Crispy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (8 Flavors!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re carving pumpkins or cooking squash, don’t toss those seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds are the perfect way to use every part of your pumpkin, and they make for an addictive, healthy snack. With 8 incredible flavor combinations like Honey Cinnamon, Dill Pickle, and Buffalo, this recipe offers something for everyone. Plus, the crispy texture and satisfying crunch make these pumpkin seeds a hit for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin seeds, cleaned and dried overnight

• 1 tbsp avocado oil

Honey Cinnamon

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp salt

Pumpkin Spice

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• ½ tsp salt

Dill Pickle

• 1 tsp dill pickle juice

• 1 tsp dry dill

• ¾ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp salt

Garlic Parmesan

• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp salt

Ranch

• 1 tbsp ranch seasoning

• ½ tsp dry mustard powder

• ⅛ tsp salt

Buffalo

• 4 tsp buffalo sauce

• 2 tsp ranch seasoning

• ⅛ tsp salt

BBQ

• 4 tsp barbeque seasoning

• 2 tsp maple syrup

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp salt

Sweet & Spicy

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Seeds: Carve your pumpkin and remove the seeds and pulp. Clean and rinse the seeds thoroughly, removing as much pulp as you can. Spread the seeds out on a clean towel and allow them to dry for at least 8-12 hours.

2. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.

3. Coat the Seeds: Place the dried pumpkin seeds into a medium-sized bowl. Add the avocado oil and mix. Then, choose your flavor (Honey Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice, Dill Pickle, Garlic Parmesan, Ranch, Buffalo, BBQ, or Sweet & Spicy) and add the corresponding ingredients. Toss everything together until the seeds are evenly coated.

4. Roast: Spread the pumpkin seeds evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the seeds are crispy and golden brown.

5. Cool and Store: Let the roasted seeds cool for at least 10 minutes, then transfer them to an airtight container where they will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Dry Time: 8 hours

• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes

Variations

1. Sweet Variations: Add more maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.

2. Spicy Options: Adjust the cayenne pepper in the Sweet & Spicy recipe for more or less heat.

3. Cheese Flavors: Experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for different savory profiles.

4. Herbal Options: Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.

5. Smoky: Increase the smoked paprika in the BBQ variation for a stronger smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store your roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. There is no need to reheat, as they stay crispy even after cooling. However, if you prefer them warm, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F.

FAQs

1. How do I clean pumpkin seeds before roasting them?

First, remove the seeds from the pumpkin and rinse them under cold water to remove as much pulp as possible. Dry them with a clean towel, then let them air dry for 8-12 hours to ensure they are fully dried before roasting.

2. Can I use other types of squash seeds for this recipe?

Yes! Any type of squash seeds can be roasted in this manner. Just make sure they are cleaned and dried thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe.

3. Can I make the seeds spicier?

Definitely! You can adjust the level of spice by adding more cayenne pepper in the Sweet & Spicy flavor or adding extra buffalo sauce or chili powder to other variations.

4. Can I make these seeds ahead of time?

Yes! These seeds can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them a great make-ahead snack.

5. Can I bake these at a lower temperature?

While 350°F is ideal for crisping the seeds, you can bake them at a lower temperature (around 300°F), but they may take longer to reach the crispy texture.

6. How can I make these seeds more crunchy?

Make sure your seeds are thoroughly dried before roasting. If they’re still too chewy after baking, try roasting them for a few more minutes, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

7. Can I use olive oil instead of avocado oil?

Yes, olive oil works perfectly as a substitute for avocado oil. However, avocado oil tends to have a higher smoke point, which makes it ideal for roasting at higher temperatures.

8. Are these pumpkin seeds healthy?

Yes, pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them a nutritious snack. They also contain essential minerals like magnesium and zinc.

9. Can I use flavored oils for extra taste?

Absolutely! You can try using garlic-infused olive oil, chili oil, or any other flavored oil of your choice for an extra kick of flavor.

10. Can I store the seeds in the fridge?

While it is not necessary, you can store the seeds in the fridge to prolong their freshness, especially if you live in a hot climate. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Crispy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are a fantastic snack that turns your pumpkin scraps into something delicious. With 8 different flavor variations, there’s a taste for everyone. Whether you’re craving something sweet, spicy, or savory, this recipe will elevate your pumpkin seed game. Make a batch today and enjoy a healthy, homemade treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

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