Don’t throw away those pumpkin seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds are an easy, healthy snack your family will love. Here’s how to roast pumpkin seeds the right way.
Written content by Lindsay D. Mattison and Peggy Woodward, RDN via Taste of Home
Confession: For years, I threw away the seeds after carving pumpkins. Roasting them just didn’t seem worth the trouble—why mess with all that stringy, slimy pumpkin flesh?
Then a few years ago, after learning more about food waste and vowing to make the most of every ingredient, I decided not to toss the seeds. Instead, I roasted them and realized that crispy, baked pumpkin seeds are super easy to make! Their nutty flavor was so addictive, they didn’t even make it to the pantry. My family gobbled them up, risking burned fingers, straight from the sheet tray.
The best part is, pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients. They’re high in protein and fiber, and they’re a good source of minerals like zinc and iron. So the next time you make jack-o’-lanterns, save the insides and follow our Test Kitchen’s step-by-step guide for how to roast pumpkin seeds.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Here’s our easiest method for roasting pumpkin seeds. Trust us—these toasted seeds aren’t going to last long! This roasted pumpkin seeds recipe makes 2 cups.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pumpkin seeds, or whatever you scoop from 1 pumpkin
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted, or an equal amount of your favorite cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon salt and/or other seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, optional
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 250°. Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with butter or oil. (This reduces cleanup later—trust us on this!)
Test Kitchen tip: Preheating your oven will help the pumpkin seeds cook evenly. The result: perfectly roasted, crispy pumpkin seeds.
Step 2: Scoop out the seeds
Most of us are pretty familiar with this part from a lifetime of pumpkin carving. Using a sharp, sturdy knife, cut around the top of the pumpkin and remove the “lid.” (For more tips on this, see our guide to how to carve a pumpkin.) Using a large spoon, scrape the sides of the pumpkin to remove the seeds and pulp. Place everything—pulp and all—in a large bowl.
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