22 Sesame Seed Recipes That Are Toasty, Nutty, Crunchy Perfection

Sesame seeds are an unsung hero of the kitchen. These humble seeds can add crunch and a subtle nuttiness to so many dishes. Think beyond the burger bun. The seeds play a supporting role in some spice blends like shichimi togarashi and furikake. You can substitute them for breading in a variety of dishes without sacrificing that satisfying texture. Plus, there are tons of health benefits to cooking with sesame seeds, which are full of healthy fats, hearty protein, dietary fiber, antioxidants and a plethora of essential minerals. Just 1/4 cup of sesame seeds contains more calcium than an 8-ounce glass of milk! Whichever way you choose to use the seeds, just make sure you properly toast them to make the most of their flavor, which works just as well in sweet recipes it does in savory. These airy cookies are rolled in sesame seeds to give them a nuttiness that tempers the sweetness of the dough.

Cooking a whole chicken in a cast iron skillet gives you the benefit of being able to go from the stove top to the oven in no time! When making this recipe, we suggest taking a few minutes to sear the bottom of the chicken before roasting to ensure that your bird is well-browned all over. You should also spoon the sticky sesame seed sauce over the chicken twice in the last 10-15 minutes of roasting, so it can bond with the chicken and lightly caramelize in the oven.

Combine sesame seeds with other nuts and seeds to create a hearty granola that’s bursting with flavor. This recipe is low in carbs and sugar and full of heart-healthy fats.

These simple and delightful cookies are native to the South Carolina Lowcountry and the Gullah islands off the coast. They are so easy to make, and after just one bite of the salty, sweet, and crispy wafers, you’ll question where they’ve been all your life!

Don’t underestimate the power of a sesame seed garnish. This easy roasted carrot recipe gets a touch of sweetness from honey, and a shower of black sesame seeds adds texture and crunch.

Tahini helps keep this bread moist and the sesame adds a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas. The sprinkle of sesame seeds on top is the perfect, crunchy finish.

Get the great taste of take-out Chinese food at home with this fun take on classic sesame chicken. The chicken gets swapped for heart-healthy cauliflower, and the sesame sauce will make you forget it’s plant-based (especially with the crunchy sesame seed topping!).

If you’re stuck in a cooking rut, why not try using sesame seeds to turn a hum-drum meal into something exciting? This sesame-crusted chicken breast is simple, flavorful and oh-so tasty. The coating provides a satisfyingly nutty crunch that’s low in carbs and fat. Bonus points: This meal-prep recipe also comes with four serving suggestions to help turn this tasty protein into a full course.

For an interesting twist on the standard basil pesto, try this romaine version. It gets its nuttiness from sesame seeds, a much cheaper alternative to pine nuts.

Serve shrimp at a festive gathering with this crowd-pleasing recipe. The trick is to drizzle the gingery vinaigrette over the shrimp the moment they come off the grill so they soak up all that flavor. A quick sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds seals the deal.

Bored of your same old cookie recipes? Try these black-and-white "sprinkle" cookies that are topped with a scattering of toasty sesame seeds. The base cookie dough is light and sweet, while the seeds add a savory crunch.

A quick batch of slow cooker glazed meatballs is always a party hit. This version uses a sweet hoisin glaze topped with crunchy sesame seeds to create an irresistibly poppable bite.

This recipe is a bit of East-meets-West all rolled up into a fluffy, airy babka. Instead of the traditional chocolate or cinnamon filling, this version from Molly Yeh uses a homemade black sesame paste infused with just a touch of orange zest.

For an interesting take on classic meatloaf, try this chicken-based alternative that’s infused with soy sauce and hoisin sauce. The prep won’t take any extra time, but you will love the combination of flavors that gets just a hint of nuttiness from sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds.

Pantry staples are whisked into mayo to create a creamy, versatile dressing that’s equally good on a simple green salad or a cold noodle dish.

This is a no-knead bread that’s quite simple to master. The key to a delicious and fluffy pide, or flat bread, is not using too much flour. You need just enough to be able to handle the sticky dough on your work surface. Finished with crunchy sesame seeds, it's the perfect addition to any meal.

While sesame seeds are typically a cheap ingredient, don’t underestimate their power to elevate a dish. This elegant appetizer combines chopped smoked salmon with shallot and chive, then rolls the mixture into balls crusted with crunchy black sesame seeds.

This recipe uses finely chopped pecans and sesame seeds to reduce the amount of panko needed to create a crunchy coating. The recipe also holds a secret ingredient: peach preserves in the mustard mixture, which helps the coating stick and provides an unexpected touch of sweetness.

If you’re looking for a fun alternative to the classic buttered popcorn for movie night, try this sweet-and-savory spiced popcorn from Rachel Ray. In addition to a hint of sugar, there’s a dash of five-spice powder and a few nutty toasted sesame seeds.

A simple nut and seed brittle makes a great treat, especially when it's filled with a variety of crunchy ingredients like flax and sesame seeds. Give half the batch away to friends as a gift and keep the rest for yourself!

This fun take on the ice cream sandwich could be just the thing to dazzle the kids at the next slumber party. Chocolate ice cream forms the "burger" while a toasty sesame seed cookie serves as the "bun". Don’t forget the cherry sauce "ketchup!"