How Do You Slice Almonds

You slice almonds by choosing the right method for your end goal, whether that’s whole blanched almonds, thin slivers, or finely ground flour.
 
It might sound fussy, but once you know how to slice almonds properly, it’s actually one of the easiest prep tasks in the kitchen.
 
All you need is a handful of raw almonds, a sharp knife or a tool like a mandoline, and a few minutes of your time.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to slice almonds by hand, how to slice almonds without a knife, how to blanch almonds so they slice cleanly, and how to store your sliced almonds so they stay crisp.
 
Let’s get slicing.
 

How Do You Slice Almonds? Here’s the Simple Answer

You slice almonds by cutting each nut lengthwise with a sharp knife or a mandoline to create thin, even slivers.
 
If you’ve been wondering how do you slice almonds without crushing them into a mess, the trick is starting with firm, raw almonds and a steady hand.
 
The best way to slice almonds is to work in small batches and keep your fingers safely curled away from the blade.
 
When you slice almonds lengthwise, you get those elegant slivers you see on cakes and salads.
 
And here’s why each part of the process matters:
 

1. Raw Almonds Slice Better Than Roasted Ones

Raw almonds are firm and hold their shape, which makes slicing almonds much easier.
 
Roasted almonds tend to crumble, so save those for snacking and grind them instead.
 
When you slice raw almonds, you get consistent slivers that toast beautifully later.
 

2. Lengthwise Cuts Give You Classic Slivers

The way you slice almonds really comes down to direction.
 
Slicing almonds lengthwise gives you the long, thin slivers used for garnish.
 
Cutting almonds crosswise, on the other hand, gives you shorter, chunkier pieces.
 
So when you slice almonds for topping a dessert, aim for lengthwise cuts.
 

3. Blanching Makes Slicing Almonds Neater

Blanched almonds are easier to slice almonds thinly because they’ve lost their papery skins.
 
To blanch almonds, drop them in boiling water for about a minute, then slip off the skins.
 
Once they dry, you can slice almonds into tender, even slivers with very little effort.
 

Tools and Techniques for Slicing Almonds

How you slice almonds depends partly on the tools you have on hand.
 
Here are the most reliable ways to slice almonds at home:
 

1. Slice Almonds With a Chef’s Knife

The classic way to slice almonds is with a sharp chef’s knife.
 
Place the almond on a cutting board, steady it with a flat side down, and slice almonds thinly from top to bottom.
 
This method takes a little patience, but you’ll soon find it’s the most versatile way when you slice almonds by hand.
 

2. Slice Almonds With a Mandoline

A mandoline is the fastest way to slice almonds if you want perfectly uniform slivers.
 
Set the blade to a thin setting and use the hand guard as you slice each almond.
 
It’s a great option when you need to slice almonds for a crowd or a big baking project.
 

3. Use a Food Processor to Slice Almonds

You can also slice almonds in a food processor using short pulses.
 
Pulse briefly, and the blades will slice almonds into rough slivers instead of turning them into flour.
 
Just watch it closely, because one extra pulse can take you from sliced almonds to almond meal.
 

How to Slice Almonds Without a Knife or Mandoline

Yes, you can slice almonds even if you don’t own fancy tools.
 
Here are a few clever workarounds to slice almonds with what you already have:
 

1. Slice Almonds With a Vegetable Peeler

A vegetable peeler works surprisingly well for slicing almonds into thin curls.
 
Hold the almond firmly and draw the peeler along its length to slice almonds safely.
 

2. Crack and Slice Almonds With a Mortar and Pestle

If you only need a small amount, a gentle crush in a mortar and pestle can help you slice almonds roughly.
 
It won’t give you perfect slivers, but it’s handy for quick garnishes.
 

3. Slice Almonds in a Bag With a Rolling Pin

Place almonds in a sealed bag and roll with light pressure to roughly slice almonds.
 
It’s messy but effective when you slice almonds for baking in a pinch.
 

How to Store Sliced Almonds So They Stay Fresh

Once you slice almonds, they go stale faster than whole nuts because more of their surface is exposed.
 
Store sliced almonds in an airtight jar in a cool, dark spot.
 
For longer storage, keep sliced almonds in the fridge or freezer, especially if you slice almonds in large batches.
 

So, How Do You Slice Almonds?

You slice almonds by using a sharp knife or mandoline to cut raw or blanched nuts into thin, even slivers.
 
Whether you slice almonds lengthwise for garnish or pulse them for baking, starting with firm nuts and the right tool makes all the difference.
 
Now that you know how to slice almonds, keep them airtight and use them to add crunch to desserts, salads, and everything in between.