In our family roasting pumpkin seeds is a Halloween tradition. Every time we carved pumpkins, my mom would set the seeds aside to dry and the next day she would make delicious seasoned pumpkin seeds. The first Halloween after moving out, I remember calling my mom to ask her how to roast pumpkin seeds correctly. Now I’m going to share with you what she told me.
Here is our basic how to roast pumpkin seeds recipe and you can scroll down for more exciting pumpkin seed flavors. They are all delicious flavors that you can add to make a simple pumpkin seed recipe more exciting.
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
- 1 Pumpkin Seeds from average size
- 1-2 Tablespoons Olive Oil (Can substitute butter)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Wash the pumpkin "guts" off the seeds. After separating the seeds from the stringy pulp, place them in a colander and rinse under water.
- Dry the seeds: Spread the seeds out in a single layer to dry completely. You can spread them on a towel and dry with a towel, but be warned they will stick! Another option is to wait for them air dry. (Recommended)
- Preheat oven to 325.
- Mix dried pumpkin seeds with olive oil, salt and garlic salt on baking sheet. Mix well and add more seasonings as desired for taste.
- Spread the seeds out into a single layer on the baking sheet and place in oven at 325 for between 5-20 minutes. Time will vary depending on the size of seeds. Check on seeds every 5 minutes and stir each time checking for burnt seeds.
- When seeds begin to brown, remove them from oven and let cool.
Notes
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds Tips
• Yes you can eat the out shell after the pumpkin seeds are roasted in the oven. The shell becomes crispy and easier to chew. • You can substitute Pam spray instead of Olive oil and a salt substitute for healthier versions of roasted pumpkin seeds. • The pumpkin seeds can burn quickly once they begin to brown. Check on them regularly and stir frequently. • Pumpkin seeds recipes are very flexible. You can give Lawry's seasoned salt or any other favorite seasoning a try if you want. Just remove the salt and garlic salt from the recipe and add your own seasonings. • Feeling lazy? You don't have to get ALL the orange pieces off your pumpkin seeds. The little pieces of pumpkin will add a little flavor once they are roasted.Flavor Variations on How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Do you want to add some excitement to your pumpkin seeds this year. Here are delicious flavors you can use instead of salt and garlic salt when roasting your seeds. You will still want to use Olive oil (or butter as a substitution) in the below recipes. Just replace the salts with one of these different flavor combinations.
• Cinnamon and sugar. (Very popular)
• Turmeric, black pepper and chili powder.
• Garlic powder, grated parmesan and crushed oregano.
• Taco seasoning, lime juice and cilantro
• Brown sugar, ground cumin and chipotle chili powder.
• Salt, cayenne pepper and garlic.
• Za’atar seasoning and grated lemon zest.
• Sugar, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg (for pumpkin pie flavored seeds).
• Ranch seasoning mix from a packet.
• Buffalo sauce and Ranch seasoning from a packet.
• Honey, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, chili powder and smoked paprika.
• Caramel and salt.
• Cajun spice, cayenne pepper and salt.
• Ground ginger, grated orange zest and sugar.
• Worcestershire sauce, butter and salt.