Crunchy Pumpkin Seeds: A Perfect Snack for Fall Gatherings

🎉 Introduction

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, there’s one ingredient that always takes center stage in autumn kitchens: the pumpkin. While most people focus on pumpkin purée for pies and soups, the real treasure often goes overlooked—the seeds.

These Crunchy Pumpkin Seeds are the ultimate fall snack, especially for gatherings, parties, and cozy nights in. Seasoned simply with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and sea salt, these roasted pumpkin seeds are bold, savory, and satisfying. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also alcohol-free, pork-free, and a great way to eliminate food waste.

Whether you’re carving pumpkins with family or cooking pumpkin dishes for a crowd, don’t toss those seeds—roast them into something delicious!

🧰 Equipment Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this perfectly crunchy, crowd-pleasing snack:

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Spatula or spoon
• Oven
• Airtight jar or container for storing leftovers

🛒 Ingredients

Here’s the simple yet flavorful ingredient list for your crunchy pumpkin seed snack:

• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp sea salt

Tip: Use freshly scooped seeds or store-bought raw pumpkin seeds—just make sure they’re unsalted and unroasted.

👩‍🍳 Directions

Follow these simple steps for irresistibly crispy and seasoned pumpkin seeds:

Step 1: Clean and Dry the Seeds

• If you’re using fresh pumpkin seeds, remove them from the pumpkin and separate them from the pulp.
• Rinse thoroughly under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer.
• Spread them out on a towel and pat dry. The drier the seeds, the crispier the end result.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Season the Seeds

• In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and sea salt.
• Add the pumpkin seeds and toss until they are evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

• Spread the seeds out in a single layer on your baking sheet.
• Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Seeds are done when they are golden and crisp.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

• Allow the seeds to cool on the tray.
• They will continue to crisp as they cool.
• Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Yield: About 1 cup roasted seeds
• Serves: 2–3 people
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Perfect for fall parties, lunchboxes, movie nights, or as a healthy snack on the go.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Refrigerator: Store for up to 2 weeks if you want extra freshness.
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container or zip-lock bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• To re-crisp, heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.

🥄 Variations

Want to make these even more fun for your fall gathering? Try these simple flavor twists:

Sweet & Spicy

• Add 1 tsp brown sugar and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper before roasting.

Smoky BBQ

• Mix in ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp brown sugar.

Zesty Lemon Herb

• After roasting, toss with lemon zest and a pinch of dried thyme.

Cinnamon Sugar

• Replace garlic and paprika with 1 tbsp sugar and ½ tsp cinnamon for a sweet treat.

Everything Bagel Style

• Use 1 tbsp everything seasoning in place of the other spices for a savory crunch.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Do I need to remove the shell from pumpkin seeds?
No, the shell becomes deliciously crispy when roasted. Just chew thoroughly and enjoy the texture.

2. Can I use store-bought pumpkin seeds?
Yes, just make sure they’re raw and unsalted. The method works perfectly.

3. Are roasted pumpkin seeds healthy?
Yes! They’re rich in fiber, zinc, magnesium, and plant-based protein. A perfect clean snack.

4. Can I roast seeds from any pumpkin variety?
Absolutely. Large carving pumpkins, sugar pumpkins, or even squash like butternut all have edible seeds.

5. What makes pumpkin seeds crunchy when roasted?
Two key things: removing moisture (drying well) and roasting at the right temperature.

6. Can I soak the seeds before roasting?
Some people soak them for easier digestion. If you do, dry them completely before roasting.

7. What’s the best oil to use?
Olive oil is great, but you can also use avocado oil or coconut oil depending on flavor preference.

8. Can kids eat roasted pumpkin seeds?
Yes! Just be mindful with younger children and consider lightly crushing them if needed.

9. Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes, but use multiple trays or roast in batches to avoid overcrowding.

10. What can I serve these with at gatherings?
They’re perfect in snack bowls, over salads, or even as toppings on dips like hummus or guacamole.

🏁 Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a fall get-together, prepping lunchbox snacks, or simply craving a satisfying savory crunch, these Crunchy Pumpkin Seeds are a seasonal must-have. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and loaded with nutrition, they’re proof that something small—like a seed—can make a big impact.

Roasting pumpkin seeds is a simple, sustainable, and satisfying kitchen ritual that brings the essence of autumn to your table. So next time you’re carving pumpkins or cooking fall favorites, don’t throw away those seeds—turn them into your next favorite snack!

Adam

Crunchy Pumpkin Seeds: A Perfect Snack for Fall Gatherings

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, there’s one ingredient that always takes center stage in autumn kitchens: the pumpkin. While most people focus on pumpkin purée for pies and soups, the real treasure often goes overlooked—the seeds. These Crunchy Pumpkin Seeds are the ultimate fall snack, especially for gatherings, parties, and cozy nights in. Seasoned simply with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and sea salt, these roasted pumpkin seeds are bold, savory, and satisfying. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also alcohol-free, pork-free, and a great way to eliminate food waste. Whether you’re carving pumpkins with family or cooking pumpkin dishes for a crowd, don’t toss those seeds—roast them into something delicious!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 3 cup

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Here’s the simple yet flavorful ingredient list for your crunchy pumpkin seed snack:
• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp sea salt
• Tip: Use freshly scooped seeds or store-bought raw pumpkin seeds—just make sure they’re unsalted and unroasted.

Equipment

• Here’s everything you’ll need to make this perfectly crunchy, crowd-pleasing snack:
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Spatula or spoon
• Oven
• Airtight jar or container for storing leftovers

Method

 

1. Follow these simple steps for irresistibly crispy and seasoned pumpkin seeds:

Step 1: Clean and Dry the Seeds

1. If you’re using fresh pumpkin seeds, remove them from the pumpkin and separate them from the pulp.
2. Rinse thoroughly under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer.
3. Spread them out on a towel and pat dry. The drier the seeds, the crispier the end result.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Season the Seeds

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and sea salt.
2. Add the pumpkin seeds and toss until they are evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

1. Spread the seeds out in a single layer on your baking sheet.
2. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
3. Seeds are done when they are golden and crisp.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the seeds to cool on the tray.
2. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
3. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage:

Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Refrigerator: Store for up to 2 weeks if you want extra freshness.

Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container or zip-lock bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

To re-crisp, heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.

🥄 Variations

Want to make these even more fun for your fall gathering? Try these simple flavor twists:

Sweet & Spicy

Add 1 tsp brown sugar and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper before roasting.

Smoky BBQ

Mix in ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp brown sugar.

Zesty Lemon Herb

After roasting, toss with lemon zest and a pinch of dried thyme.

Cinnamon Sugar

Replace garlic and paprika with 1 tbsp sugar and ½ tsp cinnamon for a sweet treat.

Everything Bagel Style

Use 1 tbsp everything seasoning in place of the other spices for a savory crunch.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Do I need to remove the shell from pumpkin seeds?
No, the shell becomes deliciously crispy when roasted. Just chew thoroughly and enjoy the texture.

2. Can I use store-bought pumpkin seeds?
Yes, just make sure they’re raw and unsalted. The method works perfectly.

3. Are roasted pumpkin seeds healthy?
Yes! They’re rich in fiber, zinc, magnesium, and plant-based protein. A perfect clean snack.

4. Can I roast seeds from any pumpkin variety?
Absolutely. Large carving pumpkins, sugar pumpkins, or even squash like butternut all have edible seeds.

5. What makes pumpkin seeds crunchy when roasted?
Two key things: removing moisture (drying well) and roasting at the right temperature.

6. Can I soak the seeds before roasting?
Some people soak them for easier digestion. If you do, dry them completely before roasting.

7. What’s the best oil to use?
Olive oil is great, but you can also use avocado oil or coconut oil depending on flavor preference.

8. Can kids eat roasted pumpkin seeds?
Yes! Just be mindful with younger children and consider lightly crushing them if needed.

9. Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes, but use multiple trays or roast in batches to avoid overcrowding.

10. What can I serve these with at gatherings?
They’re perfect in snack bowls, over salads, or even as toppings on dips like hummus or guacamole.

🏁 Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a fall get-together, prepping lunchbox snacks, or simply craving a satisfying savory crunch, these Crunchy Pumpkin Seeds are a seasonal must-have. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and loaded with nutrition, they’re proof that something small—like a seed—can make a big impact.

Roasting pumpkin seeds is a simple, sustainable, and satisfying kitchen ritual that brings the essence of autumn to your table. So next time you’re carving pumpkins or cooking fall favorites, don’t throw away those seeds—turn them into your next favorite snack!