How to Make Pumpkin Seeds

Cyd Converse

Wondering how to make pumpkin seeds? We’ve got the details!

If you’re gearing up for Halloween and fall season in general, you’ll want to know how to make pumpkin seeds. They’re a fantastic, healthy treat!

Even if you’re not, they’re a wonderful snack year round, and so easy to make that they’re well worth the time.

Paleo Butternut Squash and Bacon Soup Image

If you want to know the trick to making pumpkin seeds (see what we did there?), just remember to clean the seeds first and let them dry out. You want crunchy, crispy pumpkin seeds, not steamed ones.

To make pumpkin seeds, you have one great option ― roasting them in the oven ― and one decent option ― toasting them in a pan on the stove. We prefer roasting, but we’ll go over both methods.

But first, you’ll need to some prep.

Cranberry Pumpkin Seed Salted Caramel Bark Picture

How to Clean Pumpkin Seeds

Cut open your pumpkin and scoop the seeds into a colander. You’ll need to remove the pumpkin strands clinging to the seeds.

Rinse the seeds under cool water while pulling away and discarding the pumpkin strands clinging to the seeds. Rinse the seeds clean.

Cranberry Pumpkin Seed Salted Caramel Bark Image

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds

  1. Preheat the oven to 300 °F.
  2. Remove any remaining pumpkin strands from the dried pumpkin seeds.
  3. Line a clean sheet pan with foil and grease it.
  4. In a bowl, mix pumpkin seeds with olive oil, salt and any seasonings.
  5. Spread the pumpkin seeds onto your prepared pan in an even layer.
  6. Roast the pumpkin seeds for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The seeds are done when they’re golden brown.
  7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
  8. Store pumpkin seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Cranberry Pumpkin Seed Salted Caramel Bark Pic

How to Toast Pumpkin Seeds in a Skillet

  1. Heat cooking oil in a large, nonstick skillet.
  2. Add the cleaned, dry pumpkin seeds and stir to coat with oil.
  3. Toast the seeds in the pan for 10-15 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. The pumpkin seeds will be fragrant and golden brown when done. Do not let them burn.
  4. Stir in any seasonings.
  5. Transfer the pumpkin seeds to a sheet pan and spread them out with a spatula so they can cool.

What to Do with Pumpkin Seeds

To flavor your pumpkin seeds, you can keep it simple with olive oil, salt and pepper. Or, you can kick things up a notch with these variations.

  • Cajun pumpkin seeds – Add paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and onion powder
  • BBQ pumpkin seeds – Add brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and salt
  • Sweet pumpkin seeds – Toss them with melted butter, cinnamon and sugar
  • Rosemary and garlic pumpkin seeds – Add dried rosemary, garlic powder and sea salt

You can munch on pumpkin seeds for a snack or used them as a topping for oatmeal and salads. You can even mix them into granola instead of nuts.

Or, try them on this Cranberry Pumpkin Seed Salted Caramel Bark. Yum!

Are you tired of the dinner routine?

Stuck in a rut or looking for fun new recipes to try?

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Cyd is a native of Upstate New York, born to a family of women who love to cook and host parties. She shares her love of all things food, home and entertaining on her blog, The Sweetest Occasion and on Instagram.

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