Roasted Pumpkin Seed Recipe.

A fun healthy snack for the autumn days.

Don’t let those pumpkin seeds go to waste after carving your Halloween pumpkin! Our simple and fun recipe is a great way to make a homemade healthy, seasonal snack. Roasting pumpkin seeds requires minimal effort, transforming a byproduct into a satisfyingly crunchy treat. It’s an effective way to make sure nothing is wasted while creating something delicious.

This basic recipe results in perfectly roasted, salty seeds. Once you have the basics, you can imagine endless flavor combinations from spicy to savory or sweet, adapting the snack to any of your cravings. Turn this simple ingredient into an extraordinary fall favorite.

Ingredients

• Seeds from one pumpkin
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp salt (or more, to taste) 

Instructions

Step One: Separate and Rinse

Scoop the seeds and pulp from the pumpkin into a large bowl. Fill the bowl with water and use your hands to separate the seeds. The seeds will float, while the stringy pulp tends to sink.

Step Two: Dry Completely

Transfer the rinsed seeds to a colander and drain well. Spread them in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel and pat them thoroughly dry. For maximum crispiness, let the seeds air-dry overnight.

Step Three: Season the Seeds

Toss the dried seeds in a bowl with olive oil and salt until evenly coated.

Step Four: Roast

Spread the seasoned seeds in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step Five: Cool and Store

Let the seeds cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before eating. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. 

Flavor variations

Experiment with different spices to create sweet, spicy, or savory roasted pumpkin seeds. 

Spicy options: 

• Smoky and spicy: Add 1 tsp smoked paprika and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper.
• Southwest style: Use 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp ground cumin, and a pinch of cayenne. 

Savory options: 

• Everything bagel: Add everything bagel seasoning for a savory and garlicky crunch.
• Garlic and herbs: Use 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning.
• Cheesy: Mix with grated Parmesan cheese and a bit of cracked black pepper. 

Sweet options: 

• Cinnamon sugar: Add 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 2 tbsp of brown sugar or maple syrup for a dessert-like treat.
• Honey cinnamon: Toss with a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon before roasting. 

Tips

• Boil for salty flavor: For deeply seasoned seeds, boil them in salted water for 10 minutes after cleaning. This allows the salt to penetrate the shells before roasting.
• Single layer is key: To ensure the seeds roast evenly and get crispy, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
• Watch closely: Pumpkin seeds can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly, so keep an eye on them, especially during the final minutes.