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What To Make With Whole Almonds
What to make with whole almonds starts with realizing how versatile they are, because whole almonds can be turned into homemade almond milk, blanched and ground into flour, toasted for snacks, or blended into butter.
Whole almonds are one of those pantry staples that quietly do it all, and once you know what to make with whole almonds, you’ll never look at that bag the same way again.
Whether you bought a big bag on sale or you’re staring at a jar wondering what to make with whole almonds before they go stale, this post has you covered.
In this post, we’ll walk through the best things to make with whole almonds, plus a few tips to get the most out of them.
Let’s get into it.
Why Whole Almonds Are So Versatile
Whole almonds earn their keep because they can be made into almost anything, and here’s why:
1. You Can Make Almond Milk From Scratch
One of the best things to make with whole almonds is fresh almond milk.
Soak the almonds overnight, blend them with water, and strain through a nut milk bag.
The result is creamy, additive-free milk that tastes nothing like the store-bought stuff.
This is probably the most rewarding thing you can make with whole almonds because you control every ingredient.
2. Almond Flour Is Easy to Make at Home
What to make with whole almonds if you love baking? Almond flour, of course.
Blanch the almonds to remove the skins, let them dry completely, then pulse them in a food processor until fine.
You can make almond flour with whole almonds in under ten minutes, and it works beautifully in macarons, muffins, and gluten-free cakes.
Just be careful not to over-blend or you’ll end up with almond butter instead.
3. Homemade Almond Butter Beats the Jarred Stuff
Another great option when deciding what to make with whole almonds is almond butter.
Roast the almonds, toss them in a food processor, and keep blending past the crumbly stage until they turn glossy and smooth.
You can make almond butter with whole almonds and a pinch of salt, and that’s it.
It’s cheaper than store-bought and you can flavor it with honey, cinnamon, or vanilla.
4. Toasted Almonds Make the Perfect Snack
Sometimes the simplest answer to what to make with whole almonds is a snack.
Toss whole almonds with olive oil and sea salt, then roast at 350°F for about ten minutes.
You can make roasted almonds with whole almonds in batches and store them for weeks.
They’re great on their own or sprinkled over salads and yogurt.
Sweet and Savory Ideas for Whole Almonds
Beyond the basics, whole almonds shine in both sweet and savory recipes, so here are more ideas for what to make with whole almonds:
1. Almond Brittle and Candied Almonds
If you want something sweet to make with whole almonds, try almond brittle or candied almonds.
A quick caramel coating turns whole almonds into a crunchy treat that’s perfect for gifting.
You can also make candied almonds with whole almonds, sugar, and cinnamon for a market-style snack.
2. Almond-Crusted Chicken and Fish
On the savory side, what to make with whole almonds includes crushing them into a coarse coating for chicken or fish.
Pulse whole almonds in a blender until they resemble breadcrumbs, then mix with herbs and spices.
You can make almond crusted chicken with whole almonds for a low-carb, crunchy dinner that feels fancy but isn’t.
3. Almond Pesto and Sauces
Whole almonds can stand in for pine nuts in pesto, which is a smart thing to make with whole almonds when pine nuts are pricey.
Blitz whole almonds with basil, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan for a rich, nutty sauce.
You can make almond pesto with whole almonds and toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or swirl it into soups.
4. Almond Granola and Trail Mix
Granola is another easy answer to what to make with whole almonds.
Toss whole almonds with oats, honey, and dried fruit, then bake until golden.
You can make homemade granola with whole almonds and control the sugar, which store-bought versions rarely let you do.
Tips for Using Whole Almonds
A few quick tips make working with whole almonds easier:
1. Soak Before Blending
Soaking whole almonds overnight softens them and makes blending smoother, especially for milk and butter.
2. Blanch for Baking
If you’re making almond flour with whole almonds, blanch them first for a finer, lighter result.
3. Store Them Right
Keep whole almonds in an airtight container away from heat so they stay fresh longer.
So, What To Make With Whole Almonds?
What to make with whole almonds comes down to how much time you have, because whole almonds can become almond milk, almond flour, almond butter, roasted snacks, brittle, crusted chicken, pesto, or granola.
Whole almonds are one of the most flexible ingredients in your kitchen, and knowing what to make with whole almonds opens up endless options.
Hope this post has helped you figure out what to make with whole almonds and given you a few new favorites to try.