Pumpkin seeds are tiny nuggets packed with tasty goodness, and they’re exceptionally easy to transform with just a few minutes in the oven. Whether you fancy sweet, salty or downright spicy, there’s a flavour combination here for every taste. Try these delicious (and easy!) recipes for roast pumpkin seeds – you won’t regret it!
Sign up for our free newsletter, stuffed full of ideas, competitions and offers. PS – did we mention it’s free?
When your kids have finished carving their pumpkins (check out these easy pumpkin designs for inspiration), don’t throw away the tasty and nutritious seeds.
Pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein and omega-3, as well as nutrients like magnesium, iron and zinc. The best thing about roasting pumpkin seeds is how easy it is – and once they’re ready, you’ve got a healthy snack on hand to nibble on all week.
Once roasted and full of flavour, the seeds are ideal for lunchboxes – the recipes below are bound to be popular with the kids!
You may also enjoy 12 Perfect Pumpkin Recipes for the Family this Halloween
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
When you scoop the seeds out of the pumpkin, rinse them well to remove all the pumpkin flesh. Once the seeds are cleaned, leave them to dry on some kitchen paper and pat them dry.
When it comes to roasting, toss the seeds in a little salt and either olive oil or melted butter. Once fully coated, lay them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20–30 minutes at 160°C, shaking and tossing every 5–10 minutes to stop them catching or burning.
This straightforward roasting is delicious just as it is, but pumpkin seeds also hold sweet and savoury flavours brilliantly. Take a look at the tasty variations below.
You may also enjoy Halloween Pumpkin Scones and Halloween Pumpkin Soup
Add Some Flavour to Your Roast Pumpkin Seeds
A simple coating of butter or oil with salt and pepper is a delicious, healthy snack on its own, and it’s also great stirred through soups and salads or added to baking. But if you fancy taking the humble seed up a gourmet notch, you’ll love these flavour-packed ideas. From honey and maple to parmesan and masala, these are seriously yum.
#1. Cinnamon Toast Pumpkin Seeds
Image: Fountain Avenue Kitchen
Cinnamon, butter and brown sugar make the coating for these cinnamon toast pumpkin seeds from Fountain Avenue Kitchen – and it works so well.
#2. Salted Caramel Pumpkin Seeds
Image: Garden in the Kitchen
Sweet, salty, crunchy – there’s nothing not to love about these salted caramel pumpkin seeds from Garden in the Kitchen.
#3. Rosemary Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds
Image: Delish
This classic rosemary parmesan pumpkin seed combo is a savoury treat from Delish – and the optional chilli flakes add a real kick.
#4. Honey-Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Image: The Clever Carrot
Sweet and salty together is such a great combination, and these honey-roasted pumpkin seeds from The Clever Carrot are delicious.
#5. BBQ Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
Image: SkinnyTaste
These BBQ spiced pumpkin seeds from Skinnytaste have a smoky flavour that really packs a punch.
#6. Masala Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Image: Honest Cooking
Packed with flavour, these masala roast pumpkin seeds are roasted in a delicious mix of Indian spices – a fab savoury alternative.
#7. Maple-Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Image: Jelly Toast
These maple-roasted pumpkin seeds from Jelly Toast are sweet and crunchy, with maple syrup and brown sugar that caramelise a little in the oven for a satisfying crunch.
#8. Ginger Paprika Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Image: Chef in Disguise
This is a really interesting flavour combo in these ginger paprika toasted pumpkin seeds from Chef in Disguise – the flavours complement each other beautifully.
#9. Spicy Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Image: She Wears Many Hats
These spicy toasted pumpkin seeds from She Wears Many Hats are made with garlic, salt and cayenne pepper – and they’re incredibly moreish.
You may also enjoy Hauntingly Healthy Halloween Snacks for Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove all the pumpkin flesh before roasting the seeds?
Yes – give the seeds a good rinse under cold water and pick off any stringy flesh. Pat them dry with kitchen paper before coating and roasting, as drier seeds crisp up better.
Can I make roast pumpkin seeds ahead of time for lunchboxes?
Yes. Once cooled completely, store roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight container. They make a handy grab-and-go snack for lunchboxes through the week.
Are pumpkin seeds a healthy snack for kids?
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein, healthy fats and nutrients like magnesium, iron and zinc, making them a nutritious alternative to processed snacks – just keep an eye on portion sizes and any nut/seed allergies.
Can I try more than one flavour at once?
Definitely – divide your seeds into batches and coat each with a different flavour before roasting on separate trays. It’s a great way to sample a few of these recipes in one go.
Related Articles
Looking for more Halloween food inspiration? You might also like:
- 12 Perfect Pumpkin Recipes for the Family this Halloween
- Halloween Pumpkin Scones
- Halloween Pumpkin Soup
- Hauntingly Healthy Halloween Snacks for Kids
- 10 Enchantingly Easy Pumpkin Designs
Save These Ideas for Later
Not ready to roast just yet? Save or bookmark this page so you’ve got all nine flavour ideas to hand when your pumpkin seeds are ready to go.
Don’t Miss Out
Want more family food ideas like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for fresh recipes, activity ideas, competitions and offers – no spam, just useful stuff for busy parents.
