Cozy Autumn Magic: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe for Snacking

Crispy and delectable roasted pumpkin seeds promise a snack that’ll make you dance with delight.

Nutty aromas waft through kitchens, signaling autumn’s warm embrace.

Harvesting these tiny treasures becomes a delightful ritual for fall enthusiasts.

Seasoned with simple spices, each seed packs a crunchy punch of flavor.

Seeds shine best when carefully tossed with olive oil and sea salt.

Cracking open the potential of this humble ingredient reveals surprising culinary magic.

You’ll want to munch these addictive morsels straight from the baking sheet.

Tips for Crispy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Every Time

• Dry Seeds Thoroughly: Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove all moisture, ensuring maximum crispiness during roasting.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Try unique flavor combinations like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of brown sugar for a sweet-savory twist.
• Prevent Burning: Stir seeds every 10 minutes during roasting to promote even browning and prevent any burnt spots.
• Storage Secrets: Keep roasted seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, maintaining their satisfying crunch.
• Nutrition Boost: Save seeds from different squash varieties like butternut or acorn for varied nutritional profiles and exciting flavor variations.

Keeping Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Crunchy After Cooking

• Store cooled roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, maintaining their crispness and flavor.
• Transfer seeds to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Spread seeds on a baking sheet and warm in a 300F (150C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crunchiness and revive their original texture.
• Discard seeds if they develop an off smell, unusual color, or show signs of moisture or mold to ensure food safety.

Pair Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with These Snacks

• Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to complement the roasted, salty seeds. The beer's bitter notes will enhance the seeds' toasty flavor and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve a warm, spiced red wine alongside the pumpkin seeds. The wine's cinnamon and clove undertones will beautifully echo the seeds' roasted profile and create a cozy autumn experience.
• Arrange roasted pumpkin seeds next to aged cheddar, gouda, or blue cheese. The seeds' crunch and saltiness will perfectly balance the creamy, rich cheese textures and intensify the overall tasting experience.
• Pair with a whiskey sour or old fashioned. The cocktail's complex, slightly sweet undertones will highlight the seeds' nutty, roasted character and provide an elegant appetizer companion.

Flavor Options for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

• Herb-Infused Seeds: Toss pumpkin seeds with dried rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder for a savory herb-packed version.
• Spicy Kicked-Up Seeds: Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder for a fiery snack that packs heat.
• Sweet Cinnamon Treat: Coat seeds with melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for a dessert-like crunch.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Style: Sprinkle with za'atar, sumac, and sea salt for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile that works for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Answers to Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe FAQs

• Are pumpkin seeds nutritious?

Yes, they’re packed with nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and protein. They offer health benefits such as improving heart health and supporting immune function.

• Can I use any type of pumpkin for seeds?

Most pumpkin varieties work, but larger carving pumpkins typically have more seeds. Smaller sugar or pie pumpkins also yield delicious seeds.

• How long do roasted pumpkin seeds stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll remain crispy and tasty for about 1-2 weeks. For maximum freshness, keep them in a cool, dry place.

• What are the best seasoning options?

Classic options include salt, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also experiment with chili powder, cumin, or even cinnamon for sweet variations.

Reasons to Enjoy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

• Perfect seasonal treat with minimal effort.
• Only 30 minutes from start to finish, making these roasted pumpkin seeds a breeze to create.
• Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, chili flakes, or cinnamon to match your taste preferences.
• Packed with protein, magnesium, and zinc, these seeds offer a nutritious alternative to processed store-bought munchies.

Ingredient Guide for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

• Pumpkin Seeds: Nutritious kernels with a rich, nutty flavor, perfect for snacking or topping salads. Fresh seeds from a whole pumpkin work best.
• Olive Oil: Helps seeds become crispy and golden, adds richness to the flavor. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best taste.

• Salt: Enhances the natural seed flavor and creates a savory profile. Sea salt or kosher salt preferred for better texture.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Cumin, Chili Powder: Adds extra layers of flavor and complexity. Mix and match to create unique taste combinations. Freshly ground spices provide more intense flavor.

Step-by-Step Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Oven Workspace

• Turn oven to 350F (175C)
• Cover baking sheet with parchment paper
• Position rack in middle of oven

Step 2: Extract Seed Treasure

• Cut open pumpkin
• Scoop out seed cluster
• Remove seeds from stringy pulp
• Separate seeds completely from pumpkin flesh

Step 3: Clean Seed Collection

• Rinse seeds under cool running water
• Gently rub seeds to remove remaining pulp
• Shake off excess water
• Spread seeds on clean kitchen towel
• Pat seeds until completely dry

Step 4: Enhance Seed Flavor

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Optional spices (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne)
• Mix all ingredients in mixing bowl
• Coat seeds evenly with seasoning mixture

Step 5: Roast Seed Perfection

• Spread seasoned seeds in single layer on prepared baking sheet
• Ensure seeds are not overlapping
• Place in preheated oven
• Stir seeds halfway through cooking
• Roast until golden brown and crispy (20-25 minutes)

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

• Remove seeds from oven
• Let cool completely on baking sheet
• Seeds will continue crisping as they cool
• Transfer to serving bowl
• Enjoy immediate crunch or store in airtight container

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy “Mexican Roasted Pumpkin Seeds” bring southwestern spice magic to snack time. Perfectly seasoned kernels deliver crunchy satisfaction with bold flavor that keeps hands reaching back for more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) raw pumpkin seeds (cleaned and rinsed)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil (or melted butter)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Harvest the delicate seeds from the pumpkin’s interior, carefully separating them from the stringy pulp using your fingers or a spoon.
2. Thoroughly rinse the seeds under cool running water, meticulously removing any clinging pumpkin remnants and debris.
3. Gently pat the seeds completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels, ensuring maximum moisture removal for optimal crispiness.
4. Transfer the dehydrated seeds to a mixing bowl and drizzle with fragrant olive oil, generously sprinkling with kosher salt and your preferred aromatic seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper.
5. Toss the seeds until each one is evenly coated with the flavorful oil and seasonings.
6. Arrange the seasoned seeds in a uniform, single layer across a parchment-lined baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding to promote even roasting.
7. Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C), allowing the seeds to transform into golden, crunchy morsels.
8. Midway through roasting, gently stir the seeds to ensure uniform browning and prevent potential burning.
9. Remove the seeds when they achieve a rich, golden-brown color and emit a nutty aroma, typically after 20-25 minutes.
10. Allow the roasted seeds to cool completely on the baking sheet, where they will continue to crisp and develop a satisfying crunch.

Notes

• Pat seeds completely dry to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
• Use a clean kitchen towel or multiple paper towels to absorb excess moisture effectively.
• Experiment with diverse seasoning combinations like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne for exciting flavor variations.
• Store roasted seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain their crunch and freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg