🎉 Introduction
Don’t throw away those pumpkin seeds after carving your jack-o’-lanterns or making pumpkin puree! With just a little seasoning and roasting, you can transform them into crispy, savory Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. They’re a healthy, protein-packed snack that’s full of flavor and crunch.
This recipe uses olive oil, salt, and cayenne pepper for a slightly spicy kick, but you can easily customize them with your favorite spices. They’re perfect for snacking, tossing on salads, or even sprinkling over soups for a crunchy topping. Best of all, they’re quick, easy, and naturally gluten-free.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Strainer and paper towels (for cleaning/drying seeds)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds (cleaned and dried)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Clean pumpkin seeds by removing pulp and rinsing well under cold water. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, toss the seeds with olive oil until evenly coated.
Step 4: Add salt and cayenne pepper, stirring until all seeds are seasoned.
Step 5: Spread seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool completely (they’ll crisp up more as they cool).
Step 8: Serve as a snack or store for later!
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: About 2 cups (8 snack portions)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Store up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: Crisp them up in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if needed.
🥄 Variations
- Garlic Parmesan: Toss with garlic powder and grated Parmesan after roasting.
- Sweet & Spicy: Add cinnamon, sugar, and cayenne.
- Herby: Use rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
- Smoky: Sprinkle with smoked paprika for a BBQ-style flavor.
- Maple glazed: Toss with maple syrup before baking for a sweet snack.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Do I need to boil pumpkin seeds before roasting?
– Not required, but boiling in salted water first makes them crispier. - Can I roast seeds from any type of pumpkin?
– Yes! Carving pumpkins, pie pumpkins, or even squash seeds work. - How do I make them extra crispy?
– Dry thoroughly and roast at a lower temp for longer. - Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
– Yes, butter adds a richer flavor but may brown faster. - Can I make them without oil?
– You can dry-roast, but they won’t be as flavorful. - Are roasted pumpkin seeds healthy?
– Yes, they’re high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. - Can I microwave pumpkin seeds?
– Not recommended; the oven gives the best crunch. - Can I eat the shells?
– Yes, roasted shells are edible and crunchy. - Can I make them less spicy?
– Simply skip the cayenne pepper. - What’s the best way to season them evenly?
– Mix oil and spices first, then toss the seeds to coat.
🏁 Conclusion
These Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are a tasty, crunchy way to celebrate fall and make the most of your pumpkins. Quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and packed with flavor, they’re the perfect seasonal snack. Whether you keep them spicy, sweet, or savory, roasted pumpkin seeds will become a tradition in your kitchen each autumn.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds | Crispy & Spicy Fall Snack
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Notes
– Not required, but boiling in salted water first makes them crispier. Can I roast seeds from any type of pumpkin?
– Yes! Carving pumpkins, pie pumpkins, or even squash seeds work. How do I make them extra crispy?
– Dry thoroughly and roast at a lower temp for longer. Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
– Yes, butter adds a richer flavor but may brown faster. Can I make them without oil?
– You can dry-roast, but they won’t be as flavorful. Are roasted pumpkin seeds healthy?
– Yes, they’re high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Can I microwave pumpkin seeds?
– Not recommended; the oven gives the best crunch. Can I eat the shells?
– Yes, roasted shells are edible and crunchy. Can I make them less spicy?
– Simply skip the cayenne pepper. What’s the best way to season them evenly?
– Mix oil and spices first, then toss the seeds to coat. 🏁 Conclusion
These Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are a tasty, crunchy way to celebrate fall and make the most of your pumpkins. Quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and packed with flavor, they’re the perfect seasonal snack. Whether you keep them spicy, sweet, or savory, roasted pumpkin seeds will become a tradition in your kitchen each autumn.
