Are you ready to spice up your snack game? Roasted pumpkin seeds are where it's at! They're crunchy, full of flavor, and super easy to make. Whether you're a fan of classic sea salt or crave something spicy like Sriracha, there's a recipe for everyone. Not to mention those sweet cinnamon sugar seeds that'll satisfy your cravings! Stick around to discover the five best recipes that'll have you munching happily in no time.
Classic Sea Salt Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious and nutritious snack, perfect for enjoying during the fall season or any time you have fresh pumpkins on hand.
These classic sea salt roasted pumpkin seeds are incredibly simple to prepare and make for a crunchy, savory treat that can be enjoyed alone or as a topping for salads and soups. The key to perfecting this recipe is to guarantee the seeds are thoroughly cleaned and roasted evenly for that ideal golden-brown color and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds (raw and cleaned)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: spices (such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper) for extra flavor
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the cleaned pumpkin seeds with olive oil or melted butter, making sure they're evenly coated.
Sprinkle the sea salt over the seeds and toss to combine.
Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the seeds are golden brown and crispy.
Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as cooking times may vary based on the size of the seeds and your oven.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, consider experimenting with different seasonings before roasting.
You can add your favorite spices to the seeds along with the salt, or even try a sweet variation by using cinnamon and sugar instead.
Make sure to store your roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Enjoy them as a snack, or use them as a flavorful garnish for soups, salads, or even baked goods!
Spicy Sriracha Pumpkin Seeds
If you're looking to add a kick to your snacking routine, Spicy Sriracha Pumpkin Seeds are an excellent choice. These crunchy, flavorful seeds aren't only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making them a great option for a healthy snack or party appetizer.
The bold heat from the Sriracha sauce combined with the earthiness of roasted pumpkin seeds creates a delightful contrast that will keep you reaching for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a sweet-spicy flavor)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin seeds, olive oil, Sriracha sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. If you prefer a hint of sweetness, add the honey and mix well until the seeds are evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until they're golden brown and crunchy.
Remove from the oven and let them cool before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an even more intense flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mix for an extra kick.
Additionally, make sure to keep an eye on the seeds while they roast, as they can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quite quickly.
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness.
These Spicy Sriracha Pumpkin Seeds can also be used as a topping for salads, soups, or even as a garnish for your favorite dishes to add some extra flavor and texture!
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds make for a delightful and crunchy snack that's perfect for fall or any time you crave something sweet and nutty.
These roasted seeds are coated in a delicious blend of cinnamon and sugar, creating a satisfying treat that's great for munching on or adding to trail mixes.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can transform your pumpkin seeds into a sweet indulgence that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract, stirring until well mixed.
Add the pumpkin seeds to the bowl and toss until they're evenly coated with the sweet mixture.
Spread the coated seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they're golden brown and fragrant.
Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before enjoying.
Extra Tips:
For an extra touch of flavor, you can experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Make sure to keep an eye on the seeds while they're roasting, as they can quickly go from golden to burnt.
Once cooled, store your Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Enjoy them as a snack on their own, or use them to sprinkle over salads, oatmeal, or yogurt for added sweetness and crunch!
Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds
Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds are a delicious and nutritious snack that's perfect for any time of year, but especially during fall when pumpkins are in abundance.
These savory seeds are easy to make and pack a flavorful punch, combining the rich taste of garlic with the nuttiness of pumpkin seeds and the sharpness of Parmesan cheese. They're great for munching on their own, tossing into salads, or using as a crunchy topping for soups.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the raw pumpkin seeds with olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using. Toss everything together until the pumpkin seeds are evenly coated.
Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the seeds are golden brown and crispy. Allow them to cool before serving.
Extra Tips:
For even more flavor, you can experiment with additional spices such as cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for an herbal touch.
Be sure to keep an eye on the seeds while they bake, as they can go from perfectly roasted to burnt very quickly.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, but be warned—they might disappear faster than you think!
Chocolate-Covered Pumpkin Seeds
Chocolate-covered pumpkin seeds make for a delightful and nutritious snack that combines the crunchiness of roasted seeds with the rich sweetness of chocolate. This treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while also offering a boost of protein and healthy fats.
Whether you're looking for an indulgent snack for movie night or a unique addition to a dessert platter, these chocolate-covered seeds are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or chocolate of choice)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- Sea salt (to taste)
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the raw pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet. Roast them for about 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they're lightly golden and fragrant.
Allow the seeds to cool. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
Once the seeds have cooled, add them to the melted chocolate and stir until they're fully coated. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chocolate-covered seeds from the bowl, letting excess chocolate drip off, and spread them out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle with sea salt and any additional toppings before placing them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the melted chocolate before coating the seeds.
If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can use milk chocolate or add a bit of powdered sugar to the melted chocolate.
Make sure to store your chocolate-covered pumpkin seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and crunchy. Enjoy your deliciously sweet snack!