Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange the almonds in a single layer and bake for 8-10 minutes. They're ready when they are golden brown, but NOT burned. Remove from the oven.
Add the almonds and salt (if using) to a food processor. Process on high speed until creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides often. The almonds will turn from whole, to flour, to clumps, to a large ball, and eventually, creamy, luscious butter. It will take several minutes of processing, anywhere between 3-10 minutes. Give your machine 30-60 second breaks, as needed, to prevent overheating.
Transfer to a clean and dry container or jar and use as you would any other nut butter.
Notes
Give your machine small breaks in between processing to prevent overheating. Turn off your food processor for 30-60 seconds at a time, as needed, and then continue. Use that break to scrape down the sides.Your homemade almond butter will go through many stages, and it may feel like it's never going to become butter, but it will. It goes from whole almonds, to broken down pieces, to flour, to small clumps, then large clumps, then one giant ball, and finally creamy nut butter. (See process shots above for a visual.)Store in a clean and dry container or jar at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 4 weeks. You may freeze air tight in a freezer safe container for up to 4 months.