Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Isn't half the fun of carving a jack o'lantern roasting the seeds? Spiced with chili powder, these roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious seasonal snack.

Roasted pumpkin seeds

If you’re carving pumpkins in the next few weeks, don’t even think about tossing the seeds! These roasted pumpkin seeds are toasty, nutty, salty, and crunchy – a healthy autumn treat that’s just too good to miss.

If you have kids, I think this recipe would be a great one to make with them. Half the work is separating the seeds from the squishy, slimy pumpkin flesh. In all honesty, I still have fun getting my hands messy doing it, so I can only imagine that it would be a blast for kiddos too. 🙂

Halved kabocha squash on a cutting board

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds

My method for how to roast pumpkin seeds is super simple. I like to think of it in 3 easy steps:

  1. Cut,
  2. Clean,
  3. And bake.

Let’s start with #1. If you’re carving a pumpkin, you’ll cut a circle around the stem and lift off the lid. Use a spoon to scoop the slimy flesh and seeds out of the pumpkin and to scrape them off the underside of the lid.

If you’re working with another type of winter squash (which you totally can – see the tips below!), cut the squash in half vertically and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. If the squash is too hard to cut, warm it whole in a 425°F oven for 10 minutes before slicing it open.

Pumpkin seeds and flesh in large bowl of water

On to #2! Place the seeds and attached flesh in a large bowl of water. The seeds should float to the top, making it easier to separate them from the stringy pumpkin flesh.

Rinsed pumpkin seeds in a colander

Place the cleaned seeds in a colander and rinse them to remove any excess flesh.

Squash seeds drying on dish towel

Then, spread the seeds on a kitchen towel to dry. This might take a bit of time, 30 minutes or more. You want the seeds to be as dry as possible before you roast them.

Squash seeds on a baking sheet

Next, it’s time for step 3! Toss the dried pumpkin seeds with olive oil and salt, and spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast them at 300°F for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown and crisp.

That’s it! Allow the seeds to cool and crisp on the baking sheet for a few minutes before you season them up and serve.

Roasted pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe Tips

  • Give the seeds time to dry. If your seeds are still damp when you put them in the oven, they won’t crisp up as they bake. Make sure to allow them to dry fully before you start to roast them.
  • Spice them up! Want to take your roasted pumpkin seeds to the next level? Spice them up with smoked paprika, chili powder, curry powder, or any spice blend you love. Lately, I’ve been tossing mine with pinches of my homemade chili powder when they come out of the oven. SO delicious!
  • Think outside the pumpkin. Classic jack o’lanterns aren’t the only squash that have good seeds for roasting! You can roast and eat the seeds from any type of winter squash – butternut, delicata, acorn, kabocha, etc. Just be sure to keep an eye on them in the oven. Smaller seeds will take less time; larger seeds will need more.

Roasted pumpkin seeds recipe

More Favorite Fall Treats

If you love these roasted pumpkin seeds, try making one of these seasonal recipes next:

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Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

rate this recipe:
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Serves 4
This roasted pumpkin seed recipe is SO fun to make in the fall! You can use any type of winter squash seeds here - classic pumpkin, kabocha, butternut, delicata, acorn, etc. - but note that the roasting time will vary depending on the size of the seeds. The time listed below works well for larger seeds like pumpkin and kabocha. Smaller seeds will need less time.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Scoop the seeds from the pumpkin or winter squash and place in a bowl of water to separate the seeds from the flesh (the seeds will float). Rinse in a colander to remove excess flesh from the seeds. Lay the seeds in a single layer on a kitchen towel to dry.
  • Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the seeds in a small bowl and drizzle with the olive oil and salt and toss to coat. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown and crisp.
  • Toss with a few sprinkles of chili powder and serve.
5 from 6 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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A food blog with fresh, zesty recipes.
Photograph of Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews in their kitchen

Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.