Don’t discard those seeds after pumpkin carving! Eliminate waste deliciously with these easy seasoning recipe ideas for roasted pumpkin seeds! In addition to the recipe combinations, I’m sharing my tried-and-true tips for roasting pumpkin seeds perfectly every time. Keep reading for my tips on how to cook pumpkin seeds plus these simple (but crave-worthy) roasted pumpkin seed recipes: Cajun Pumpkin Seeds, Truffle Pumpkin Seeds, Curried Pumpkin Seeds, Italian Pumpkin Seeds, Ranch Pumpkin Seeds, and Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds. You’ll want to save this post to come back to every year after carving your jack-o-lanterns! You can also watch us make a few of these in this replay of our live Pinterest TV episode on Three Easy Pumpkin Seed Recipes.
More pumpkin seed recipe inspiration
How to Store Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
After toasting your pumpkin seeds (per any of the recipes and instructions below), let them cool and dry thoroughly before storing. Store roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight container in the pantry or refrigerator (they will last longer in the fridge).
How long do roasted pumpkin seeds last?
Homemade toasted pumpkin seeds will last up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature in the pantry, or up to two months in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
perfect pumpkin seeds (basic recipe and tried-and-true cooking method)
Here is my tried and true method for perfect roasted pumpkin seeds and a basic seasoning recipe.
- Remove as many of the strands and pumpkin bits from the seeds as you can, and rinse the seeds thoroughly in water through a colander.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the pumpkin seeds to boil for 20 minutes.
- Drain the water and spread the pumpkin seeds out onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to let dry overnight (stirring occasionally).
- When ready to roast, preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
- Transfer the dried pumpkin seeds to a bowl. Toss with olive oil and garlic salt.
- Spread the oiled pumpkin seeds back onto a baking sheet lined with a fresh piece of parchment paper. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until desired toastiness. Allow to cool on the baking sheet before storing.
Why should you boil your pumpkin seeds before roasting?
There are a few benefits to boiling your pumpkin seeds before roasting them:
- Boiling your pumpkin seeds before roasting helps to cook the insides of your pumpkin seeds so when you do roast them, you will get perfect crunchy pumpkins seeds, inside and out.
- Boiling helps get the seeds nice and clean, meaning less work meticulously cleaning them before toasting.
- This method also adds some light seasoning throughout the seed, as the salt water will permeate the shell to the inner seed.
What if I don’t have time to dry them overnight and want to cook them right away?
If you don’t have time (or don’t want to wait) for your pumpkin seeds to air dry after boiling, you can dry them in the oven before seasoning them. Here’s how:
- Spread the pumpkin seeds out onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Use paper towels to dry the outsides of your seeds as much as possible.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes (unoiled and unseasoned), stirring halfway through.
- Remove the pumpkin seeds from the oven and proceed with the seasoning recipe and toasting steps of your choice (either the basic recipe above or one of the seasoning combinations below).
how to season roasted pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds can be seasoned with pretty much any spice or seasoning in your pantry! I’m sharing a few of our favorite easy seasoning combinations that we’ve made and loved throughout the years: Cajun Pumpkin Seeds, Truffle Pumpkin Seeds, Curried Pumpkin Seeds, Italian Pumpkin Seeds, Ranch Pumpkin Seeds, and Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds. Split a batch in half and try a few this year, or let your family members choose their favorites for a personal snack.
Cajun Pumpkin Seeds
What you need:
- Olive oil
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic salt
Follow the steps for the Perfect Basic Pumpkin Seeds recipe above, but use Cajun seasoning in addition to the olive oil and garlic salt.
Truffle Pumpkin Seeds
What you need:
- Olive oil
- Truffle salt and/or truffle zest (if using just truffle zest, add some table salt as well)
Follow the steps for the Perfect Basic Pumpkin Seeds recipe above, but use truffle salt (or truffle zest and table salt) in place of the garlic salt.
Curried Pumpkin Seeds
What you need:
- Coconut oil (instead of olive oil)
- Curry powder
- Salt
Follow the steps for the Perfect Basic Pumpkin Seeds recipe above, but use coconut oil instead of olive oil, and curry powder and table salt in place of the garlic salt.
Italian Pumpkin Seeds
What you need:
- Olive oil
- Garlic salt
- Italian seasoning (or a mix of misc. dry Italian herbs and seasonings)
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Follow the steps for the Perfect Basic Pumpkin Seeds recipe above, adding Italian seasonings and crushed red pepper flakes along with the garlic salt.
Ranch Pumpkin Seeds
What you need:
- Melted butter
- Ranch seasoning mix (to taste)
- Garlic salt
- Parmesan cheese
Follow the steps for the Perfect Basic Pumpkin Seeds recipe above to pre-boil the pumpkin seeds and let dry. Toss seeds with melted butter, ranch seasoning mix, and garlic salt. Bake at 300 degrees F for 10 minutes. Stir and toss with Parmesan cheese. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until your desired toastiness.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds
What you need:
- Melted butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Follow the steps for the Perfect Basic Pumpkin Seeds recipe above, but use melted butter instead of olive oil, and brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of table salt in place of the garlic salt.
What are your favorite pumpkin seed seasonings? I hope these tips for perfect pumpkin seeds are helpful to you!
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