Food Recipe Collections & Favorites How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds to Perfection, Plus 8 Recipes to Try Don't toss 'em, roast 'em! By Betty Gold Betty Gold Betty Gold is the former senior digital food editor at Real Simple. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Grace Elkus Grace Elkus Grace Elkus is a food writer and editor with over a decade of experience in culinary media. Highlights: * Associate food editor at Real Simple, where she developed recipes, wrote food stories, and assisted with styling * Deputy food director at Kitchn, where she and her team were responsible for 100 recipes a month * Currently the content lead for JOKR Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 28, 2023 Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Kristy Del Coro is a registered dietitian nutritionist, RDN, and professionally trained chef with more than 10 years of experience in the field of culinary nutrition. Her strong background in nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and culinary education makes her exceptionally qualified to write about food that is good for us and the planet—while not sacrificing flavor. Learn More Fact checked by Marcus Reeves Fact checked by Marcus Reeves Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact checker. Our Fact-Checking Process If you know how to roast pumpkin seeds, you'll probably agree that one of the best parts of Halloween is snacking on those golden, toasty seeds right out of the oven. Before you toss the pumpkin-carving byproducts, consider cooking up some pumpkin puree and roasting those seeds. Otherwise, you're wasting the notable health benefits and culinary gifts pumpkin has to offer. And don't just settle for a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Up your fall-snacking game with our easy instructions for roasting pumpkin seeds and check out our seasoning options. Whether you prefer warm fall spices or a kick of Sriracha, one of our irresistible twists is bound to become your new crunchy autumn snack go-to. What You Need: 2 medium pumpkins (about 2 cups seeds)Large spoon or pumpkin scoopColanderRimmed baking sheetSeasonings of your choice How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds This roasting method for pumpkin seeds turns out a perfect snack every time. Scroll down for our seasoning suggestions. Step 1: Preheat and Scoop Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F, and scoop out seeds from two medium-sized pumpkins, about 2 cups. Step 2: Rinse and Dry Seeds Place seeds in a colander and rinse with cold water, working to separate the seeds from the pumpkin guts, and then pat seeds dry. Step 3: Initial Bake Spread seeds on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until dry, about 50 to 60 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and raise the oven setting to 350 degrees F. Step 4: Add Seasoning Transfer seeds to a bowl, add your choice of seasoning, and then return seeds to the baking sheet. Step 5: Final Roast Roast seeds until golden brown, 10 to 15 more minutes. Seasoning Options Try one (or all!) of our variations. Add these suggested seasonings after the seeds' initial bake, and then return them to a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing occasionally until golden brown. Warning: You may want to pick up a few more pumpkins. 01 of 08 Salted Honey Pumpkin Seeds bhofack2/Getty Images This classic sweet-and-salty combo is highly addictive! Toss seeds with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, and then stir in 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon salt. Before returning the seeds to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. This helps prevent the honey from sticking. 02 of 08 Maple-Mocha Pumpkin Seeds Maximilian Stock Ltd./Getty Images Coffee grounds and cocoa powder account for the mocha flavor in this fall-flavored seasoning mix. Toss seeds with 2 tablespoons coconut oil and 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, and then stir in 1 tablespoon coffee grounds, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, ½ tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. 03 of 08 Gingerbread Pumpkin Seeds Blanchi Costela/Getty Images This seasoning uses gingerbread spices to amp up a fall snack that's great for Christmas, too. Toss seeds with 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and then stir in 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon allspice, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves. 04 of 08 Chili-Lime Pumpkin Seeds Paula Hible/Getty Images Bring Mexican-inspired flavor to your snack game. Toss seeds with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, and then stir in 2 tablespoons lime zest, 2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lime juice, ½ tablespoon chili powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. 05 of 08 Rosemary-Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds Tobias Titz/Getty Images For this savory seasoning, mix 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Pour mixture over seeds and toss to coat, and then season with salt and pepper to taste. 06 of 08 Curry-Sriracha Pumpkin Seeds Mark Pendergrass / EyeEm/Getty Images Try this Asian-inspired flavoring with a spicy kick! Toss seeds with 2 tablespoons Sriracha and 2 tablespoons sesame oil, and then stir in 1 teaspoon curry powder and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 07 of 08 Sweet-and-Salty Pumpkin Seeds John Kernick This craveable sweet-and-salty seasoning is reminiscent of cinnamon toast. Toss seeds with 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. 08 of 08 Spiced Pumpkin Seeds Francesco Lagnese This spicy snack brings all the flavor but is easy on the heat. Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil with 1 teaspoon cumin and ½ teaspoon celery salt. Pour the mixture over seeds, toss to coat, and then season with salt and pepper to taste. 30 Perfect Pumpkin Recipes You'll Want to Eat All Year Round Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit