How To Roast Pumpkin Seeds for a Delicious Treat
How To Roast Pumpkin Seeds for a Delicious Treat
Fall is the season of pumpkins — whether for Halloween jack-o'-lanterns, hearty soups, or delicious pumpkin pies. Don’t let those seeds go to waste after carving pumpkins. Roasting pumpkin seeds (pepitas) is a simple, delicious way to turn what’s usually discarded into a crunchy, nutritious treat.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to roast pumpkin seeds to perfection.
What Are the Benefits of Roasting Pumpkin Seeds?
Roasting pumpkin seeds is a fun way to enjoy some surprising health benefits. These little seeds are versatile and packed with nutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats.
They’re also high in fiber, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. A handful of roasted pumpkin seeds can be the perfect snack to fuel you throughout the day, and with a bit of seasoning, they make a flavorful, crunchy topping for soups, salads, and more.
Plus, with just a few spices and a bit of creativity, you can turn them into a flavorful snack that's as fun to make as it is to eat.
HelloFresh Tip: Try incorporating pumpkin seeds into your cooking for a nutrient boost and some yummy flavors. Sprinkle them over a fall salad, add them to homemade granola, or use them as a garnish for creamy soups like butternut squash or pumpkin.
How Do I Clean and Prepare Pumpkin Seeds?
The first step to delicious roasted pumpkin seeds is cleaning and preparing them properly. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Scoop Out the Seeds: After you’ve carved or cut open your pumpkin, scoop out the seeds using a spoon or your hands. Set them aside in a bowl, separating as much of the bits of pumpkin as possible.
- Rinse the Seeds: Place the seeds in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Rub them gently with your fingers to remove any remaining pumpkin flesh.
- Dry the Seeds: Spread the seeds out on a clean towel or paper towel and pat them dry. Getting rid of excess moisture is essential for crispy roasted seeds, so don’t skip this step. Let the seeds air dry for about 15-20 minutes if you have extra prep time.
HelloFresh Tip: Don’t worry about getting every tiny piece of pumpkin flesh off your cleaned seeds. A little bit left behind can add extra flavor when roasting.
Seasoning Options for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
One of the best things about roasting pumpkin seeds is the endless seasoning possibilities. From classic salt to unique spice blends, here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Classic Salted: Toss the seeds with olive oil and sea salt for a simple, traditional flavor that lets the natural nuttiness shine.
- Sweet Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweeter snack, coat the seeds in melted butter, a bit of brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This flavor combo is perfect for satisfying fall cravings.
- Savory Garlic & Herb: Combine garlic powder, dried rosemary, and thyme for a savory mix that’s perfect for topping salads and soups.
- Spicy Chili Lime: Add a little zest to your seeds with chili powder, lime zest, and a touch of cayenne pepper. This mix gives a nice balance of heat and tang.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Toss the seeds in olive oil and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning for a deliciously savory twist.
HelloFresh Tip: Don’t hesitate to experiment! You can create custom blends with ingredients you already have in your spice cabinet, like smoked paprika, curry powder, or even a bit of grated Parmesan.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe: Step-by-Step
Now that your seeds are clean, dry, and seasoned, it’s time to roast them to perfection. Here’s a simple, foolproof method:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C). A lower temperature allows the seeds to roast evenly and prevents them from burning.
- Toss With Oil and Seasonings: Place your dry seeds in a large bowl, add a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle on your desired seasonings. Toss until the seeds are evenly coated.
- Spread on a Sheet Pan: Arrange the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded—this helps them roast evenly.
- Roast the Seeds: Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting. Keep an eye on them toward the end, as they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Check for Crispness: The seeds are done when they’re golden brown and crispy. Let them cool on the cookie sheet; they’ll continue to crisp up a bit as they cool.
HelloFresh Tip: Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of the seeds. Taste one after 20 minutes to check if they need more time.
Creative Uses for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted pumpkin seeds are delicious on their own, but they also make an excellent addition to a variety of dishes
Here are some creative ways to use them:
- Soup Topping: Add a crunchy topping to creamy fall soups, like pumpkin, butternut squash, or carrot ginger soup.
- Salad Add-In: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds over salads for extra texture and flavor. They pair well with autumnal salads featuring ingredients like apples, arugula, and goat cheese.
- Trail Mix: Combine roasted pumpkin seeds with dried fruits, nuts, and a handful of chocolate chips for a homemade trail mix.
- Oatmeal Garnish: Top your morning oatmeal or yogurt with roasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch and protein.
- Baked Goods: Add pumpkin seeds to homemade breads, muffins, or granola bars for a nutty flavor boost.
HelloFresh Tip: Store any leftover pumpkin seeds in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them if you want your fresh pumpkin seeds to last longer.
Flavored Pumpkin Seed Ideas for Every Craving
For those who want to take flavoring to the next level, here are a few specific recipes for seasoning pumpkin seeds.
Try out these mixes or use them as inspiration for your own creations:
- Maple & Sea Salt: Toss the seeds with a tablespoon of maple syrup, a pinch of kosher salt, and a dash of cinnamon. Roast until the syrup has caramelized and the seeds are golden brown.
- Buffalo-Style: Mix the seeds with melted butter and buffalo hot sauce, then roast until crispy. These are great for a game-day snack!
- Honey Mustard: Combine equal parts honey and Dijon mustard with a touch of olive oil, then toss the seeds to coat. Add a sprinkle of salt and roast as usual.
- Italian Herb & Parmesan: Coat the seeds in olive oil, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, cheesy flavor.
- Curry Spice: Toss with curry powder, a bit of cumin, and salt for a warm, spiced snack. Curry-roasted seeds pair beautifully with fall flavors and dishes.
HelloFresh Tip: For sweet recipes like maple or honey mustard, keep an eye on the seeds while roasting, as sugars can cause them to brown quickly.
Storing and Preserving Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Proper storage can help you enjoy your roasted pumpkin seeds for longer. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Short-Term Storage: Place cooled pumpkin seeds in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them crisp, add a small packet of silica gel (often found in spice jars) to the container.
- Long-Term Storage: For extended freshness, freeze the seeds in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before eating, or re-crisp them in the oven for a few minutes.
HelloFresh Tip: If you’re making a big batch, consider dividing them into smaller portions and flavoring each differently to keep things exciting!
Tips for Roasting Other Winter Squash Seeds
Did you know you can roast seeds from other types of winter squash, too? Butternut squash, acorn squash, and spaghetti squash seeds all have similar properties and can be roasted in the same way as pumpkin seeds. Just scoop, clean, dry, season, and roast!
Each type has a slightly different flavor, so don’t hesitate to experiment with various seasonings to find your favorite. These seeds can add unique flavors to your fall and winter recipes.
HelloFresh Tip: Try a mixed-seed batch with different squash varieties for a colorful, tasty snack mix.