Save the seeds from your pumpkins this year and make my roasted pumpkin seeds recipe for a healthy, crunchy snack. It’s a reader favorite, with hundreds of rave reviews!
Jessica’s Recipe Science
- Rinsing and rubbing the seeds helps to loosen the pulp and fibers.
- Dry the seeds well! Moisture creates steam, making them chewy instead of crisp.
- Roasting the pumpkin seeds at 350ºF (177ºC) steadily dries them, while tossing them after 5 minutes ensures even browning.
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“This is the best recipe I found for pumpkin seeds so far! Perfect seasoning, balance, and crispy! A keeper.”—Val
Why It Works
Whether you’re carving spooky Halloween pumpkin faces or making homemade pumpkin puree from scratch, don’t forget to save those edible seeds inside! I had a fond childhood memory of my elementary school teacher showing our class how to roast pumpkin seeds in a toaster oven after making our Jack-O-Lanterns. This healthy snack recipe is easy to make at home and a fun project to get the kiddos involved.
Pumpkin seeds are composed of two parts: the cream-colored shell and the kernel or pepita, which is olive green in color. Both are edible, so you can’t go wrong roasting the whole seed. Since you’re already taking the time to cut and remove the seeds, why not preheat the oven and make a quick and easy snack!
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Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pumpkin Seeds: The insides of the pumpkin are packed with edible seeds. Scoop, wash, dry, then measure out the quantity before seasoning and roasting.
- Oil: I use olive oil to roast the pumpkin seeds because it helps them crisp up evenly, makes the seasoning stick, and adds a light fruity flavor.
- Seasoning: Kosher salt enhances the savory flavor, black pepper gives a subtle heat, paprika adds vibrant color, and garlic powder gives an allium flavor.
See the recipe card below for all ingredients and measurements (US and metric).
Ingredient Substitutions
This roasted pumpkin seed recipe is easy to customize! Try these tasty options:
- Seed Swaps: Other types of squash have edible seeds that can be roasted like butternut, acorn, delicata, spaghetti, honeynut, or kabocha. Reduce cook time for smaller seeds.
- Oil Options: Use a high smoke point oil for roasting the seeds like avocado oil, vegetable, corn, coconut oil, or clarified butter. Mix-in sesame oil for nutty toasted notes.
- Savory Spices: Add garlic powder, cumin, curry powder, harissa, smoked paprika, taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, chili powder, or cayenne pepper. Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
- Sweet Seasonings: Toss the season with a little bit of granulated sugar or maple syrup. Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice.
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Don’t throw out the seeds! With just a few simple steps, you can roast them into a flavorful snack with irresistible crunch.
Step 1: Remove the Seeds
Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to remove the “pumpkin guts,” the inside pulp, stringy fibers, and entangled raw seeds from the pumpkin. The seeds from carving pumpkins and pie pumpkins are edible.
Depending on the size of your pumpkin, you will have more or less yield. My pumpkin seed recipe uses a 3-pound pie pumpkin. I use the pumpkin flesh to make homemade pumpkin puree for a delicious pumpkin pie or pumpkin soup.
Step 2: Wash and Dry Seeds
Add the seeds to a colander, wash, and remove any pulp left on the seeds. It’s okay if a few stringy fibers remain. Make sure to dry the seeds as much as possible in between a towel. This process will help to crisp up the seeds during roasting. Any excess moisture will create steam in the oven and prolong the cooking time.
Expert Tip: If the seeds are stubborn to clean, you can soak them in warm water, then rub them between your palms to loosen the pulp. The seeds will float; just skim them off, rinse them in a colander, and dry.
Step 3: Season the Seeds
Toss the seeds in a bowl with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Spread the seeds out in an even, single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet to ensure even roasting and a crisp texture. Alternatively, line the sheet with parchment paper for easier clean up.
Step 4: Roast the Seeds
The seasoned pumpkin seeds get roasted at a moderate heat of 350°F (177ºC) for about 12 to 15 minutes. Tossing the seeds every 5 minutes encourages even browning. Larger seeds may require more time. When the seeds give a nutty aroma and golden brown color, they are ready! They are delicious as a snack or a topping for soup and salads.
Tips for Perfect Execution: Transfer the dry and crisp pumpkin seeds to a bowl or plate to cool down to room temperature. Removing from the hot pan prevents burning. You can place them on top of a piece of paper towel to avoid steaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rinse the seeds in a colander under cold water, gently rubbing them between your fingers to remove the slimy flesh and fibers. Place them in between towels to rub and dry the surface. For stubborn slime, soak the seeds in warm water, or after the initial cleaning step, boil in salted or unsalted water for about 5 minutes to further loosen the pulp and fiber.
Yes! Drying the pumpkin seeds before roasting is key to crispness. Excess surface moisture creates steam in the oven, slowing browning and results in chewy seeds. Dry them well between clean towels, or air dry overnight. This yields evenly browned and crisp seeds.
Eating roasted pumpkin seeds provides fiber and is an excellent source of zinc from the shell and the nutrients phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and iron. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, in 1 ounce (28 grams) of pumpkin seeds provides approximately 126 calories, 5.3 grams of protein, 5.5 grams of fat mainly from unsaturated sources, 15 grams of carbohydrates and 5 grams of total dietary fiber.
More Pumpkin Favorites
If you tried this Pumpkin Seed Recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below!
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
- ¾ cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika, optional
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177ºC).
- Wash pumpkin seeds in a colander to remove the pulp and fibers. Thoroughly dry with a towel.
- In a small bowl combine pumpkin seeds, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika (if using), and black pepper.
- Lightly grease a sheet pan with olive oil. Evenly spread the seasoned pumpkin seeds on the sheet pan.
- Bake until the seeds are toasted and crunchy, about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes for even toasting, and check for doneness with each stir by tasting a seed for crunchiness.
- Transfer the roasted pumpkin seeds to a bowl to cool down.
Equipment
Notes
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- The recipe can be easily doubled or tripled depending on how many seeds your pumpkin yields.
- To make separating the pulp from the seeds a bit easier, add them to a medium sized bowl. Fill the bowl with warm water and rub the seeds together in the palm of your hands to remove the stringy flesh. Allow the seeds to float to the top of the bowl, then use a spoon to skim them from the surface. Transfer to a colander to further rinse before drying.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
Zachary says
Had seeds leftover from making homemade pumpkin pie and gave this a try with my dad. First time roasting seeds and glad to find this recipe!
Jessica Gavin says
So impressed that you made a homemade pumpkin pie! Glad to hear that you enjoyed the pumpkin seeds recipe.
Shannon Updike says
We had a pretty large pimpkin so we split them into two batches. One with cinnamon and sugar and one with salt and pepper.(3 picky toddlers one of the two options has got to work right? Lol.)
Jessica Gavin says
I love the sweet and savory pumpkin seed options!
jodie T says
I tried this recipe and cooked alot longer to get the brown crunchy taste. They are delish. I added onion powder to mine. Cannot stop eating as they are warm, salty and savory. Plus added Thyme sprigs too.
Jessica Gavin says
Love the your additions to the pumpkin seed recipe!
Becky says
Had a pumpkin, so I decided to try it out, my first time roasting pumpkin seeds, and I just finished roasting them. I love them!! One of my son’s was not so excited to try pumpkin seeds.. but after I was finished, he tried one and really likes them 🙂 I used some olive oil and some homemade taco seasoning I make on a regular basis for our family, definitely a good choice in spices to use. I had to leave mine in the oven a little longer, not a big deal. Thank you for the recipe Jessica.
Jessica Gavin says
You’re welcome! I love that you used taco seasoning for the pumpkin seeds.
Elizabeth Fehr says
This was a delicious recipe to make after carving my pumpkin in October. It was well seasoned and cooked, and a really moreish snack. Can’t wait to make a sweet version of this next year!
Jessica Gavin says
Thrilled to hear you enjoyed the pumpkin seeds recipe and will be trying different flavors.
Sandi says
Pink Himalayan salt, garlic powder, white pepper and powdered wasabi.
Trust me, amazing.
Jessica Gavin says
Yum!!!!
Cindy says
I doubled it and added 1/2 tsp sweet parka 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper and 1/2 tsp nutritional yeast .
Jessica Gavin says
Sounds delicious!
Tori says
I have been roasting pumpkin seeds for years. I dry them out usually over night and then lay them out on a baking sheet and sprinkle with celery salt, garlic powder and lawrys seasoning. Then take about 2 tbsp of butter and dot the sheet with small pieces. Bake at 250° for about 45min stirring when the butter melts.
Yours sounds like a great recipe too.
Jessica Gavin says
I’ll have to give your recipe a try!
Taylor says
Great recipe! These had so much great flavor, what a great way to use our Halloween pumpkin seeds! I couldn’t get mine very dry despite a lot of effort, so I had to roast them twice as long, but I used the guide to go by crispiness and I’m glad I did because they are perfect! Thanks!
Jessica Gavin says
Great job, Taylor!
Laura says
Did all except the paprika (didn’t have any) and turned out so good!!! Cant stop eating them.
Jessica Gavin says
Yay!
Susan J Bogdanowich-Knipp says
Amazing!!!!
The last time I tried to roast pumpkin seeds, it did not turn out well! This was such an easy recipe and the seeds taste so good.
Thanks!
Jessica Gavin says
So happy you enjoyed the pumpkin seed recipe!
East Marie-Josée says
How long can I keep them and storage pls
Jessica Gavin says
2 weeks