Discover a wholesome, crunchy snack everyone enjoys! This easy pumpkin seeds recipe turns a simple leftover into a delightful treat. We guide you through transforming seeds from your autumn pumpkins into a flavorful, crispy snack. Get ready to create a seasonal favorite that tastes homemade and special.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Making this roasted pumpkin seed snack is a fun, hands-on activity for the family. It helps you reduce food waste by using every bit of your pumpkins. Both the shell and kernel of these pumpkin seeds are edible, offering a unique texture. You will achieve an irresistible crispy texture with minimal effort. This easy roasted pumpkin seeds preparation is also versatile for savory or sweet tastes.
Ingredients
Here are the basic ingredients you will need for this pumpkin seeds recipe:
- ¾ cup raw pumpkin seeds: Freshly scooped from your pumpkin.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps achieve a lovely crispness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: A key seasoning to bring out flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional): For a touch of color and mild spice.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle aromatic heat.
Notes & Substitutions
You can harvest raw pumpkin seeds from carving pumpkins or smaller pie pumpkins. For the oil, feel free to use avocado oil, vegetable oil, melted coconut oil, clarified butter, or even sesame oil for a distinct flavor. Looking for sweet variations? Try a sprinkle of sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice mix. For savory twists, consider cumin, curry powder, harissa, smoked paprika, taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, chili powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning. You can also roast seeds from other squash like butternut, roasted acorn squash, delicata, or spaghetti squash.
Equipment
Gather a few kitchen tools before you begin this tasty pumpkin seeds preparation.
- Colander: For rinsing your fresh seeds.
- Large mixing bowl: Helps you season the seeds evenly.
- Baking sheet: Distributes heat for proper roasting.
- Parchment paper: Lay this down for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Instructions
Follow these clear, simple steps to create your delicious roasted pumpkin seeds. This basic pumpkin seeds recipe takes minimal effort and delivers satisfying crunch.
- Preheat Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Scoop Seeds: Carefully scoop all the seeds and pulp from your pumpkin.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Place the pumpkin seeds into a colander. Rinse them under cold running water.
- Remove Pulp: Work to remove all stringy fibers and pulp. Use your fingers to gently rub them clean.
- Dry Seeds: Lay the rinsed seeds on a kitchen towel. Pat them completely dry. This step is crucial for crispiness.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried pumpkin seeds with the olive oil.
- Add Seasonings: Add the kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika (if you are using it), and black pepper to the bowl.
- Toss Well: Toss the ingredients together with your hands or a spoon. Ensure every seed is coated evenly with the oil and spices.
- Spread on Sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil, or line it with parchment paper for non-stick results. Spread the seasoned pumpkin seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid piling them up.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Stir: Every 5 minutes during baking, stir the seeds. This helps them roast evenly and prevents burning.
- Check Doneness: Continue to bake until the pumpkin seeds turn golden brown and feel crunchy when you taste one. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes.
- Cool: Transfer the roasted seeds to a bowl or plate. Let them cool down before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the crunchiest roasted pumpkin seeds comes down to a few key points. Always dry seeds completely before adding oil and seasoning; moisture causes steaming instead of roasting. Do not overcrowd your baking sheet, as this also leads to steaming; use two sheets if you have a larger batch. Stir the seeds frequently during roasting to ensure even browning and prevent burning. Taste test a seed around the 10-minute mark to check for doneness and adjust roasting time. For very stubborn, stringy seeds, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Always add your seasoning after you thoroughly dry the seeds for better adhesion. Adjust spices to suit your family’s taste, making them milder or bolder. Finally, cool roasted seeds on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up extra oil and prevent them from getting soft from residual steam.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Enjoy these roasted pumpkin seeds immediately as a simple, healthy snack. They make a crunchy garnish for autumnal soups, salads, or roasted vegetables. Sprinkle them over yogurt or oatmeal for added texture and nutrition.
Storage
Store your cooled roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature in your pantry. They stay fresh and crisp for up to 2 weeks.
Meal Prep Ideas
Roast a big batch of these savory pumpkin seeds when you have extra time. This gives you a ready-to-go snack. Prepare several small batches with different flavor profiles to enjoy variety throughout the week.
Nutrition Information
Roasted pumpkin seeds are a nutritious snack choice. They offer healthy fats and important minerals.
| Nutrient | Amount (per 1oz/28g serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~126 kcal |
| Protein | ~5.3g |
| Fat (unsaturated) | ~5.5g |
| Carbohydrates | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
This roasted pumpkin seeds snack is an excellent source of dietary fiber. They also contain good amounts of zinc, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and iron.
According to the USDA, pumpkin seeds are rich in protein and healthy fats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to clean pumpkin seeds?
Rinse the seeds in a colander under cold water. Gently rub them with your hands to remove any slimy flesh or stringy bits. You can briefly soak them in warm water if pulp remains stubborn.
Should I dry pumpkin seeds before roasting?
Yes, absolutely dry them for optimal crispness. Removing moisture helps the seeds roast rather than steam. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels or let them air dry overnight.
What are the health benefits of pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds provide dietary fiber, which aids digestion. They are rich in important minerals like zinc, magnesium, and iron. These seeds also contain beneficial unsaturated fats.
Conclusion
Making this pumpkin seeds recipe is a simple, rewarding way to enjoy a healthy snack. You transform pumpkin discards into a crunchy, flavorful treat in just minutes. This easy method lets you savor the tastes of autumn. Customize your roasted pumpkin seeds with various seasonings to make them truly yours!
Classic Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F).
- Rinse pumpkin seeds thoroughly to remove all pumpkin pulp, then pat them completely dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- In a bowl, toss the dried pumpkin seeds with olive oil (or melted butter) and salt until evenly coated.
- Spread the seeds in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the seeds are light golden-brown and crispy. Watch carefully near the end to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely — seeds will crisp up further as they cool. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
