How to Make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Learn how to make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with this foolproof method. This easy pumpkin seeds recipe makes a delicious, crunchy, healthy snack that is perfect for fall!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How to Clean and Roast Pumpkin Seeds
• Cooking Time
• Variations
• How to Store
• Recipe
• More Favorite Pumpkin Recipes
• Reviews

Whether you're carving a spooky jack o'lantern for Halloween or making homemade pumpkin puree from scratch, don't throw out the fresh pumpkin seeds!

Season them, and roast the raw pumpkin seeds in the oven for a few minutes for a delicious 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 this is hands down the best method for pumpkin seeds.

Note -- You don't have to bake the seeds right away.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make the best roasted pumpkin seeds! Most of these are in your grocery store or probably in your pantry:

• Raw pumpkin seeds from sugar pumpkins or larger jack o-lanterns.
• Cold water
• Olive oil
• Salt, black pepper or your favorite seasonings

How to Clean and Roast Pumpkin Seeds

To clean pumpkin seeds, first scoop the seeds out of the pumpkin, and remove as much of the stringy pumpkin pulp as possible. You can use a large spoon or an ice cream scoop for this part.

Don't worry if some pumpkin flesh sticks to the seeds. Next, place the raw pumpkin seeds into a large bowl of cool water.

Do you have to soak pumpkin seeds? Well, not really, but it's the easiest way to remove pulp and strings.

Then, rinse them off, and don't worry if some pumpkin sticks to the seeds -- it's fine.

Next, place the pumpkin seeds on a clean kitchen towel (do not use paper towels-- they won't be enough to soak up the excess water) 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.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy clean-up. Add a drizzle of olive oil, and lightly coat the dry seeds.

Then, spread the seeds evenly out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Now, you can sprinkle on your favorite seasonings.

Use your favorite seasonings for pumpkin seeds. 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:

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Curry powder
• Chili Powder or ancho chile powder
• Cumin
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic salt
• Black pepper

Cooking Time

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.

Variations

There are many different ways to alter this pumpkin seeds recipe to fit your preferences.

You can use larger seeds, or choose smaller pumpkins for smaller seeds. For less crispy seeds, roast them for less time.

For additional flavor, you can sprinkle a little more seasoning on them now if you want. Then, let the seeds cool down completely.

If you want sweeter roasted seeds, you can season with pumpkin pie spice or brown sugar, or cinnamon sugar.

You can even drizzle maple syrup over the seeds.

Try a packet of ranch seasoning for something completely different!

The pumpkin seeds will dry completely as they cool. Aren't they gorgeous?! Now, you're ready to enjoy this delicious crunchy snack!

How to Store

Store roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight container or zip top bag for freshness. They are fine to keep at room temperature.

For even longer storage, you can place the seeds in the refrigerator

Recipe

More Favorite Pumpkin Recipes

Hungry for more pumpkin recipes? Try Easy pumpkin soup or

Instant Pot pumpkin soup.

Craving something sweet? Try easy pumpkin dump cake, no bake pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins or Instant Pot pumpkin cheesecake!

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