How To Make Sliced Almonds At Home

You can make sliced almonds at home by blanching whole raw almonds, slipping off their skins, and slicing them thinly with a sharp knife or a mandoline.
 
It sounds a little fussy, but honestly, making sliced almonds at home is one of those small kitchen projects that feels way more satisfying than it should.
 
If you’ve ever been mid-recipe and realized the bag of sliced almonds in your pantry is empty, this is for you.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make sliced almonds at home step by step, plus a few tricks to get them thin, even, and ready for toasting.
 
Let’s get slicing.
 

How to Make Sliced Almonds at Home

Learning how to make sliced almonds at home comes down to three simple stages: softening the almonds, removing the skins, and slicing them evenly.
 
Here’s how each stage works.
 

1. Start With Whole Raw Almonds

To make sliced almonds at home, always begin with whole raw almonds, not roasted or salted ones.
 
Roasted almonds crumble instead of slicing cleanly because their texture has already been altered by heat.
 
Raw almonds hold their shape, which is exactly what you need for clean, even slices.
 
Grab a bag of plain whole raw almonds from the store and you’re already halfway there.
 

2. Blanch the Almonds in Hot Water

The secret to easy homemade sliced almonds is blanching, which loosens the skins so they slip right off.
 
Bring a pot of water to a boil, drop in your raw almonds, and let them sit for about one minute.
 
Don’t leave them longer than that or they’ll turn soft and slippery, which makes slicing messy.
 
Drain them immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
 

3. Slip Off the Skins

Once the almonds cool enough to handle, pinch each one between your thumb and forefinger and the skin should slide off easily.
 
If a skin sticks, rub it gently with a kitchen towel and it’ll come right off.
 
This is the part where making sliced almonds at home feels a bit tedious, so put on a podcast and embrace the process.
 

4. Pat Dry Completely

Before you slice, pat the peeled almonds completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
 
Wet almonds slide around on the cutting board, which makes thin slicing dangerous and uneven.
 
Dry almonds are firm, grippy, and much easier to work with.
 
Let them air dry for a few extra minutes if you have the time.
 

5. Slice Thinly With a Sharp Knife or Mandoline

Now for the main event in how to make sliced almonds at home: the slicing itself.
 
Hold each almond firmly and slice lengthwise into thin, even pieces with a sharp knife.
 
For faster, more uniform results, run the almonds through a mandoline on a thin setting.
 
Work slowly and keep your fingers tucked back, because almonds are small and slicers are sharp.
 

Tips for Perfect Homemade Sliced Almonds

Even with the basics down, a few small adjustments make a big difference when you make sliced almonds at home.
 

1. Chill the Almonds Before Slicing

Pop the peeled, dried almonds in the fridge for about 15 minutes before slicing.
 
Cold almonds are firmer, and firm almonds slice cleaner with far less crumbling.
 
This one tip alone can make homemade sliced almonds look like the store-bought kind.
 

2. Use a Sharp, Heavy Knife

A dull knife squashes almonds instead of cutting them, leaving you with crushed bits rather than slices.
 
Use your sharpest chef’s knife, or better yet, a small serrated knife for extra grip.
 

3. Slice in Small Batches

Don’t pile up a whole cup of almonds and try to slice through them all at once.
 
Work in small handfuls so each almond gets proper contact with the blade.
 
This keeps your sliced almonds at home consistent in thickness.
 

4. Store Them Properly

Homemade sliced almonds stay fresh for about two weeks in an airtight jar at room temperature.
 
For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to two months or freeze them for six.
 
Just make sure they’re completely dry before storing, or they’ll go soft and stale.
 

How to Toast Sliced Almonds at Home

Toasting is optional, but it deepens their flavor and gives your homemade sliced almonds that golden crunch.
 

1. Toast Them on the Stovetop

Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat, add your sliced almonds, and stir constantly for three to five minutes.
 
They go from golden to burnt in seconds, so stay right by the pan.
 

2. Or Toast Them in the Oven

Spread the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about five to seven minutes.
 
Shake the pan halfway through so they toast evenly.
 

3. Let Them Cool Completely

Toasted sliced almonds crisp up as they cool, so give them a few minutes before snacking or storing.
 
Now they’re ready for salads, granola, desserts, or straight out of the jar.
 

So, Can You Make Sliced Almonds at Home?

You can absolutely make sliced almonds at home, and it only takes raw almonds, hot water, and a sharp knife.
 
Blanch, peel, dry, and slice, then toast them if you want that extra crunch.
 
Learning how to make sliced almonds at home is one of those skills that saves you a trip to the store and makes your kitchen feel a little more self-sufficient.
 
Give it a try the next time a recipe calls for sliced almonds, and you might never buy the pre-sliced bag again.