If you’ve just carved up a jack-o’-lantern or made a batch of homemade pumpkin puree, don’t toss those seeds! Learning how to roast pumpkin seeds is one of the most satisfying and tasty ways to reduce food waste while creating a crispy, nutritious snack. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to roast pumpkin seeds three irresistible ways: savory, sweet, and spicy.
Whether you’re new to roasting or just looking for flavor inspiration, you’ll get everything you need—from cleaning tips to seasoning ideas and storage advice. Let’s turn your pumpkin scraps into snack gold!
Why Roast Pumpkin Seeds at Home?
Roasted pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, zinc, healthy fats, and protein. They’re naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and easy to customize. Buying them pre-roasted can be pricey, and they often lack that fresh crunch. Once you learn how to roast pumpkin seeds, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
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How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Step 1: Clean and Prep Your Pumpkin Seeds
Before diving into flavors, you need to clean your seeds properly. This is the only part that takes a little effort, but it’s worth it.
Instructions:
- Scoop seeds from your pumpkin and separate as much pulp as possible.
- Place seeds in a large bowl of water and swirl. The seeds will float—skim them off the top.
- Rinse in a colander and remove any remaining strings.
👉 Recommended Product:
Fine Mesh Strainer Set – Perfect for rinsing and draining pumpkin seeds without losing them down the sink.
Make pumpkin carving faster, cleaner, and way less messy with the Pumpkin Scraper Glove. Featured on Shark Tank, this durable, flexible glove is designed with built-in scraping ridges that scoop out seeds and stringy pulp in seconds.
No more struggling with spoons—just slip it on, reach in, and clean your pumpkin like a pro. Perfect for carving parties, fall festivals, and family Halloween fun. Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Boil for Better Texture (Optional but Recommended)
Boiling pumpkin seeds in salted water before roasting helps them cook evenly and reduces the tough outer shell.
Boiling Instructions:
- Bring 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil.
- Add cleaned seeds and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Drain and pat dry thoroughly with a towel.
Step 3: Base Roasting Method
Once cleaned and (optionally) boiled, the base method for how to roast pumpkin seeds stays the same—what changes is the flavoring.
Basic Roasting Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Toss dry seeds with 1–2 teaspoons of oil and desired seasonings.
- Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 20–30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until golden brown.
Savory, Sweet & Spicy: The Only Roasted Pumpkin Seed Recipes You Need
1. Savory Garlic Herb Pumpkin Seeds
This version is addictively snackable, perfect for game day or movie night.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- Optional: a pinch of black pepper or smoked paprika
Instructions:
Toss seeds with oil and seasoning, spread on baking sheet, and roast as directed.
2. Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds
Craving something cozy? These sweet roasted seeds taste like mini pumpkin spice lattes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 tsp melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg and sea salt
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients, coat seeds evenly, and roast. Watch closely at the end to avoid burning the sugar.
3. Spicy Chili Lime Pumpkin Seeds
Bold, tangy, and just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cumin
- Zest of 1 lime
- ¼ tsp cayenne (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Toss seeds in the spice blend, roast until crisp, and squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the top before serving.
Tips for Perfectly Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Dry thoroughly before roasting. Wet seeds will steam, not crisp.
- Don’t crowd the pan—spread seeds in a single layer.
- Taste test early. Some ovens run hot, and sugar can burn quickly.
- Season after roasting too, if desired. Add finishing salt, sugar, or lime zest once they’re out of the oven.
How to Store Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
After you’ve mastered how to roast pumpkin seeds, you’ll want to keep them fresh!
- Let seeds cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a month.
Keep your roasted pumpkin seeds fresh and your pantry looking stylish with these Pumpkin Glass Storage Jars. The crystal-clear glass lets you see exactly what’s inside, while the eco-friendly bamboo lids feature a silicone seal for an airtight fit that locks in crunch and flavor. Perfect for storing seeds, spices, or autumn treats, these jars add a warm seasonal touch to any kitchen.
FAQs About Roasting Pumpkin Seeds
Can you eat the shell of pumpkin seeds?
Yes! When roasted properly, the outer shell becomes crispy and totally edible.
Can I roast seeds from any pumpkin?
Absolutely. Whether from carving pumpkins or sugar pumpkins, all seeds are fair game.
Do I need to soak the seeds overnight?
Nope. Boiling for 10 minutes achieves a similar effect without the wait.
Don’t Waste the Best Part of Your Pumpkin
Now that you know how to roast pumpkin seeds, you’ll never throw them away again. Whether you prefer savory, sweet, or spicy, roasted pumpkin seeds are the ultimate autumn snack that’s healthy, frugal, and easy to make from scratch. Try all three flavors or experiment with your own custom spice blends—just don’t forget to keep a batch on hand for your next fall gathering or movie night.
