If you're like us, you think the best thing about carving a pumpkin is saving the seeds for roasting! There are many different techniques for seasoning and roasting pumpkin seeds, but this simple method is trusted by hundreds of Allrecipes users. Learn how to prep pumpkin seeds for roasting, plus get ideas for seasoning or sweetening them.
How to Clean Pumpkin Seeds
The most laborious part of roasting pumpkin seeds is prepping them. You first have to separate the seeds from the gooey mess inside of the pumpkin. Fortunately, we've got a few tricks up our sleeves for making this process as painless as possible:
- Scoop the seeds. First, use a strong metal spoon to scoop as many of the seeds out of the pumpkin as you can. Be sure not to let the pulp dry before cleaning the seeds.
- Soak the seeds. Place the mass of seeds and pulp in a large bowl. Run water over them and use your hands to swish the seeds around, removing any noticeable bits of pumpkin. The flesh will separately more easily from the seeds this way. Drain off excess water.
- Rinse the seeds. Place the clean seeds in a colander and rinse until any remaining flesh is gone.
- Optional: Boil the seeds. Simmer the clean seeds in salty water for 10 minutes. (See below for why you should do this).
- Dry the seeds. Drain the boiled/cleaned seeds in a colander and use a towel to dry the seeds as thoroughly as possible to ensure they get nice and crispy when baked.
Should You Boil Pumpkin Seeds Before Roasting?
Although you don't have to boil the pumpkin seeds before roasting, we recommend it. Boiling pumpkin seeds in salted water helps the salt to permeate the seeds inside the shells and helps them to cook more evenly.
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Once your seeds are prepped and ready to go, it's time to roast! You'll find ingredient measurements below, but here are the basic steps:
- Toss the clean, dry seeds in butter (or oil) and seasonings.
- Arrange the sheets on a baking sheet.
- Bake until golden brown.
Tips:
- For less mess, line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- You can roast the seeds of any winter squash, not just pumpkin.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/100941794-Roasted-Pumpkin-Seeds-Photo-by-Meredith-650x465-f3deb4e8caa0487c87264e97f5561443.jpg "Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (1)")
How to Store Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Allow the seeds to cool completely before storing. Roasted pumpkin seeds can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the fridge for up to two months.
Roasted Pumpkin Seed Flavor Variations
This simple recipe allows for countless flavor combinations, both sweet and savory. Here are just a few favorite ingredients you can use to season and sweeten pumpkin seeds:
- Savory: chili powder, garlic salt, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, cayenne pepper, ranch dressing mix, Tajin, curry powder
- Sweet: maple syrup, honey, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, cinnamon
How to Use Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds can be used for more than just snacking straight out of the bag (although, we do recommend that, too). Try mixing them into homemade granola, using them as a garnish for squash soup, adding them to trail mix, sprinkling them over baked goods, folding them into hummus, or using them as a salad topper.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"I learned from others that it is VERY important to keep your single layer single in order to get the nice toasty seeds…" says reviewer JBANDK9S.
"My kids loved them — they want to buy another pumpkin just for the seeds!" says one Allrecipes Member.
Editorial contributions by Melanie Fincher
