Pumpkin seeds are one of the best fall snacks—crunchy, nutritious, and incredibly versatile. From sweet to savory, spicy to classic, there’s a roasted pumpkin seed recipe for every taste. The best part? You can make all 15 variations with one adaptable base recipe, saving time while creating a full spread of flavors.
One Adaptable Base Recipe for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (cleaned and dried)
- 1–2 tsp oil (olive, avocado, or melted coconut)
- Salt to taste
- Optional flavorings (see below)
Base Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Clean pumpkin seeds: remove pulp, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry.
- Toss seeds with oil and a pinch of salt.
- Spread seeds evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 20–30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Add flavorings while seeds are still warm, then allow to cool.
Prep time: 10 min | Cook time: 25 min | Servings: 2–3
This adaptable recipe is the foundation for all your favorite roasted pumpkin seed variations.
Flavor Variations
1. The Perfect Classic Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Toss seeds with just salt and oil for a simple, crunchy snack.
2. Spicy Chili Lime Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Mix seeds with chili powder, smoked paprika, and lime zest.
- Roast and squeeze fresh lime juice over the warm seeds.
3. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Toss with garlic powder, freshly grated Parmesan, and black pepper.
- Coat while warm for maximum flavor.
4. Smoky Paprika & Cumin Pumpkin Seeds
- Combine smoked paprika, cumin, and a little cayenne for a bold, smoky taste.
5. Everything Bagel Seasoning Pumpkin Seeds
- Sprinkle seeds with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt after roasting.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Toss seeds with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon for a sweet, crunchy snack.
7. Pumpkin Spice Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and brown sugar.
- Roast and enjoy a warm, cozy fall flavor.
8. Maple Glazed Pumpkin Seeds
- Toss seeds with a drizzle of maple syrup and a pinch of salt before roasting.
- Optional: add chopped pecans for extra crunch.
9. Air Fryer Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (Extra Crispy!)
- Use the same base recipe but cook in an air fryer at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes.
- Shake basket halfway for even crisping.
10. Salt & Vinegar Pumpkin Seeds
- Toss seeds with a little vinegar and salt before roasting.
- Creates a tangy, savory flavor that’s addictive.
11. Spicy Sriracha-Honey Pumpkin Seeds
- Mix seeds with sriracha, honey, and a touch of oil.
- Roast for a sweet and spicy snack.
12. Ranch Seasoned Pumpkin Seeds
- Sprinkle roasted seeds with dried ranch seasoning mix while warm for a classic snack flavor.
13. How to Clean Pumpkin Seeds FAST
- Cut open your pumpkin and scoop seeds.
- Rinse under cold water and remove pulp quickly using a colander.
- Pat dry, then roast as in the base recipe.
14. Pumpkin Seed Brittle
- Toss seeds with sugar and butter in a pan, cook until caramelized.
- Pour onto a baking sheet to cool and harden for a crunchy treat.
15. Salad Topper Pumpkin Seeds
- Roast seeds lightly with salt and olive oil.
- Sprinkle over salads, soups, or roasted vegetables for added crunch and nutrition.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Dry thoroughly: Seeds that are too wet won’t crisp properly.
- Even layer: Spread seeds on a baking sheet to ensure consistent roasting.
- Stir occasionally: This prevents burning and helps them roast evenly.
- Season while warm: Flavorings stick better when seeds are still warm.
- Storage: Keep cooled seeds in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Experiment with flavors: Sweet, spicy, or savory seasonings can all be applied to the same base.
Using this one adaptable base recipe, you can make all 15 variations of roasted pumpkin seeds without needing separate recipes for each. They’re perfect for snacking, topping salads, or giving as gifts during the fall season.
Whether you want classic, sweet, spicy, or smoky flavors, roasted pumpkin seeds are a crunchy, healthy, and highly customizable fall treat.
