How to Make the Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
American · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
These perfectly crispy roasted pumpkin seeds are seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic for an addictive savory snack you cannot stop eating. They are a zero-waste recipe that makes great use of seeds you would otherwise discard.
Why this recipe works
This Roasted Pumpkin Seeds recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 175 calories with 9g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups raw pumpkin seeds cleaned and dried
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp sea salt
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Dry the Seeds
After scooping seeds from the pumpkin, rinse them in a colander under cold water to remove any stringy pulp. Spread on a kitchen towel and pat completely dry before seasoning.
Step 2: Season the Seeds
Toss the dried pumpkin seeds with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and cayenne pepper in a bowl until every seed is evenly coated.
Step 3: Spread and Roast
Spread the seeds in a single even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Step 4: Cool Before Serving
Remove from the oven when the seeds are golden and crispy. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes as they will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- smoked paprika → cinnamon and brown sugar for a sweet version of this snack
- cayenne pepper → black pepper for a milder heat level
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not drying the seeds thoroughly before roasting which causes them to steam rather than crisp
- Roasting at too high a temperature which burns the outside before the inside is fully cooked and crunchy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 175 calories, 9g protein, 5g carbs, 14g fat, 2g fiber.
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