How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds to Perfection, Plus 8 Recipes to Try
Don't toss 'em, roast 'em!
Fact checked by Marcus Reeves
If you know how to roast pumpkin seeds, you'll probably agree that one of the best parts of Halloween is snacking on those golden, toasty seeds right out of the oven. Before you toss the pumpkin-carving byproducts, consider cooking up some pumpkin puree and roasting those seeds. Otherwise, you're wasting the notable health benefits and culinary gifts pumpkin has to offer.
And don't just settle for a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Up your fall-snacking game with our easy instructions for roasting pumpkin seeds and check out our seasoning options. Whether you prefer warm fall spices or a kick of Sriracha, one of our irresistible twists is bound to become your new crunchy autumn snack go-to.
What You Need:
2 medium pumpkins (about 2 cups seeds)
Large spoon or pumpkin scoop
Colander
Rimmed baking sheet
Seasonings of your choice
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
This roasting method for pumpkin seeds turns out a perfect snack every time. Scroll down for our seasoning suggestions.
Step 1: Preheat and Scoop
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F, and scoop out seeds from two medium-sized pumpkins, about 2 cups.
Step 2: Rinse and Dry Seeds
Place seeds in a colander and rinse with cold water, working to separate the seeds from the pumpkin guts, and then pat seeds dry.
Step 3: Initial Bake
Spread seeds on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until dry, about 50 to 60 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and raise the oven setting to 350 degrees F.
Step 4: Add Seasoning
Transfer seeds to a bowl, add your choice of seasoning, and then return seeds to the baking sheet.
Step 5: Final Roast
Roast seeds until golden brown, 10 to 15 more minutes.
Seasoning Options
Try one (or all!) of our variations. Add these suggested seasonings after the seeds' initial bake, and then return them to a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing occasionally until golden brown.
Warning: You may want to pick up a few more pumpkins.
Salted Honey Pumpkin Seeds
This classic sweet-and-salty combo is highly addictive! Toss seeds with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, and then stir in 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon salt.
Tips
Before returning the seeds to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. This helps prevent the honey from sticking.
Maple-Mocha Pumpkin Seeds
Coffee grounds and cocoa powder account for the mocha flavor in this fall-flavored seasoning mix. Toss seeds with 2 tablespoons coconut oil and 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, and then stir in 1 tablespoon coffee grounds, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, ½ tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
Gingerbread Pumpkin Seeds
This seasoning uses gingerbread spices to amp up a fall snack that's great for Christmas, too. Toss seeds with 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and then stir in 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon allspice, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves.
Chili-Lime Pumpkin Seeds
Bring Mexican-inspired flavor to your snack game. Toss seeds with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, and then stir in 2 tablespoons lime zest, 2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lime juice, ½ tablespoon chili powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
Rosemary-Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds
For this savory seasoning, mix 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Pour mixture over seeds and toss to coat, and then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Curry-Sriracha Pumpkin Seeds
Try this Asian-inspired flavoring with a spicy kick! Toss seeds with 2 tablespoons Sriracha and 2 tablespoons sesame oil, and then stir in 1 teaspoon curry powder and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sweet-and-Salty Pumpkin Seeds
This craveable sweet-and-salty seasoning is reminiscent of cinnamon toast. Toss seeds with 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon.
Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
This spicy snack brings all the flavor but is easy on the heat. Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil with 1 teaspoon cumin and ½ teaspoon celery salt. Pour the mixture over seeds, toss to coat, and then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Related: 30 Perfect Pumpkin Recipes You'll Want to Eat All Year Round
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