As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like the joy of autumn! One of my favorite seasonal activities is carving pumpkins, and while the kids are busy creating their spooky masterpieces, I love to turn those pumpkin seeds into a crunchy snack. If you’re looking for a delightful way to enjoy your pumpkin harvest, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Perfect Pumpkin Seeds. Not only are they a fantastic snack, but they also make for a great addition to your Halloween Cake or as Snacks Für Party! Plus, they’re a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable flavors to suit your taste.
- Great for snacking or adding to salads and soups.
- Healthy and packed with nutrients.
- Perfect for using up those pumpkin seeds after carving!
Ingredients
To make these Perfect Pumpkin Seeds, you’ll need:
- Seeds from 2 large pumpkins
- ½ teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- Dash of salt
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s how to make your own crunchy pumpkin seeds:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Scrape out and remove seeds from your two pumpkins. Wash and clean your seeds, making sure to remove any unwanted pumpkin rinds or deformed seeds. Rinse them in a colander and remove any remaining debris.
- Soak the clean seeds in a bowl full of water for 30 minutes on the kitchen counter or overnight in the refrigerator. Drain the seeds, discarding the water.
- Fill a pot with water and a dash of salt (enough to cover the seeds). Bring the water to a boil. Place the seeds into the boiling water and boil gently for about 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, drain the seeds, and place them back into your empty bowl. Toss the seeds with olive oil.
- Lay out the seeds in a thin layer onto a cookie sheet. Sprinkle with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. Place in the oven and turn the seeds over about every 10 minutes, ensuring they don’t burn. They’re done after about 40 minutes or when they become firmer and are no longer soft. You want them to be a darker yellow without dark spots.
- Season with additional salt if desired. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Place into a clean mason jar or another food-safe storage container. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your pumpkin seeds turn out perfectly every time:
- Experiment with different seasonings! Try adding garlic powder, paprika, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet twist.
- For an extra crunch, consider dehydrating your seeds after roasting. Check out my Homemade Pumpkin Dehydrating Tips for more information!
- Make sure to spread the seeds out evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly.
- Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.
How to Serve
These Perfect Pumpkin Seeds are incredibly versatile! Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Enjoy them as a standalone snack while watching your favorite movie.
- Add them to salads for a delightful crunch.
- Sprinkle them over soups for added texture and flavor.
- Mix them into your favorite easy pasta recipes for a unique twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare these seeds in advance, they store beautifully! Here’s how:
- Once cooled, store your pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a month.
- These seeds also make a great addition to your 30-minute meals or weeknight dinner ideas!
So there you have it! Making Perfect Pumpkin Seeds is not only easy but also a fun way to celebrate the season. I hope you enjoy this crunchy snack as much as I do. And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, don’t forget to check out my Garlic Butter Beef Bites, Beef with Broccoli, and Mongolian Beef for some quick family dinners. Happy snacking!
Perfect Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scrape, wash, and soak seeds in water with a dash of salt for 30 minutes.
- Boil seeds in salted water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Toss seeds with olive oil and season with seasoned salt.
- Spread seeds on a baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.
- Cool, season with additional salt if desired, and store in a container.