Roasted pumpkin seeds create the most satisfying snack, especially when you roast them on your own. The smell coming from the oven is divine. Below we share three recipes for making homemade toasted pumpkin seeds, including salted, sweet, and savory. If you're wondering how to remove pumpkin seeds, we've got that covered, too. While this recipe suggests using small sugar pumpkins, you can also make these roasted pumpkin seeds using any pumpkins you happen to carve for Halloween or for other fall festivities.
Tip
Not only are they delicious, pumpkin seeds are a rich source of antioxidants, protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
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Prep the Pumpkin Seeds
1. Remove the pumpkin seeds
Cut a sugar pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds. Using your hands, remove as much pulp from the pumpkin seeds as you can.
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Tip
If you want to carve the pumpkin after removing the seeds, slice off the top instead of cutting the pumpkin in half. You can also roast the flesh attached to the halves to eat later.
2. Rinse and dry the pumpkin seeds
Place all of the seeds in a strainer and rinse them under water until all the pulp is removed. Lay the seeds out on a paper towel and pat them dry. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F.
How to Make Salted Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Things You'll Need
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 Tbsp. melted butter
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1. Season the pumpkin seeds with salt
Place the seeds in a small bowl, and toss them with melted butter, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast the salted pumpkin seeds
Spread the pumpkin seeds out on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 15 minutes, tossing once halfway through. The seeds are finished when they're golden brown around the edges.
How to Make Sweet Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Things You'll Need
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 Tbsp. melted butter
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1. Season the pumpkin seeds with sugar
Place the seeds in a small bowl, and toss them with melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar.
2. Roast the sweet pumpkin seeds
Spread the seeds out on a baking sheet and roast them for 15 minutes. Be sure to toss them once halfway through, until they're golden brown around the edges.
How to Make Savory Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Things You'll Need
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 Tbsp. melted butter
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary (see tip below for spice varieties)
1. Toss the seeds with rosemary
Place the seeds in a small bowl, and toss them with melted butter, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
2. Roast the savory pumpkin seeds
Spread the seeds out on a baking sheet and roast them for 15 minutes, tossing them once halfway through. As with the other recipes, the seeds should be golden brown around the edges before you remove them completely from the oven.
Tip
Make any kind of savory roasted pumpkin seeds by changing out the spice. Cumin, thyme, oregano, herbs de provence, and smoked paprika would all be great flavors to try.