5 Irresistibly Flavorful Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipes You Need to Try This Autumn

Just a couple more days until Halloween! By now I’m sure you’ve decorated for fall and are getting your last-minute costumes ready. As we were carving our pumpkins this weekend I couldn’t help but think of all the flavorful ways to turn those pumpkin seeds into some healthy snacks. I know it may seem like a lot of work, but not everything worthwhile comes easy. These little nuggets of goodness are not only packed with nutrients but also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. If you’re ready to elevate your snacking game this fall, here are five irresistibly flavorful roasted pumpkin seeds recipes you need to try.

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First things first:

How To Wash And Dry Pumpkin Seeds

Once you’ve carved your pumpkin and extracted the seeds, place them in a large bowl of water. Gently agitate the seeds in the water to separate them from any remaining pumpkin flesh. The seeds will sink to the bottom while the flesh and other debris float to the surface, making it easy to scoop them out.

Transfer them to a fine-mesh strainer or colander. Give them a thorough rinse under cool running water to remove any remaining residue. This step ensures that your pumpkin seeds are clean and ready for the next stages.

For optimal results, consider allowing the seeds to air dry for a few hours or even overnight. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet or parchment paper and leave them in a well-ventilated area. This extra step ensures that the seeds are thoroughly dry and ready for seasoning and roasting.

I won’t go into full recipe mode as it’s pretty straightforward in mixing the seeds with the seasonings so this will make it super easy to save and try!

1. Classic Salted Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

I may be basic, but classic sea salt roasted pumpkin seeds are still my favorite.

Season: Toss them with a bit of olive oil and a generous sprinkle of sea salt.

Bake: Bake for 20-30 minutes at 325 degrees, or until the pumpkin seeds are crisp and light golden brown.

2. Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

For those who prefer a little kick in their snacks, the sweet and spicy roasted pumpkin seeds are a must-try. After cleaning and drying the seeds, coat them in a mixture of brown sugar, chili powder, and a dash of cumin for that perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Roasting these seeds brings out the caramelized goodness of the sugar and a satisfying fiery finish.

Season:

2 cups pumpkin seeds rinsed & dried
3 tablespoons butter melted
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoons cumin
1/4 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 shakes of Tabasco sauce or more if you want it extra spicy

Bake: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.

3. Roasted Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds

If you’re more inclined toward sweet treats, cinnamon sugar roasted pumpkin seeds recipes might become your new autumn obsession. Coat the seeds in melted butter and a blend of ground cinnamon and sugar, and then roast them until they’re wonderfully crispy. These seeds will remind you of cinnamon toast but with the added crunch and flavor of roasted pumpkin seeds.

Season:

3 cups pumpkin seeds
3 TBS butter (or coconut oil)
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
4 TBS granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp sea salt

Bake: Preheat oven to 325°F. Bake for 25-35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until seeds begin to brown. To test for doneness: remove a few seeds from the pan and let sit on the counter to cool. If they harden up the seeds are done. If they remain soft, return to the oven, checking them after 5 minutes. Continue baking in 5-minute intervals until done. It’s important to not overbake these ones.

Quick Tip: If your seeds lose their crispness within a day or two, just pop them in the oven at 250 degrees and reheat for 5-10 minutes.

4. Parmesan and Herb Pumpkin Seeds

For those who appreciate savory snacks, Parmesan and herb-roasted pumpkin seeds are a delightful choice. Toss the seeds in olive oil and a mix of grated Parmesan, dried herbs (rosemary and thyme work well), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Roast them until the cheese is bubbly and the herbs release their aroma. These seeds are perfect for a sophisticated snack platter or as a salad topper.

Season:

1 c. pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp. olive oil
4 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. crumbled thyme
Salt to taste

Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with nonstick foil. Spread the seasoned seeds evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast them for 15 to 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. At the halfway mark during roasting, give the seeds a toss with an additional 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and another quarter teaspoon of crumbled thyme.

5. Maple Pecan Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

As a kid, I couldn’t stand pecans. Now in my mid-thirties, they have somehow become my favorite nut. Especially caramelized! And I’m telling you indulgence knows no bounds when it comes to maple pecan roasted pumpkin seeds. This recipe combines the rich flavors of maple syrup and the crunch of pecans with the nuttiness of pumpkin seeds. Toss them all together with a touch of cinnamon and roast them until they’re crispy and glazed. These seeds are an autumn treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.

Season:

1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
splash of vanilla
2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
dash of salt

Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread the mixture back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for approximately 5 minutes (they’ll crisp and harden up). Break up clumps and enjoy!

There you have em’. Don’t let those pumpkin seeds go to waste when carving your Halloween jack-o’-lanterns. These five irresistibly flavorful roasted pumpkin seeds recipes are easy and delicious. In case you need some other fall recipe ideas, don’t forget to check out these 10 soul-warming autumn soup recipes while you’re here!

Here’s how our pumpkins turned out this year 🙂