The best part of carving a pumpkin isn't just the spooky face; it's the opportunity to create a delicious, crunchy, and healthy snack from what would otherwise be thrown away. Perfectly roasted pumpkin seeds are a seasonal treat that are incredibly easy to make at home.1 They're a blank canvas for a wide range of flavors, from classic salty to sweet and spicy, and they make a fantastic snack, salad topping, or a crunchy addition to soups.

The secret to a perfect roasted pumpkin seed lies in one simple step: proper cleaning and drying. Removing all the slimy pulp ensures that the seeds roast to a beautiful, golden-brown crisp instead of steaming in the oven.2 This recipe will guide you through the process, from a simple rinse to a flavorful seasoning, guaranteeing a crunchy and satisfying snack every time.

Perfectly Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

A Crunchy and Flavorful Snack

Yields: 2-4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20-25 minutes3

Ingredients

  • Seeds from one medium-sized pumpkin4

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter5

  • ½ teaspoon salt6

  • For a Savory Flavor:

    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder7

    • ½ teaspoon onion powder

    • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • For a Sweet & Spicy Flavor:

    • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

    • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Clean and Dry the Seeds (The Most Important Step)

  1. Scoop: Scrape the seeds and pulp from the pumpkin and place them in a bowl.8

  2. Separate: The easiest way to separate the seeds from the stringy pulp is to fill the bowl with water.9 The seeds will sink, and the pulp will float to the top. Use your hands to pull the seeds from the pulp and rinse them under running water.10

  3. Dry: Transfer the clean seeds to a baking sheet lined with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.11 Pat them completely dry. This is a crucial step to ensure they roast and don't steam. For best results, let them air dry for an hour.

2. Season the Seeds

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).12

  2. Toss: In a medium bowl, toss the completely dry seeds with the olive oil or melted butter.13

  3. Season: Add your desired seasonings to the bowl and toss until the seeds are evenly coated.14

3. Roast to Perfection

  1. Arrange: Spread the seasoned seeds in a single, even layer on a baking sheet.15 Using a non-stick baking sheet or parchment paper is recommended.

  2. Roast: Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring the seeds every 10 minutes to ensure they roast evenly.

  3. Check for Doneness: The seeds are done when they are a beautiful golden brown and crispy.16 To check, take one out and let it cool for a minute. It should be crunchy when you bite into it.

4. Cool and Store

  1. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the seeds cool completely.17 They will become even crunchier as they cool.

  2. Store the roasted seeds in an airtight container at room temperature.18

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Crunch

  • Don't Rush the Drying: This is the #1 reason for soggy seeds. The drier the seeds are before they go into the oven, the crispier they will be.19

  • Low and Slow: Roasting at a lower temperature prevents the seeds from burning before they have a chance to get fully crispy on the inside.

  • The Single Layer: Don't pile the seeds on top of each other. A single, even layer is essential for an even roast.20

  • Customize Your Flavors: You can get creative with your seasonings. Try a smoky BBQ rub, a sweet cinnamon sugar, or even a spicy chili lime.

  • A Different Texture: For a more "popped" and airy texture, you can boil the seeds in salted water for 10 minutes before drying and roasting them.21