Roasting Pumpkin Seeds

Roasting pumpkin seeds is one of our favorite fall activities! Save the seeds when carving pumpkins to make roasted pumpkin seeds for a delicious snack.

Every year my kids want me to buy pumpkins for them to carve and not for the reasons you might think. They are way more interested in roasting pumpkin seeds than they are in the actual carving of the pumpkins.

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a healthy snack that is high in protein and fiber, plus they have healthy fat, magnesium, zinc, and iron.

Where is the recipe for roasting pumpkin seeds? In this post, I will share step-by-step instructions with photos for how to roasted pumpkin seeds, as well as answering FAQs about the recipe and showing a video of the recipe. But you can go directly to the recipe by scrolling down to the bottom of the post.

Disclaimer: This post contains links to products for making this recipe. If you use those links, I may earn a commission. Learn more here.

How to Prepare Pumpkin Seeds For Eating

Step One:

Cut the top or bottom off of the pumpkins using a sharp kitchen knife or a serrated knife meant for cutting pumpkins.

Step Two:

Inside the pumpkin are the seeds are intertwined with fibrous stands of pumpkin pulp. Use the flat edge of a sturdy spoon or spatula to scrape the pulp away from the pumpkin.

Step Three:

Scoop out the pumpkin seeds leaving behind as much of the pulp as possible. This will make the next step easier!

Step Four:

Put the seeds (and any of the pulp still sticking to them) into a large colander. Put the colander in an empty sink under running water.

While rinsing the seeds, separate the pulp from the seeds and discard it.

What To Do With Pumpkin Seeds Before Roasting

Step Five:

Option One: Boil Pumpkin Seeds Before Roasting

Boiling the pumpkin seeds in salt water helps to get some of the salt inside the shell, is supposed to make the pumpkin seeds easier to digest and helps the outer shell get crispier when roasted.

Pour the seeds into a large pot. Add water and salt.

Bring to a boil over medium heat. Turn heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain well before roasting.

Option Two: Soak Pumpkin Seeds Before Roasting

Soaking the pumpkin seeds in salt water also helps to get some of the salt inside the shell, is supposed to make the pumpkin seeds easier to digest and helps the outer shell get crispier when roasted. But this method takes much longer.

Pour the seeds into a large pot. Add water and salt.

Soak in salt water overnight. Drain well before roasting.

Option Three: Roasting Pumpkin Seeds Without Salt Water

If you are in a hurry and don’t have time for the salt water, the roasted pumpkin seeds will still be delicious!

Skip the salt water and move right into adding the oil and seasoning as seen below.

Instructions for Roasting Pumpkin Seeds

Step Six:

Put the drained pumpkin seeds into a bowl. Stir in olive oil and seasoning.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Seasoning Options

You can use any of your favorite seasonings or combination of seasonings and spices.

Savory pumpkin seeds options include Cajun seasoning, chipotle, dill, parmesan, ranch seasoning (like this recipe), garlic, sea salt, seasoned salt, black pepper, rosemary, oregano, or cayenne pepper.

Sweet pumpkin seeds options include brown sugar or granulated sugar with cinnamon, cocoa powder, pumpkin spice, nutmeg, cloves, or ginger.

Add additional flavor try one of these options: melted butter, lime juice, lemon juice, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, maple syrup or honey.

Or skip with seasonings and use BACON for the flavor making these fabulous bacon roasted pumpkin seeds.

Step Seven:

When roasting pumpkin seeds of more than one flavor, use aluminum foil to make divided sections in a large rimmed baking sheet. Put one flavor in each section.

Step Eight:

Bake the pumpkin seeds at 375˚F for 25-30 minutes, stirring and turning the seeds every 5 minutes, until golden and crunchy.

Store the roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight container.

Roasting Pumpkin Seeds FAQs

1. Do I have to boil the pumpkin seeds or soak them overnight before baking? No, you don’t have to but doing so will result in crunchier, more flavorful pumpkin seeds.

2. Should I dry the pumpkin seeds before roasting them in the oven? Try to drain the pumpkin seeds well in the colander but don’t worry about getting them perfectly dry.

3. How should I store the roasted pumpkin seeds? In an airtight container or ziptop bag at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

4. Can I use this same method to roast seeds from acorn squash or butternut squash? Yes, but the cook time will vary since they are smaller seeds. Since you are stirring every five minutes during roasting, watch them carefully and remove when they are toasted.

Want more roasted pumpkin seeds recipes? Try one of these next:

Bacon Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: This crave-worthy Bacon Roasted Pumpkin Seeds recipe makes the best toasted pumpkin seeds EVER! Everyone will love this easy snack or appetizer with bacon!

Seasoned Salt Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Seasoned Salt Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are simple, flavorful, and make the perfect fall snack! Save the pumpkin seeds and turn them into something delicious.

Air Fried Pumpkin Seeds from Toast To Roast: If you have an air frier, try this method for roasting pumpkin seeds.

Candied Pumpkin Seeds from Eat the Love: These addictive spiced candied pumpkin seeds made with cinnamon, ginger and other spices only take 5 minutes to make!

Garlic Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Make garlic roasted pumpkin seeds with all of the leftover seeds from carving jack-o-lanterns for Halloween. They are a delicious, nutritious snack!