Learn how to make Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with your favorite seasoning or spice blend with this easy recipe. A quick and healthy snack!
Whether you're carving a spooky jack o'lantern for Halloween or making homemade pumpkin puree from scratch, don't throw out the pumpkin seeds! Season them, and roast them in the oven for a few minutes for a delicious fall snack!
I've been baking roasted pumpkin seeds forever, so I thought it was high time to actually write the recipe down. It's super easy to do, and you don't have to bake the seeds right away.
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
First, scoop out the seeds, and remove as much of the stringy pulp as possible. Don't worry if some pulp sticks to the seeds. Next, place them into a bowl of water.
Do you have to soak pumpkin seeds? Well, not really, but it's easier to remove pulp and strings this way. Then, rinse them off, and don't worry if some pumpkin sticks to the seeds -- it's fine.
Next, place the seeds on a kitchen towel (not a paper towel) or a baking sheet to dry. If you try to bake them while they're wet, they'll steam and won't brown as well.
Drizzle some olive oil onto a baking sheet, and lightly coat the pumpkin seeds. Then, spread them evenly out on the baking sheet. Now, you can sprinkle on your favorite seasonings.
Use your Favorite Seasoning
You can keep it super simple with sea salt and pepper or garlic powder. We love spice, so I used my homemade taco seasoning to make spicy roasted pumpkin seeds this time. You can use a packet of taco seasoning or use your favorite spices here. Try:
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Curry powder
- Chili Powder
- Cumin
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
Roasting at 350
Roast the pumpkin seeds at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Stir them about halfway through so that they cook evenly.
I found that roasting the pumpkin seeds at 400 or a higher temperature made them a little too crispy for us. And roasting at 325 took a little too long.
It really depends upon your preference. When the seeds are golden brown and crisp, they're done.
You can sprinkle a little more seasoning on them now if you want. Then, let the seeds cool down completely.
They'll dry completely as they cool. Aren't they gorgeous?! Now, you're ready to eat! Store them in an airtight container or zip top bag for freshness!
Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds rinsed and dried, amount may vary
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- pinch Sea salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Add olive oil to baking sheet, and lightly coat pumpkin seeds with oil
- Sprinkle sea salt, pepper and taco seasoning over seeds, and spread evenly on baking sheet so they're not overlapping
- Bake for 20 minutes, stirring at least once, or until golden brown and crisp
- Remove from oven, and cool completely before eating
Notes
Nutrition
More Easy Fall Snack Recipes
Recipe first published in 2020 and updated in 2021
Anne says
I love these! I'd never had them with taco seasoning before but this is such a good idea! Tasted so good!
Dee says
Thanks so much, Anne. I'm glad you liked them!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Yum! I wish these were in front of me right now! I was just talking with my little niece about how much we love roasted pumpkin seeds!
Kevin says
These are a must when we carve pumpkins!
Sara Welch says
Always love enjoying pumpkin seeds in the fall but this recipe is next level delicious! Going to enjoy these again and again!
Dee says
That's so sweet, Sara. Thank you so much!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
These Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are absolutely delicious! Yummy!
Dorothy Reinhold says
Taco seasoning is so stinking smart! I love this idea.
Dee says
We put it on almost everything!
Amanda says
We just carved pumpkins I cannot wait to make these!