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Extra walnuts can be turned into so many delicious and useful things instead of letting them go to waste.
If you’re wondering what to do with extra walnuts, you’re in the right place because there are plenty of creative ways to use them up.
Whether you have a big harvest from your tree or a bulk bag from the store, extra walnuts can be used in baking, cooking, crafting, and even cleaning.
In this post, we’ll explore the best ideas for what to do with extra walnuts so you can enjoy every last one.
Let’s dive in.
What to Do with Extra Walnuts in the Kitchen
The best place to start when figuring out what to do with extra walnuts is your kitchen.
Walnuts are incredibly versatile, and there are lots of tasty ways to use them up.
1. Bake Them into Treats
One of the easiest things to do with extra walnuts is to bake with them.
You can chop them up and add them to banana bread, brownies, cookies, or muffins.
Walnuts add a wonderful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that makes baked goods taste even better.
If you have a lot to use, try making a big batch of walnut chocolate chip cookies and freezing some for later.
2. Make Homemade Walnut Butter
Another great option for extra walnuts is to blend them into homemade walnut butter.
Just roast the walnuts, let them cool, and blend them in a food processor until smooth.
You can add a pinch of salt, a touch of honey, or a little cinnamon for extra flavor.
This is a healthy and delicious spread for toast, crackers, or apple slices.
3. Toss Them into Salads and Sides
Extra walnuts can also be sprinkled over salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls.
They give a nice crunch and a boost of healthy fats and protein.
Try candying them with a little sugar and cinnamon for a sweet twist on your next salad.
4. Add Them to Breakfast Dishes
You can also use extra walnuts in your morning meals.
Sprinkle chopped walnuts over oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes.
They pair beautifully with berries and maple syrup.
Creative Ways to Use Extra Walnuts Outside the Kitchen
If you’ve already baked and cooked your fill, there are still plenty of clever ways to use extra walnuts.
These ideas are perfect when you have more walnuts than you can eat.
1. Use Walnut Shells for Crafts
If your extra walnuts are still in their shells, don’t throw the shells away.
Walnut shells can be used for all sorts of craft projects.
You can paint them, glue them onto picture frames, or use them as decorative filler in vases.
They also make great natural mulch for potted plants.
2. Make a Natural Scrub
Crushed walnut shells are a popular ingredient in natural exfoliating scrubs.
You can grind the shells into a fine powder and mix them with coconut oil and sugar for a homemade body scrub.
This is a great way to repurpose extra walnuts and pamper yourself at the same time.
3. Use Them as a Dye
Walnut hulls can be used to make a natural dye for fabric, yarn, or even wood.
The hulls produce a rich brown color that’s perfect for craft projects.
Just simmer the hulls in water, strain, and soak your material in the liquid.
How to Store Extra Walnuts So They Last
Before you decide what to do with extra walnuts, it helps to know how to store them properly.
Walnuts can go rancid quickly if they’re not stored right.
1. Keep Shelled Walnuts in the Fridge
Shelled walnuts should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They’ll stay fresh for up to six months this way.
2. Freeze for Long-Term Storage
If you have a large amount of extra walnuts, freezing is your best bet.
Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers and they’ll keep for up to a year.
3. Store Unshelled Walnuts in a Cool, Dry Place
Walnuts still in their shells last longer and can be kept in a cool, dry spot for several months.
So, What to Do with Extra Walnuts?
Extra walnuts can be baked into treats, blended into butter, scattered over meals, or turned into crafts and natural beauty products.
If you’ve been wondering what to do with extra walnuts, the options are truly endless.
You can also store extra walnuts properly so they stay fresh until you’re ready to use them.
So the next time you find yourself with more walnuts than you know what to do with, don’t stress.
Whether you bake, craft, or freeze them, extra walnuts are a blessing, not a burden.