Save to Pinterest Roasted pumpkin seeds offer a crunchy and savory snack that's simple to prepare. By tossing raw seeds with olive oil, salt, and optional spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder, then roasting until golden, you get a flavorful treat. These seeds can be enjoyed on their own or used as an addition to salads and soups. Variations include different seasoning blends to suit various tastes. Store cooled seeds in an airtight container for freshness.
I was scraping out a pumpkin for pie one October when my neighbor leaned over the fence and asked what I did with the seeds. I shrugged and said I tossed them. She looked horrified, marched into my kitchen, and showed me how to roast them with nothing but oil and salt. I've never thrown out pumpkin seeds since.
The first batch I made alone filled the house with a warm, toasty smell that reminded me of campfires. My kids came running in asking what smelled so good. When I told them it was pumpkin guts, they laughed and ate the entire tray before dinner.
Ingredients
- Raw pumpkin seeds: Fresh from a pumpkin is best, but store-bought works if you rinse them well to wake up the flavor.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Oil gives you crunch, butter adds richness, both help the seasonings stick.
- Fine sea salt: Fine salt coats evenly without clumping, and you need less than you think.
- Smoked paprika: This is the secret to making them taste like something from a fancy snack shop.
- Garlic powder: A little goes a long way and it toasts beautifully in the oven.
- Ground black pepper: Just enough to give a tiny kick without overwhelming the nutty flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat and prep:
- Set your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Lower heat keeps them from burning before they crisp.
- Clean the seeds:
- If they're fresh, rinse under cool water and rub away any orange strings. Pat them completely dry or they'll steam instead of roast.
- Toss with oil and spices:
- In a bowl, mix seeds with oil or butter, salt, and whatever spices you like. Use your hands to make sure every seed gets coated.
- Spread in a single layer:
- Don't pile them up or the centers stay soft. Give them space to breathe.
- Roast until golden:
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway so they brown evenly. You'll hear them start to pop and smell that toasty aroma.
- Cool completely:
- Let them sit on the pan until they're room temperature. They'll crisp up even more as they cool.
Save to Pinterest I brought a jar of these to a potluck once, sprinkled with cinnamon and a little brown sugar. People kept asking where I bought them. When I said I made them from scratch, someone actually hugged me.
Flavor Ideas
Once you nail the basic recipe, you can go wild. I've done chili lime with a squeeze of fresh citrus, sweet cinnamon sugar for the kids, and even a curry blend that disappeared in minutes. Nutritional yeast makes them taste cheesy without any dairy.
Storage Tips
Keep them in a jar or airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay crisp for about a week, though mine rarely last that long. If they start to soften, a quick five-minute toast in the oven brings them back.
Ways to Use Them
I keep a jar by the stove and grab a handful when I need texture. They're perfect over roasted squash soup, tossed into fall salads, or just eaten straight from the container while standing at the counter.
- Sprinkle over yogurt or oatmeal for crunch.
- Mix into homemade trail mix with dried fruit.
- Use as a garnish for creamy pasta or risotto.
Save to Pinterest Every fall I look forward to carving pumpkins just so I can roast the seeds. It's become one of those small rituals that makes the season feel complete.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prepare fresh pumpkin seeds for roasting?
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Rinse the seeds thoroughly to remove pulp, then pat dry completely before tossing with oil and seasonings.
- → What oven temperature is best for roasting pumpkin seeds?
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Roast at 325°F (165°C) for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- → Can I customize the seasoning for pumpkin seeds?
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Yes, spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cinnamon sugar, or nutritional yeast work well for different flavor profiles.
- → How should roasted pumpkin seeds be stored?
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Once cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- → Are roasted pumpkin seeds suitable for special diets?
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They are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making them a versatile snack option across various diets.
