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How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds | Easy Crunchy Snack

Pumpkin season means carving jack-o’-lanterns, baking pumpkin pies, and, of course, saving those seeds for roasting! Learning how to roast pumpkin seeds is the ultimate way to get a tasty, crunchy, and healthy snack straight from your pumpkin. With just a little oil and seasoning, pumpkin seeds turn into a delicious, protein-packed treat that you can snack on, sprinkle over salads, or use as a garnish for soups. This guide will walk you through everything step by step — from cleaning and drying the seeds to seasoning and roasting them to golden perfection. You’ll never throw pumpkin seeds away again!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 snack portions
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds scooped from 1–2 pumpkins
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • Optional seasonings: garlic powder smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon sugar

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Strainer or colander
  • Paper towels or clean kitchen towel
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Step 1: Scoop the seeds from your pumpkin and place them in a large bowl of water. Swish around to loosen the pulp.
    Step 2: Separate seeds from the stringy pumpkin flesh. Rinse under cold water in a strainer.
      Step 3: Pat seeds very dry with a towel — the drier they are, the crispier they’ll roast.
        Step 4: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
          Step 5: Toss seeds in a bowl with olive oil and salt until coated evenly.
            Step 6: Spread seeds in a single layer on the baking sheet.
              Step 7: Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy.
                Step 8: Let cool completely before eating (they’ll crisp up more as they cool).
                  Step 9: Store or serve immediately as a crunchy fall snack!

                    Notes

                    🧊 Storage & Reheating
                    Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 1 week.
                    Refrigerator: Keeps up to 2 weeks.
                    Freezer: Store up to 2 months in freezer bags.
                    Reheating: Re-crisp in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
                    🥄 Variations
                    Classic salty: Stick with just olive oil and salt.
                    Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder.
                    Garlic parmesan: Toss with garlic powder and sprinkle with parmesan after baking.
                    Sweet cinnamon: Use cinnamon sugar for a sweet snack.
                    Smoky BBQ: Add smoked paprika, onion powder, and a little brown sugar.
                    ❓ 10 FAQs
                    Do I need to peel pumpkin seeds?
                    – No, the shells are edible once roasted.
                    Can I use seeds from any pumpkin?
                    – Yes, all pumpkin (and even squash) seeds work.
                    Should I boil the seeds first?
                    – Boiling in salted water can make them extra flavorful, but it’s optional.
                    Why aren’t my seeds crunchy?
                    – They likely weren’t dried enough before roasting.
                    Can I roast seeds at a higher temperature?
                    – Yes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
                    Do I have to use olive oil?
                    – No, melted butter, avocado oil, or coconut oil work too.
                    Are roasted pumpkin seeds healthy?
                    – Yes! They’re high in protein, magnesium, and fiber.
                    Can I use flavored oils?
                    – Absolutely — garlic or chili oils add extra flavor.
                    Can kids help make these?
                    – Yes! Kids can help clean and season the seeds.
                    How can I use roasted pumpkin seeds besides snacking?
                    – Sprinkle on salads, soups, oatmeal, or yogurt bowls.
                    🏁 Conclusion
                    Now that you know how to roast pumpkin seeds, you’ll never toss them out again. Crispy, customizable, and packed with nutrients, roasted pumpkin seeds are one of the best fall snacks you can make at home. Whether you keep them classic with salt or go bold with spicy or sweet flavors, these seeds will add crunch to your autumn celebrations.