait for mom to roast chestnuts! Such a special tradition. Some aren’t perfect after roasting, but the ones that peel and taste perfect make it all worth it. Peace.
Always wanted to roast chestnuts!
This is awesome! I am moving to Israel to study abroad in December and it would be awesome to have a roaster to try out with the other twelve people in our house!
I love American products. Thanks for the great how-to on chestnut roasting using an American-made quality product.
I would love to give this a try! I’ve always wanted to try roasted chestnuts.
Wish I had read this article a couple of years ago when we first tried roasting chestnuts. We didn’t pierce the shells….the explosions were alarming at first but then almost comical. That is until we opened the oven door and seen the mess they’d made. Just glad we didn’t try the open-fire method…someone might have lost an eye!
Once tried roasted chestnuts; not sure which variety though. They wern’t very tasty. Am willing to try the variety listed in the post but would really like a chestut roaster to do so.
Thanks for the informative posts and emails. Enjoy everyone.
Some friends at college and I are taking some girls caroling next month and roasting chestnuts afterwards… this roaster would be a welcome addition to our evening!
I had roasted chestnuts for the first time last year. They really set off the wild game feast we have annually. The roaster would be really classy to prepare them with for this years feast.
One of my favorite memmories is when I had roasted chestnuts in Paris, France during the winter there. A local vendor had a stand on a street corner and they were delicious.
I am a college student at a small school in Wilmore Kentucky. I live on a hall with a bunch of the classiest men I know and we sure could use one of these roasters to make our yule time awesome. Thanks AOM.
I also am a college student in Wilmore, and part of a manly family. This would complete this yuletide spirit for our group.
I still remember eating the chestnuts in the back yard, as we rolled them from their outer shell, as a kid. But I’ve never had the chance of having a roasted one. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity.
I am a college student in Wilmore, Kentucky. The dapper gentlemen on my hall are going caroling with a group of wonderful ladies, after which we plan on roasting chestnuts over an open fire in the spirit of classic Christmases past. This chestnut roaster would help make our evening a resounding success!
My Grandmother always had a Christmas party on Christmas Eve until she was placed in a nursing home. Her party’s gave me some of the best memory’s that I ever had. Her party’s are still relished among friends and relatives who remember the good ol’ days. During her party’s we would sing songs and the grand finale was the Twelve Days of Christmas. We even sang the Twelve Days of Christmas, in her honor, at her funeral. She really knew how to celebrate Christmas. I miss her!!!
Sounds Delicious!
Now I’m inspired! We have a huge Chinese chestnut tree in our yard–but usually the squirrels get the nuts before we can. Some may not realize just how PRICKLY the the outer shell of these chestnuts are! We have to use leather gloves to get the edible part out of the shell.
What a great idea. Be glad to have one of those… As they say, any excuse to play with a fire.
Roasted chestnuts rock! My wife and I roasted some for the first time last Christmastime, and we’re hooked! We’d love a fire roaster!
This is me leaving a comment. I really just want the free chestnut roaster. But actually, this is a fantastic and manly activity that I am SO glad I now know how to do. I will be roasting some chestnuts this year in my apartment fireplace for my new bride.
Oh boy, my husband just bought chestnuts with the hopes of fire roasting them….until we realized that we don’t have the right equipment! I would love to win one of these chestnut roasters to surprise him with! What a great giveaway!
Our favorite Christmas tradition is making homemade eggnog and fresh pressed apple cider and inviting our friends and family over to enjoy it with us around a big bonfire!
This is exciting. This could be a new family tradition!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Not a tradition yet, but I could see it becoming one after your mentioning of cinnamon butter
I have always wanted to roast chestnuts! Great article, really puts me in a Christmas mood
Chestnuts… How can one describe something so perfect?
The English language hinders me greatly as I search for the words…
As one stares into the fire, troubles vanquished, hardships forgotten….
Those tiny orbs… vessels of mirth… stare back blankly, waiting to be indulged upon.
I have always wanted to try this! I just saw some at my local grocery store.
Thank You for this website! It is very attractive and informative. I am looking forward to trying to start a tradition of roasting chestnuts!
I’ve heard the song before of course, but never tried actually roasting chestnuts. It sounds fantastic! I personally like apple cider spiced with cinnamon or other flavors
I have also never had chestnuts, but I would love to try it! This looks like an awesome piece of cookware.
I am not a man, but I totally love this site. My best friend and I occasionally dress up as dapper gentlemen, with paper moustaches. And we drink tea. So, we’re pretty manly in our own right. We would probably be even manlier if we could roast chestnuts over an actual fire instead of popping them in the oven like some susie homemaker. Please sir, help us ladies be more manly.
Our family goes out cross country skiing together every winter and always enjoys warming up back home in front of the fire.
Ah, tradition, i see a new one in the making.
I tired it after thanksgiving dinner with the family. After reading this, I did not roast them nearly long enough.
It was several years back that I first tasted roasted chestnuts from a street vendor in New York’s Central Park. It was bitter cold but as my companion and I wrestled the morsels free from their husks, the chestnuts warmed not only our groping chilly fingers, but warmed us to our very souls as well.
Gone is the romance that was so divine–though I’ve recreated the gustatory experience rather satisfactory several times in my home oven (half an hour at 350). Leftover chestnuts have found their way into my turkey dressing, with roasted parsnips and bacon, and also appeared at my table mashed with a dash of nutmeg and butter.
So Huzzah! Winter solstice is nearly here, which is yet another excuse to do something with fire. Good friends, old songs, fire roasted chestnuts and rum punch shared around a roaring bonfire until dawn. Fire roasting may have a certain savoir faire–a new ingredient to keep the old ones fresh. However, in a pinch I’d still resort to oven roast my chestnuts–it’s far better than going nutless.
My family does not reunite that often, but when we do we have a great time. I think the roaster will help bring the family together more often!
my favorite holiday tradition would have to be goin to get the christmas tree and then putting it up and decorating it. We trim the branches at the bottom and use those in the first fire of the season.
On Christmas Eve, we sup with Swiss foods: meat, cheese, and chocolate fondue… and later… roasting chestnuts!
My fiance and I love chestnuts. We both developed an affinity for them while living in Japan… they have a lot of street vendors selling chestnuts there.
Thanks for the new ideas and the drawing!
Matt and Nikki
Thanks for the great idea to start another family tradition. I am always looking for ways to share the AoM with my three sons and here is another great idea to share.
The first time I roasted chestnuts, I was just a young lad, and needless to say, it was a disaster. I was 12 years old and just getting into the culinary arts. With a love of Christmas only a Sereno could understand, and A Christmas Carol playing on a casset tape ( pretty sure I’m the last generation that will recognize these), roasting chestnuts seemed a go to. Turning the oven to 350, I poured the chestnuts onto a sheet tray and then into the oven. Without scoring the shells. I should probably mention that my Ma was at her job, so I was embarking on this quest alone. After about a half hour, I heard the first one go off. Opening the oven door, I watched as another exploded, sending nut fragments all over. Grabbing a kitchen towel, I tried taking the tray out, only to be peppered with a shrapnel of shells. I dropped the tray as a few more popped. I didn’t go back into the kitchen until Scrooge was just waking up on Christmas Morning. My Ma, she wasn’t pleased, but was laughing. Now, at the age of 24 and well on my way to becoming a Chef, I have a MUCH better idea of what I’m doing. My most recent batch, I preserved in some infused honeys. Rosemary, some Vanilla, Cinnamon, and some in Salted Honey. I love Christmas, and anytime I can bring food into it, is just fine by me. I hope every one liked this little story, it’s something I’m considering letting my kids go through, when I have some anyways!
I’ve never actually had a roasted chestnut. But I would like to try them.
To me this is what christmas is all about, gathering with the family to partake in old style traditions. Building memories that will never wash away. Thank you for showing me another great way to spend time with the family
By some, roasting chestnuts may be regarded as pure nostalgia. However, when you consider the flavor of chestnuts, the observance of tradition, the romance of the fireplace setting, and the fun of reviving an almost forgotten art (roasting nuts at home) I must call them into question and remind them that they do not know what they are missing until they try it.
I’ve only tried chestnuts once before in the oven, but I’d love to roast some up over an open fire all authentic-like! :)
I would love to roast some chestnuts in my apartment’s fireplace! It would be a fantastic date night event for my wife and I!
I just found your site and am thouroughly stoked. Thanks for giving me something to aspire to!
My mother always talked about how her father would roast chestnuts, but I’ve personally never had any. I know it would make my Christmas if I could try this out for myself!
Roasting chestnuts over an open fire sounds a lot more interesting than roasting them in the oven.
Also, my mother’s been wanting a chestnut roaster forever…
Only experienced my Dad attempting to oven roast chestnuts… forgot to “score” them, subsequent mini-explosions in the kitchen were most unwelcome for my Mom….
I’ve never actually had a chestnut its never been a big thing in my family. Maybe now would be a good time to start
My grandpa and I were actually just talking about chestnuts and how they used to eat them as kids
I’ve never had a chestnut before. Reading this is making me want to try some though!
I haven’t roasted Chestnuts since i was a little kid. I remember it being so much fun at my grandparents house!
I’ve always wondered about the whole roasted chestnuts thing, so thanks for the explanation! I love trying old fashioned classics that I never got to experience, so I’ll have to give it a try this holiday season – can’t think of any other reason to use the fireplace I have in my South Florida apartment!
I’ve had chestnuts roasted in the oven before, but never over an open fire. Seems crazy since I am an avid outdoorsman. I will certainly go out of my way to try them over an open flame this holiday season.
AoM, rest assured–I’ll be roasting this holiday thanks to your post.
They were once sold on many Manhattan streetcorners, but I don’t think I’ve seen them in years. Actually I have never tried a roasted chestnut! I’ve tried chestnut cream in pastries, and water chestnuts in Chinese food, but never the roasted variety. Since I do have a fireplace, I’ll toss my hat into the proverbial ring.
I’ll admit, I’ve never had chestnuts, roasted over an open fire or otherwise. I’d love to try it though. I love to cook and try a new culinary endeavor. I’d love to expose my family to this great holiday tradition. (Which would go nicely with another holiday tradition… watching my all time favorite holiday movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”)
I had never experienced chestnuts until a year ago, when I was staying at my aunt’s house for the holidays. Until then, they had only existed in the Nat King Cole song.
Now that I know how to roast them, they are one of my favorites, and I have been looking forward to this season to try it again.
Thanks for the great post!
Roasting Chestnuts on the fire next to my (soon-to-be-built) ice rink seems like a great way to spend the holidays. Now, off to buy me some!
I got addicted to real, fire-roasted chestnuts walking through a Christmas market in London, and then started seeing them everywhere in Europe. Oddly I never thought to do it myself when I got back home. I have a firepit outside, and this is definitely going to be a big part of my Christmas party going forward. Thanks for the helpful post!
I have had fire-roasted chestnuts very infrequently, but on the occasions I did I remember liking them rather than loving them. Happy holiday season, everyone!
I do wish to use a chestnut roaster on an outdoor fire!
I’m currently deployed to Afghanistan. I’ve got approximately 3 weeks left until I can go home. Reading this article just adds to the list of things I’m gonna do when I get home. I’ve never roasted chestnuts before, but I plan on remedying that after I pour myself a healthy dram of Scotch.
I would love one of these. It will work so much better than foil.
Never roasted chestnuts–would love to try! Favorite Christmas tradition? Cutting a red cedar off our farm and decorating it as a family with ornaments collected over the years.
I don’t have the time to wade through the 473 comments to see if this has already been mentioned, but roasting chestnuts over charcoal grill is as easy as pie, and you don’t need a fancy roaster. I’ll often light up my grill while I’m outside using the smoker during the holidays. Simply score and spread the chestnets on the grill’s grate. You have to turn them with tongs, so they don’t singe, but it’s only for 20 minutes or so. Weber’s kettle grill will work well for this. Taking a couple of pieces of wet wood from the smoker and adding it to the coals adds even more flavor.
I’ve already ordered an open fire popcorn popper for trying my roast chestnuts this xmas, before I found this site. Until it arrives I don’t know if it has holes in the bottom! I hope that it does.
I roast nuts in an old pan at home, but I’ve never tried chestnuts, let alone from an actual nut roaster. If I don’t win, I’ll have to try to build one
I would love to enjoy this tradition with my family, and a free chestnut roaster would get us started real quick!
Loved this post. I will be trying it this year. Always wanted roasted chestnuts.
With this great article, I’ll never have to con man my way though roasting chestnuts again. Thanks.
Never tried this holiday staple before… rather sad – I feel like its an easy, manly thing to do.. That would explain the post :)
I’ve tried oven-roasted chesnuts but I bet this contraption beats the oven by a long shot! Would be curious to try. Thanks so much for hosting this giveaway!
Margaret
One of the great things about growing up in NYC is being able to pic up a small bag of roasted chestnuts right on the street, after having a hot dog with sauerkraut. Now, living in the South, my wife and I roast them at home. It would be great to do them over the fire, as opposed to the oven. Warm, nutty, and meaty; a great holiday treat. And if you don’t roast them, you can always punch a hole through a couple and put them on a string for a chestnut fight!
I cannot say we have ever roasted chestnuts over an open fire… Despite the compelling endorsement of Mr. Cole. My favorite Christmas Tradition is singing Silent Night at my Church’s Christmas Eve Service. The quiet elegance of the song itself, coupled with the unique way a Sanctuary looks lit only by candles passed hand to hand. It is an awe inspiring moment that allows me a moment to put all of the hubbub and rushing of the past days behind me to remind myself of the true meanings of my faith and of Christmas itself. Not to mention, the excitement of the night and morning ahead. No matter how old I get, I will always feel as a child on the morning of Christmas.
I am looking forward to trying this – much easier than trying to pull off the 12 days of Christmas! I have never seen them in the store, but I have never looked either. Thanks for the article!
This sounds amazing. I’ve always wanted to try roasting chestnuts but have never gotten around to it.
So odd that this tradition has gone away. Win or not, I believe I will teach my daughters to roast. Also, near impossible to find chestnuts locally.
I’ve always wanted to try this. I’m only posting this comment to have a chance to win a Roaster.
Have a great Christmas!
When I was little I thought chestnuts were “chess nuts”. I was always confused as to why they were roasting people that loved chess over an open fire.
it is a little clearer to me now…
Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer:
“King side castle, check in two”…
That chestnut roaster looks great, a solid tool. Try roasting sweet potatoes- they are also delicious. Being in australia, our Xmas is often a 40 degreee (celcius) day- xmas traditions evolved into seafood and cricket at the beach.
I’ve always been an avid marshmallow-roaster; I look forward to trying this out the next opportunity I get though!
If you are doing them over a campfire you can use a cookie sheet with holes drilled in it as well.
This website never ceases to amaze me with it’s poignant articles. I was just thinking the other day how wonderful it would be to actually roast chestnuts over an open fire whilst listening to the song.
I’ve never done this before but it sounds like something fun to try this Christmas. Thanks again Brett and Kate.
My favorite Christmas tradition is simply turning out the lights, listening to classic christmas music, looking at the tree and smelling the aroma of a freshly cut Fraser Fir while drinking a single malt Islay. Perhaps I’ll have to add munching on fresh roasted chestnuts to that tradition.
The smell of roasting chestnuts, with the crackling of the fire and the lights of the Christmas tree takes me back to my childhood. Haven’t a fireplace but would this should be doable with a firepit?
My favorite tradition is decorating. The Saturday after Thanksgiving is reserved for this tradition. My wife always decorates the inside of house, while I decorate the outside. Can’t wait for my two boys to be old enough to help.
I’ve always enjoyed roasted chestnuts this time of year. Usually I buy them from a street vendor, but I will definitely start the tradition of roasting them over the fire. I hope it turns into something my son and I share for years to come.
I have never tried fire roasted chestnuts, but what a better way to start than to do it the old fashion way.
What better way to spend Christmas than roasting chestnuts and listening to some Nate King Cole?
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